World Tsunami Awareness Day

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....

International Day for Tolerance

The 1995-adopted Declaration of Principles on Tolerance explains tolerance as respect and appreciation of the variety of the world’s cultures, forms of expression and ways of being human. Qualifying tolerance not just as a moral duty, the Declaration states...

World Cities 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...

World Children’s Day

Established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, the now-named World Children’s Day is to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide, and to improve children’s welfare. The date marks the adoption of both the 1959...