World Development Information Day is to propagate information and mobilise the public to cooperate internationally to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals -- #GlobalGoals: No poverty Zero hunger Good health and well-being Quality education Gender equality Clean water and sanitation Affordable and clean energy Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation, and infrastructure Reduced inequalities […]
Audiovisual archives represent a priceless heritage that affirms our collective memory and reflects the cultural, social and linguistic diversity of our communities. Conserving this heritage and ensuring that these materials remain accessible to the public, increases our understanding of where we have all come from and what we can do for the future. World Day […]
Cities occupy 2% of the world's total landmass, but contribute to 70% of the world's economy (GDP), 60% of its energy consumption, 70% of its greenhouse gas emissions, and 70% of the world's waste. Urbanization provides the promise -- oft not fulfilled -- of social inclusion, access to services and new opportunities. However, inequality and […]
From 2006 to 2019, near 1,200 journalists have been killed (one every four days) for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. The killers largely (9 of 10 cases) go unpunished with this impunity leading to more killings, worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems. Many other journalists suffer from […]
Diwali (Deepavli; Divali) -- the festival of lights -- is a celebration for Hindus, Jain and Sikhs. Usually lasting five days, the festival is held during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Various gods and goddesses are associated with this […]
Tsunamis are giant ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. As the waves travel inland (sometimes at the speed of a jet plane), they get higher and higher as the depth of the ocean decreases. Though rare, tsunamis can be extremely deadly. The Indian Ocean tsunami (December 2004), for example, caused […]
Damage to the environment through war includes the pollution of water wells, the torching of crops, deforestation, soil poisoning and the killing of animals. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources ( […]
First celebrated in 2002, World Science Day for Peace and Development is to highlight the significant role of science in society and to: strengthen public awareness of the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies; promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; renew national and international commitment for the use of […]
Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, World Kindness Day is observed in many countries, including Australia, Canada, India, Italy, Nigeria, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdowm. The funders are David Jamilly and Louise Burfitt-Dons. Suggested activities for the Day include the giving of flowers, random hugs, kindness cards and gifts, […]
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get from the blood into cells to be used for energy. In diabetes, the body does not make enough—or any—insulin or doe not use insulin well. Glucose then stays in […]