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Thematic List
United Nations Special Observances
This year, the
international community will focus on a variety of concerns, through a number
of international meetings and observances.
To mark the tenth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, the General Assembly
has declared 7 April 2004 as an International Day of Reflection on the 1994
Genocide in Rwanda.
An international meeting will be held from 30 August to 3 September 2004 in
Mauritius, to review implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable
Development of Small Island Developing States. This meeting was called for in
the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
The Assembly has also declared 2004 as the International Year to Commemorate
the Struggle against Slavery and Its Abolition. In addition, 2004 is the International
Year of Rice, calling attention to the staple food of more than half the world.
Early next year, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction will meet at Kobe,
Japan, from 18 to 22 January. Also during 2005, the Parties to the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will hold their Seventh Review Conference.
The Sixth Review Conference took place in the year 2000.
AIDS
World AIDS Day
(1 December)
The General Assembly,
in 1988, stated its deep concern about the pandemic proportions of the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Noting that the World Health Organization
(WHO) had declared 1 December 1988 World AIDS Day, the Assembly stressed the
importance of observing that occasion (resolution 43/15). Today, over 41 million
people are living with HIV/AIDS.
CHILDREN
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
(4 June)
On 19 August
1982, at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General
Assembly, "appalled at the great number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese
children victims of Israel's acts of aggression", decided to commemorate
4 June of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of
Aggression (resolution ES-7/8).
Universal Children's
Day
(20 November)
The General Assembly
recommended in 1954 (resolution 836 (IX)) that all countries institute a Universal
Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding
between children and of activity promoting the welfare of the world's children.
It suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date which each
considers appropriate. The date of 20 November marks the day in which the Assembly
adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention
on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
(21 May)
Emphasizing the need to enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence, the General Assembly, on 20 December 2002, proclaimed 21 May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (resolution 57/249). Acting during the closing days of the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage (2002), the Assembly recognized the close link between protecting cultural diversity and the larger framework of the dialogue among civilizations.
Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism
(2001-2010)
On 8 December 2000, as the General Assembly observed the fortieth anniversary of its adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, it declared 2001-2010 the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (resolution 55/146). In 2001, the Assembly called upon the administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee on decolonization to finalize before the end of 2002 a programme of work for the Non-Self-Governing Territories, on a case-by-case basis, to facilitate implementation of the relevant resolutions on decolonization (resolution 56/74 of 10 December). The First Decade, 1990-2000, was declared in 1988 (resolution 43/47).
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories
(beginning 25 May)
The General Assembly in 1999 requested the Special Committee on decolonization to observe annually the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories commencing on the week beginning 25 May 1999 (resolution 54/91 of 6 December). The Week had been proclaimed in 1972 (resolution 2911 (XXVII)) as the Week of Solidarity with the Colonial Peoples of Southern Africa and Guinea (Bissau) and Cape Verde Fighting for Freedom, Independence and Equal Rights, to begin on 25 May, Africa Liberation Day.
International Day of Disabled Persons
(3 December)
In 1992, at the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), the General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons (resolution 47/3). The Decade had been a period of raising awareness and enacting measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunities. Subsequently, the Assembly appealed to Member States to highlight the observance of the Day in order to further integrate people with disabilities into society (resolution 47/88). On 8 December 2003, the Assembly emphasized the importance of a successful Review Conference in 2005, as the third session of the Preparatory Committee will be convened in 2004 (resolution 58/59).
DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(2005)
The Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will hold their next review conference in 2005. The General Assembly, on 22 November 2002, called upon the nuclear-weapon States to respect fully their existing commitments regarding security assurances, pending the conclusion of multilaterally negotiated, legally binding assurances to all non-nuclear-weapon States parties, and agreed to prioritize this issue with a view to making recommendations to the 2005 Review Conference (resolution 57/59).
(24-30 October)
The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, was called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.
In 1995, the Assembly invited governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, to continue taking an active part in Disarmament Week (resolution 50/72 B of 12 December). It invited the Secretary-General to continue using the United Nations information entities as widely as possible to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament problems and the aims of the Week.
World Conference on Disaster Reduction
(18-22 January 2005)
On 23 December 2003, the General Assembly decided to convene a World Conference on Disaster Reduction, to be held at Kobe, Japan, from 18 to 22 January 2005 (resolution 58/214). Its purposes include identifying activities to implement relevant provisions of the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development on vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster management; sharing best practices and lessons learned to further disaster reduction within the context of sustainable development and to identify gaps and challenges; increasing awareness of the importance of disaster-reduction policies, thereby facilitating their implementation; and increasing the reliability and availability of appropriate disaster-related information to the public and disaster-management agencies in all regions.
The Assembly invited Member States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and other relevant intergovernmental agencies and organizations - in particular, the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Disaster Reduction - to participate actively in the Conference and its preparatory process. It asked the inter-agency secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction to serve as secretariat for the Conference and coordinate its preparatory activities.
International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
(second Wednesday of October)
In 2001, the General Assembly decided to maintain the observance of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction on the second Wednesday of October (resolution 56/195 of 21 December), as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction -- including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness. The Assembly had designated that day to be observed during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, 1990-1999 (resolution 44/236).
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
(26 June)
The General Assembly in 1987 decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. It took that action on 7 December 1987 (resolution 42/112), following a recommendation of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which, on 26 June, had adopted the Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in Drug Abuse Control.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty
(1997-2006)
In its resolution on implementation of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of poverty adopted on 23 December 2003, the General Assembly stressed the importance of following up on the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development, and called for implementation of the Monterrey Consensus. It also urged developed countries to make concrete efforts to reach the targets of 0.7 per cent of their gross national product (GNP) as official development assistance to developing countries, and 0.15 to 0.2 per cent of their GNP to least developed countries. It also stressed the importance of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation (resolution 58/222).
The Assembly proclaimed the Decade in 1995 (resolution 50/107 II of 20 December) to follow up on the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty, 1996. The Decade's main objective is eradicating absolute poverty and reducing overall poverty substantially in the world. The theme for the Decade is "Eradicating poverty is an ethical, social, political and economic imperative of humankind" (resolution 51/178 of 16 December 1996).
Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries,
Particularly in Africa
(2001-2010)
On 7 September 2001, the General Assembly proclaimed the period 2001-2010 as the Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa (resolution 55/284). In its efforts to address one of the most deadly tropical diseases - which causes some 1 million deaths each year in Africa where 9 out of 10 cases occur - the Assembly called for joint comprehensive efforts by Africa and the international community to reach certain goals by 2005, the middle of the Decade.
These include ensuring that at least 60 per cent of those at risk for malaria shall benefit from the most suitable combination of personal and community protective measures, such as insecticide treated bednets; that at least 60 per cent of all pregnant women at risk for malaria shall have access chemoprophylaxis or presumptive intermittent treatment; and that at least 60 per cent of those suffering from malaria shall have prompt access to correct, affordable and appropriate treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.
United Nations Literacy Decade: Education for All
(2003-2012)
On 19 December 2001, the General Assembly proclaimed 2003 to 2012 as the United Nations Literacy Decade: Education for All (resolution 56/116). The Assembly reaffirmed that literacy for all was at the heart of the notion of basic education for all, and that creating literate environments was essential to eradicating poverty, achieving gender equity and ensuring sustainable development.
International Year of Microcredit
(2005)
In 1998, proclaiming 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit (resolution 53/197 of 15 December), the General Assembly requested that the Year's observance be a special occasion for giving impetus to microcredit programmes throughout the world. The Assembly asked all those involved in poverty eradication to take additional steps to make available credit and related services for self-employment and income-generating activities to an increasing number of people living in poverty. Governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the media were invited to highlight the role of microcredit in poverty eradication, its contribution to social development, and its positive impact on the lives of the poor.
International Day of Cooperatives
(first Saturday of July)
In 1992, the General Assembly proclaimed the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives (resolution 47/90 of 16 December). The date marked the centenary of the International Cooperative Alliance, an umbrella group of organizations comprising 760 million members in 100 countries.
In 1994, recognizing that cooperatives were becoming an indispensable factor of economic and social development, the Assembly invited governments, international organizations, specialized agencies and national and international cooperative organizations to observe the Day every year (resolution 49/155 of 23 December).
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
(17 October)
In 1992, the General Assembly, welcoming the fact that certain non-governmental organizations, on the initiative of one of them (the French-based International Movement ATD Fourth World), had, in many States, observed 17 October as World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty, declared that date the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (resolution 47/196 of 22 December). The observance aims to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries -- a need that has become a development priority.
(20 November)
Within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa, the General Assembly proclaimed 20 November as Africa Industrialization Day (resolution 44/237 of 22 December 1989). The Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
(5 December)
The General Assembly has invited governments to observe annually, on 5 December, the International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, also urging them to heighten awareness of the contribution of volunteer service, thereby stimulating more people in all walks of life to offer their services as volunteers, both at home and abroad (resolution 40/212 of 17 December 1985). In 2001, the International Year of Volunteers, the Assembly adopted a set of recommendations on ways that governments and the United Nations system could support volunteering and asked that they be widely disseminated (resolution 56/38 of 5 December 2001).
International Meeting to Review Implementation of Programme of Action
for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
(30 August - 3 September 2004)
On 20 December 2002, the Assembly decided to convene an international meeting in 2004 to review implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, as called for in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (resolution 57/262). It welcomed the offer of the Government of Mauritius to host that meeting, which will include a high-level segment.
On 23 December 2003, the Assembly set the dates for the International Meeting, urging that representation and participation at the Meeting be at the highest possible level (resolution 58/213). It welcomed the efforts made at the national, subregional and regional levels to implement the Programme of Action, and took note of the reports of the regional preparatory meetings for the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, South China Sea and Caribbean regions of small island developing States.
United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
(2005-2014)
The General Assembly, on 20 December 2002, proclaimed the 10-year period beginning on 1 January 2005 as the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (resolution 57/254). The Assembly designated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as lead agency for promotion of the Decade, asking it to develop a draft international implementation scheme, clarifying the Decade’s relationship with such existing educational processes as the Dakar Framework for Action adopted at the World Education Forum in 2002 and the United Nations Literacy Decade.
International Decade for Action, 'Water for Life'
(2005-2015)
On 23 December 2003, the General Assembly proclaimed the period from 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, commencing on World Water Day, 22 March 2005 (resolution 58/217). It welcomed the decision of the Commission on Sustainable Development to consider water, sanitation and human settlements as the thematic cluster in the first cycle, 2004-2005, and invites the Commission to work within existing resources to identify possible activities and programmes in connection with the Decade within the framework of its consideration of that cluster at its twelfth and thirteenth sessions.
The Assembly invited the Secretary-General to take the appropriate steps to organize the activities of the Decade, taking into account the results of the International Year of Freshwater and the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development at its twelfth and thirteenth sessions. It also called upon the relevant United Nations bodies, specialized agencies, regional commissions and other organizations of the United Nations system to deliver a coordinated response, utilizing existing resources and voluntary funds, to make “Water for Life” a decade for action.
International Year of Deserts and Desertification
(2006)
On 23 December 2003, the General Assembly decided to declare 2006 as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (resolution 58/211). It invited all countries to establish national committees or focal points and to celebrate the Year by arranging appropriate activities. It called upon all relevant international organizations and Member States to support the activities related to desertification, including land degradation, to be organized by affected countries, in particular, African countries and least developed countries.
The Assembly has designated the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, as focal point of the Year, in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other relevant United Nations bodies.
(22 March)
The General Assembly has declared 22 March as World Day for Water (resolution 47/193 of 22 December 1992). The observance aims at promoting awareness of the extent to which water resource development contributes to economic productivity and social well-being.
International Day for Biological Diversity
(22 May)
On 20 December 2000, the General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, as the International Day for Biological Diversity (resolution 55/201). The Day was previously observed on 29 December (resolution 49/119 of 19 December 1994). In 2000, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, at its fifth meeting, had recommended that the date be changed to give it greater visibility.
(5 June)
By resolution 2994 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972, the General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and enhance the environment. That date recalls the opening day of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), which led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
(17 June)
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June, was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1994 (resolution 49/115). On that date, the same year, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was adopted. States were invited to devote the World Day to promoting awareness of the need for international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought, and on the implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
(16 September)
In 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114 of 19 December). States were invited to devote the Day to promote activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus, helping preserve life on the planet.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment
in War and Armed Conflict
(6 November)
On 5 November 2001, the General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (resolution 56/4). In taking this action, it considered that damage to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation. It also recalled the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which emphasized the necessity of working to protect our common environment.
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda
(7 April 2004)
On 23 December 2003, the General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 7 April 2004 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda to commemorate –- on the tenth anniversary of those events -- the victims and promote a recommitment to the fight against genocide throughout the world. Noting that many of the perpetrators continued to elude justice, the Assembly expressed its conviction that exposing and holding them and their accomplices accountable, as well as restoring the dignity of the victims, would guide societies in the prevention of further such violations.
United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education
(1995-2004)
The General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education in 1994, to begin on 1 January 1995, and welcomed the Plan of Action for the Decade submitted by the Secretary-General (resolution 49/184). The Assembly stated that human rights education should be a lifelong process by which people learn respect for the dignity of others. It called on governments to direct education towards full development of the human personality and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Coordinator for implementation of the Plan of Action for the Decade is the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
On 19 December 2001, the General Assembly urged governments to contribute further to implementation of the Plan of Action by encouraging the establishment of broadly representative national committees to develop national plans for human rights education (resolution 56/167). On 22 December 2003, the Assembly urged all governments to promote the development of national strategies for human rights education and to establish and strengthen knowledge of human rights in their education policies (resolution 58/181).
(20 June)
On 4 December 2000, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June. It, therefore, decided that, as from 2001, 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day (resolution 55/76).[Note: The OAU was replaced by the African Union on 9 July 2002.]
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
(26 June)
The Assembly in 1997, on the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council (decision 1997/251), proclaimed 26 June United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (resolution 52/149 of 12 December). The Day aims at the eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which entered into force on 26 June 1987.
International Day for Tolerance
(16 November)
In 1996, the General Assembly invited Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on 16 November, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public (resolution 51/95 of 12 December). This action came in the wake of the United Nations Year for Tolerance, 1995, proclaimed by the Assembly in 1993 (resolution 48/126). The Year had been declared on the initiative of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); on 16 November 1995, the UNESCO member States had adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and Follow-up Plan of Action for the Year.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
(2 December)
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others (resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949).
(10 December)
All States and interested organizations were invited by the General Assembly in 1950 to observe 10 December as Human Rights Day (resolution 423 (V)). The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
(18 December)
As recommended by the Economic and Social Council (decision 2000/288 of 28 July 2000), the General Assembly has proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day (resolution 55/93 of 4 December 2000). On that day, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was adopted in 1990 (resolution 45/158). The Assembly has stressed the need to make further efforts to ensure respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants. It is estimated that some 130 million people live outside their countries of origin.
World Habitat Day
(first Monday of October)
In 1985, acting on a recommendation of the Commission on Human Settlements, the General Assembly designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day (resolution 40/202 A). The first observance of the Day, in 1986, marked the tenth anniversary of the first international conference on the issue -- Habitat: United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Vancouver, Canada, 1976).
International Year of Rice
(2004)
Noting that rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population, the Assembly, on 16 December 2002, declared 2004 the International Year of Rice (resolution 57/162). In doing so, the Assembly affirmed the need to heighten awareness of the role of rice in alleviating poverty and malnutrition and reaffirmed the need to focus world attention on the role it can play in attaining internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the Millennium Declaration.
The Assembly invited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to facilitate the implementation of the Year, in collaboration with governments, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Centres and other relevant United Nations and non-governmental organizations.
(16 October)
The aim of World Food Day, proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the FAO of the United Nations, is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The Day marks the date of the founding of the FAO in 1945. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity" (resolution 35/70 of 5 December).
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People
(1994-2004)
In 1990, the General Assembly proclaimed 1993 the International Year of the World's Indigenous People (resolution 45/164). In 1993, on the recommendation of the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights, the Assembly proclaimed the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, starting on 10 December 1994 (resolution 48/163), adopting the Programme of Activities for the Decade in 1995 (resolution 50/157). The goal of the Decade is to strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development, education and health. The Coordinator of the Decade is the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; its theme is "Indigenous people: Partnership in action".
On 19 December 2001, the Assembly appealed to all governments and organizations to consider contributing to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, if possible with a substantial increase in the level of contributions (resolution 56/140).
On 22 December 2003, the Assembly adopted a resolution encouraging governments to support the Decade by seeking means of giving indigenous people greater responsibility for their own affairs and an effective voice in decisions on matters that affect them. It encouraged the creation of national committees or other mechanisms involving indigenous people to ensure that the objectives and activities of the Decade are planned and implemented on the basis of full partnership with indigenous people (resolution 58/158).
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
(9 August)
In 1994, the General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (resolution 49/214 of 23 December). The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1992, of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
World Summit on the Information Society
(16-18 November 2005)
The second, concluding part of the World Summit on the Information Society will be held in Tunis, from 16 to 18 November 2005. The first part of the Summit, held at Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003, addressed a broad range of themes concerning the information society and adopted a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. At the invitation of the General Assembly, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has the leading managerial role for the Summit. The Assembly has invited governments to be represented at the Summit at the highest possible level (resolution 56/183).
(3 May)
The General Assembly in 1993 declared 3 May as World Press Freedom Day (decision 48/432 of 20 December). This action stemmed from the UNESCO General Conference, which, by a 1991 resolution on "Promotion of press freedom in the world", had recognized that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society. The General Conference had transmitted to the General Assembly the wish of UNESCO member States to have 3 May declared "International Press Freedom Day".
That date commemorates the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, adopted on 3 May 1991 by the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, organized by UNESCO and the United Nations in Windhoek, Namibia.
World Development Information Day
(24 October)
The General Assembly in 1972 instituted World Development Information Day to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them (resolution 3038(XXVII)). The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide in principle with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade. The Assembly felt that improving the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion, particularly among young people, would lead to greater awareness of the problems of development, thus, promoting efforts in the sphere of international cooperation for development.
(21 November)
In 1996, the General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day, commemorating the date on which, in 1996, the first World Television Forum was held at the United Nations. States were invited to observe the Day by encouraging global exchanges of television programmes focusing on issues such as peace, security, economic and social development, and the enhancement of cultural exchanges (resolution 51/205 of 17 December).
International Day of Older Persons
(1 October)
The General Assembly designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons by resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990, following up on United Nations initiatives such as the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing and endorsed later that year by the General Assembly.
World Space Week
(4-10 October)
By resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week, to be observed between 4 and 10 October, to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. The dates recall the launch, on 4 October 1957, of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, and the entry into force, on 10 October 1967, of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
(29 November)
In 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B). On that day, in 1947, the Assembly had adopted the resolution on the partition of Palestine (resolution 181 (II)). On 3 December 2001, the Assembly noted the actions taken by Member States to observe the Day, and requested that they continue to give it the widest possible publicity (resolution 56/34).
Reaffirming that the United Nations had a permanent responsibility with respect to the question of Palestine until it was resolved in a satisfactory manner in accordance with international legitimacy, the Assembly, on 3 December 2001, authorized the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to continue to promote the exercise of these rights, to adjust its work programme in the light of developments and to emphasize the need to mobilize support and assistance for the Palestinian people (resolution 56/33).
On 3 December 2003, the General Assembly stressed the necessity for a commitment to the vision of the two-State solution, the principle of land for peace, and the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003). It also stressed the need for the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967; and the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination and the right to their independent State (resolution 58/21).
International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence
for the Children of the World
(2001-2010)
On 5 November 2001, the General Assembly stated that the objective of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010, is to further strengthen the global movement for a culture of peace (resolution 56/5). It invited States to expand their activities promoting such a culture and requested that UNESCO, as lead agency for the Decade, further strengthen their activities to promote a culture of peace.
Proclaiming the Decade in 1998 (resolution 53/25 of 10 November), the Assembly invited non-governmental organizations, religious bodies and groups, educational institutions, artists and the media to support the Decade for the benefit of every child of the world.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
(29 May)
The Assembly has designated 29 May of each year as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace (resolution 57/129, 11 December 2002). The Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe the Day in an appropriate manner.
(21 September)
In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the opening day of its regular session in September "shall be officially dedicated and observed as the International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples" (resolution 36/67). In 1998, the Assembly reaffirmed that the Day should continue to be observed on the opening day of its annual regular session (resolution 52/232 of 4 June).
On 7 September 2001, the Assembly decided that, beginning in 2002, the International Day of Peace shall be observed on 21 September each year, with this date to be brought to the attention of all people for the celebration and observance of peace (resolution 55/282). It declared that the Day shall henceforth be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities throughout the Day. It also invited Member States, United Nations bodies, regional and non-governmental organizations to commemorate the Day and to cooperate with the United Nations in establishing the global ceasefire.
RACISM AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
International Year to Commemorate the Struggle
against Slavery and Its Abolition
(2004)
The General Assembly, on 18 December 2002, proclaimed 2004 the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and Its Abolition (resolution 57/195). It took this action as part of its follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held at Durban, South Africa, from 31 August to 8 September 2001. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to a global drive for the total elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and stressed the need to maintain political will and momentum at the national, regional and international levels.
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling
against Racism and Racial Discrimination
(beginning on 21 March)
As part of its programme for the first Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, the General Assembly in 1979 called for the observance by all States of a Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination, beginning on 21 March (resolution 34/24).
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
(21 March)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 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, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).
United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace
(8 March)
In 1977 (resolution 32/142), the General Assembly invited States to proclaim, in accordance with their historical and national traditions and customs, any day of the year as United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace. States were called upon to contribute to creating conditions for the elimination of discrimination against women and for their full and equal participation in social development. That action came on the wake of the International Women's Year (1975) and the United Nations Decade for Women (1976-1985), both proclaimed by the Assembly. The United Nations began observing International Women's Day, 8 March, in 1975 -- the International Women's Year.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
(25 November)
The General Assembly has designated 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and has invited governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to organize on that day activities to raise public awareness on the problem (resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999). Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. The date came from the brutal 1961 assassination of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, on orders of Dominican ruler Rafael Trujillo.
International Youth Day
(12 August)
The General Assembly on 17 December 1999 (resolution 54/120 I) endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. It recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond, adopted by the Assembly in 1995 (resolution 50/81).
International Year for Sport and Physical Education
(2005)
On 3 November 2003, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education, as a means to promote education, health, development and peace (resolution 58/5). It invited governments to organize events to underline their commitment and to seek the assistance of sports personalities in that regard.
(15 May)
In 1993, the General Assembly decided that 15 May of every year should be observed as the International Day of Families (resolution 47/237 of 20 September). In 1989, by resolution 44/82, the Assembly had proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family, to increase awareness of family issues and improve the capability of nations to tackle family-related problems with comprehensive policies.
United Nations Public Service Day
(23 June)
The Assembly, on 20 December, designated 23 June of each year as United Nations Public Service Day (resolution 57/277). It encouraged Member States to organize special events on that Day to highlight the contribution of public service in the development process.
(11 July)
In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended that 11 July be observed as World Population Day. An outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, celebrated on 11 July 1987, the Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development plans and programmes, and the need to find solutions for these issues. In 2001, world population stood at 6.1 billion, and was growing by 77 million a year. The United Nations estimates there will be between 7.9 billion and 10.9 billion people in 2050, with 9.3 billion the most likely projection.
(24 October)
The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday (resolution 2782 (XXVI)).
International Civil Aviation Day
(7 December)
In 1996, the General Assembly proclaimed 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day, and urged governments, as well as national, regional, international and intergovernmental organizations, to take steps to observe it (resolution 51/33 of 6 December). The Day had been declared in 1992 by the Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, to highlight and advance the benefits of international civil aviation. Observation of the Day started on 7 December 1994 -- the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established ICAO.
Other International Days
Other international days observed throughout the United Nations system include: International Mother Language Day (21 February); World Meteorological Day (23 March); World Health Day (7 April); World Book and Copyright Day (23 April); World Telecommunication Day (17 May); World No-Tobacco Day (31 May); International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition (23 August); International Literacy Day (8 September); World Maritime Day (during last week of September); World Teachers' Day (5 October); World Habitat Day (first Monday of October); World Post Day (9 October); World Mental Health Day (10 October); and International Mountain Day (11 December).
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