Observed on the last Sunday in January, this day was chosen by French humanitarian Raoul Follereau in 1953 to coincide with the anniversary of Mahatma Ghandi’s death on 30th January 1948 and to raise awareness of a disease that still sees 600 new diagnoses each day and with millions estimated to be undiagnosed and thus […]
World Cancer Day is a global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to raise awareness, improve education and encourage personal, collective and government action towards preventing cancer deaths, enabling equitable access to treatment and care. The 2021 theme of I Am and I Willis about each individual committing to actions […]
Established late December 2020, International Day of Human Fraternity acknowledges the 4 February 2019 signing by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, a significant event in Christian-Muslim relations. Co-sponsored by 34 United Nations Member States, the day is to promote […]
Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves altering or injuring female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a violation of the human rights, health and integrity of girls and women. In addition to short term complications -- severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections and urination, long-term consequences include sexual, reproductive and mental ill-health. FGM is of universal […]
Pulses (legumes) include dried beans, lentils and peas, and are staples in many diets. With high nutritional value, pulses are an ideal source of protein, low in fat and rich in soluble fibre. They are recommended by health organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Pulses are an important crop […]
Less than 30 per cent of researchers in science and technology worldwide are women and only around 30 per cent of all female students select Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields in higher education. Biases and stereotypes in real life and onscreen are steering girls and women away from science related fields. International […]
2021, the year of the (Metal) Ox, begins 12 February 2021 (Chinese lunar New Year Day) and ends 30 January 2022. The Ox is the second of all Chinese zodiac animals (to arrive at Jade Emperor's party after the rat jumped off the Ox's back and came first!) and is associated with the Earthly Branch […]
The first radio signal is attributed to Guglielmo Marconi in Italy in 1895. Radio continues today for vital communications and as a platform for democratic discourse. It is the most widely consumed medium worldwide. Reaching diverse audiences, radio is an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and be heard. 2021 marks the […]
The aim of International Book Giving Day is to get books into the hands of as many children as possible and to increase children's regular access to and enthusiasm for books. Donate your books to a charity or drop them off at Graduate House and we will ensure that they get to an appropriately placed […]
Social development and justice are important to achieve and maintain peace and security within and among nations, and will not be attained in the absence of peace, security and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Globalisation and interdependence give opportunities through trade, investment, capital flows and technology advances for world economic growth and improved […]
Observed since 2000, International Mother Language Day celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies, peace, tolerance and respect for others. Globally, 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand; and every two weeks a language, and thus an entire cultural and intellectual […]
World Thinking Day, an initiative of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, is to think about "sisters" (and "brothers") in all the countries of the world and the meaning of Guiding and its global impact; and to study and appreciate other countries, cultures and global concerns. The date is the birthday of both Lord Robert Baden-Powell […]
Zero Discrimination Day is to promote equality before the law and in practice. First celebrated in 2014, the ask is to speak up and prevent discrimination from standing in the way of achieving ambitions, goals and dreams. Though a focus for this Day continues towards countering discrimination of those with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQI community, […]
World Wildlife Day is to support animals and plants and to raise awareness of our globe's diversity of wildlife and marine life. With increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, we must act to conserve our planet. The 2021 theme is Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet. Jackson Wild, The Convention on International Trade […]