INTERNATIONAL DAYS
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International Days are celebrations of important aspects of human life, history, and public calls to action on critical issues. Browse the upcoming International Days below.
WHAT’S NEXT
Why are International Days important? They provide unique opportunities to transmit UNESCO values to the world.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS
International days also provide a unique opportunity to engage citizens on global issues, to mobilise political will and resources to address these problems, but also to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity as well as remember some of our darkest times as they guide us towards building a better world.
The United Nations International Days are for everyone, all around the globe. Because they are open, you can have an important role to play in them. NGOs, universities, schools, press and more will be putting together campaigns, events, and calls to action worldwide to provide further opportunities to engage, learn, and transmit the values and knowledge associated with each International Day. They serve as an important vehicle to connect the local to the international.
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter. They work to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.
Learn More About International Days
International Days in August.
#AbolishSlavery
AUGUST
International Days in September.
#Democracy
SEPTEMBER
International Literacy Day
- September 8 -
This day is designed to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
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International Day of Peace
- September 21 -
The International Day of Peace celebrates the power of global solidarity for building a peaceful and sustainable world. This has never been so important at a time of unprecedented challenges.
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International Day of Democracy
- September 15 -
Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
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International Day for the Universal Access to Information
- September 28 -
Since 2016 UNESCO marks 28 September as the “International Day for Universal Access to Information”
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International Days in October.
#EradicatePoverty
OCTOBER
World Teachers' Day
- October 5 -
Trained and qualified teachers are fundamental to the right to education. As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we take this occasion to remind the global community that “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher.”
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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
- October 17 -
The observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty can be traced back to 17 October 1987. On that day, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
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International Day of the Girl Child
- October 11 -
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.
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United Nations Day
- October 24 -
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
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International Day for Disaster Reduction
- October 13 -
Disasters induced by natural and technological hazards affect millions of people every year worldwide, but much of their impact can be reduced through pro-active measures and planning.
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World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
- October 27 -
Audiovisual archives tell us stories about people’s lives and cultures from all over the world. They represent a priceless heritage which is an affirmation of our collective memory and a valuable source of knowledge since they reflect the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of our communities.
Learn MoreInternational Days in November.
#Tolerance
NOVEMBER
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
- November 2 -
In the past twelve years, close to 1010 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. On average, this constitutes one death every four days.
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World Philosophy Day
- Third Thursday of November -
By celebrating World Philosophy Day each year, on the third Thursday of November, UNESCO underlines the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for each individual.
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World Day of Romani Language
- November 5 -
UNESCO proclaimed the World Day of Romani Language in 2015 to promote the preservation of Romani language and culture, improve the well-being of Romani people, and recognize the importance of all languages, whose diversity is a source of strength for all societies to share.
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International Day for Tolerance
- November 16 -
“Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”
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World Tsunami Awareness Day
- November 5 -
Though they may be rare, tsunamis are among the most devastating natural disasters. They know no coastal borders. Coastal communities – often concentrated in low-lying and highly populated areas – are the most potentially vulnerable to coastal hazards including tsunamis.
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
- November 25 -
On 25 November 1960, the Mirabal sisters were brutally assassinated because of their identity as women and activists. Their only crime was having fought for their rights against the Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo.
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World Science Day for Peace and Development
- November 10 -
By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science.
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International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
- November 29 -
The date of 29 November is observed as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978.
Learn MoreInternational Days in December.
#HumanRights
DECEMBER
World AIDS Day
- December 1 -
Every year on 1 December, UNESCO stands together with UNAIDS, co-sponsors and other partners for World AIDS Day.
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International Migrants Day
- December 18 -
Migration is a global phenomenon driven by many forces. These start with aspirations for dignity, safety and peace. The decision to leave home is always extreme, and, too often, the beginning of a dangerous, sometimes fatal journey.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- December 3 -
Celebrated on 3 december around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
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World Arabic Language Day
- December 18 -
The Arabic language is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 290 million people.
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International Days in January.
#Remebrance
JANUARY
International Days in February.
#WomenInScience
FEBRUARY
International Days in March.
#EliminateRacism
MARCH
International Women’s Day
- March 8 -
In 1945, the Charter of the United Nations became the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. The UN celebrated its first official International Women's Day on 8 March during International Women’s Year in 1975.
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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- March 21 -
On March 21, 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws. Proclaiming the Day in 1966 which signifies the struggle to end the policy of apartheid in South Africa, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
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International Francophonie Day
- March 20 -
The French language has always had an important place among languages. First a symbol of culture and creativity, it was then a vector of democracy and humanism, values that UNESCO intends to promote.
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International Day of Nowruz
- March 21 -
Nowruz, meaning “new day”, is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It includes rituals, ceremonies and cultural events, as well as the enjoyment of a special meal with loved ones.
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World Poetry Day
- March 21 -
Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace.
Read More
World Day for Water
- March 22 -
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Learn MoreInternational Days in April.
#Jazz
APRIL
International Days in May.
#PressFreedom #Biodiversity
MAY
World Press Freedom Day
- May 3 -
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
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International Day of Light
- May 16 -
Light plays a central role in our lives. On the most fundamental level, through photosynthesis, light is at the origin of life itself. The study of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, lifesaving medical advances in diagnostics technology and treatments, light-speed internet and many other discoveries that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe.
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African World Heritage Day
- May 5 -
Proclaimed by the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in November 2015, African World Heritage Day is an opportunity for people around the world, and particularly Africans, to celebrate the Continent’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
- May 21 -
Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
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International Day of Living Together in Peace
- May 16 -
Living together in peace is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way.
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International Day for Biological Diversity
- May 22 -
Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike.
Learn MoreInternational Days in June.
#Oceans
JUNE
International Days in July.
#NelsonMandela
JULY
WHY INTERNATIONAL DAYS?
There are no miracle solutions to the world’s problems. International days are not end goals, they are global calls to action.
In fact, they should be understood as communication tools designed to raise the profile of a cause, event or value. They create a spike in mentions across digital platforms and traditional media, bringing the most valuable conversations to the table, highlighting their multiple facets. Above all, they hold us accountable, both citizens and those in power, bringing us face to face with our progress – or regress – with regards to humanity’s struggles.
WHAT HAVE THEY ACHIEVED?
Conversations lead to actions, taken locally and globally, by individuals, corporations and governments. This is what International days achieve.
International Days have contributed to the betterment of the livelihoods of millions across the world. The global light shined on specific issues has given valubale exposure to activism, bringing money and offering opportunities for the public to connect with initiatives, generating both results and awareness. But International Days are not the reason why these ongoing projects have been successful. Getting each and every girl to school, or reforming interntional law to protect minorities, is the work of those who dedicate their time and resources to better our world. Our contribution, through these International Days, is to support, talk about and hold accountable.
GET INVOLVED
International days exist through you. Find out how you can get started.
It is your interest, your attention and your understanding we are aiming to engage. International days are the perfect format to start conversations. They last one day and bring together, within 24 hours, the highest spike in mentions, the largest quantity of content and the biggest opportunities for connections to be established. How can you participate? You can first of all read up on the issue and find valuable information about the cause online. You can use this information in schools if you are teacher, or at work if you are a business owner, to engage and enlighten. If you find a cause dear to your heart, or close to your convictions, International Days are the opportunity to find out and connect with local or international initiatives.
