WIT
What Is Today
United Nations & Global Awareness

International Days & Observances

Global awareness days established by the United Nations, World Health Organization (WHO), and UNESCO to mobilize action on education, climate, health, and human rights.

United Nations01-04

World Braille Day

Celebrates the importance of Braille as a medium of communication for blind and visually impaired persons, honoring Louis Braille.

Purpose: Raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
UNESCO & United Nations01-24

International Day of Education

Affirms education as a fundamental human right, public good, and public responsibility.

Purpose: Celebrate the role of education for peace and sustainable global development.
Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) & WHO02-04

World Cancer Day

A global uniting initiative led by UICC to raise worldwide awareness, improve education, and catalyze personal, collective, and government action against cancer.

Purpose: Prevent millions of deaths each year through awareness, education, and pressing governments to take action.
UNESCO02-21

International Mother Language Day

Promotes multilingual education and the preservation of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage worldwide.

Purpose: Promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism across all educational frameworks.
United Nations & CITES03-03

World Wildlife Day

Celebrates the unique roles and contributions of wild fauna and flora to people and the planet.

Purpose: Raise awareness of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species.
United Nations03-08

International Women's Day

Commemorates the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women while advocating for gender equality.

Purpose: Accelerate gender parity and celebrate women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.
United Nations03-21

International Day of Forests

Celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests for current and future generations.

Purpose: Encourage local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree-planting campaigns.
UN-Water03-22

World Water Day

Advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and highlights the billions of people living without access to safe water.

Purpose: Accelerate change to solve the global water and sanitation crisis in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)03-23

World Meteorological Day

Showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society.

Purpose: Highlight the role of atmospheric science, early warning weather systems, and climate monitoring.
World Health Organization (WHO)04-07

World Health Day

Marks the founding of the WHO in 1948, drawing worldwide attention to global health priorities.

Purpose: Champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information.
ICOMOS & UNESCO04-18

World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites)

Promotes awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, the vulnerability of monuments, and efforts required for their protection.

Purpose: Celebrate the world's cultural heritage and encourage local communities to protect monuments and historical sites.
United Nations04-22

International Mother Earth Day

Unites billions across the globe to advocate for environmental protection, reforestation, and sustainable climate action.

Purpose: Promote harmony with nature and Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations.
UNESCO04-23

World Book and Copyright Day

A celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading, honoring major authors including Shakespeare and Cervantes.

Purpose: Recognize the magical power of books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
UNESCO05-03

World Press Freedom Day

Evaluates press freedom globally, defends media from attacks on their independence, and pays tribute to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Purpose: Remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and ensure freedom of expression.
United Nations05-22

International Day for Biological Diversity

Increases understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and the preservation of ecosystems.

Purpose: Protect ecosystem balance, species variety, and genetic resources under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
UN Environment Programme (UNEP)06-05

World Environment Day

The United Nations principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment.

Purpose: Catalyze environmental action to address climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, and ecosystem degradation.
United Nations06-08

World Oceans Day

Reminds everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life as the lungs of our planet and a major source of food and medicine.

Purpose: Mobilize the world population on a project for the sustainable management of the world oceans.
United Nations General Assembly06-21

International Day of Yoga

Celebrates the ancient Indian practice of yoga, highlighting its holistic approach to physical health, mental balance, and global wellness.

Purpose: Raise worldwide awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga for overall physical and psychological wellbeing.
UNESCO09-08

International Literacy Day

Reminds the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, advancing the literacy agenda towards a more literate society.

Purpose: Highlight literacy as an integral part of lifelong learning and foundational human capability.
United Nations09-21

International Day of Peace

Dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, marked by a 24-hour ceasefire and peace education.

Purpose: Strengthen the ideals of peace among all nations and peoples.
United Nations General Assembly10-02

International Day of Non-Violence

Commemorates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

Purpose: Disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.
UNESCO & ILO10-05

World Teachers' Day

Celebrates the rights, responsibilities, and standards for the initial preparation and further education of teachers.

Purpose: Appreciate, assess, and improve the educators of the world and provide an opportunity to consider issues related to teachers and teaching.
World Federation for Mental Health & WHO10-10

World Mental Health Day

A global campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Purpose: De-stigmatize mental illness and advocate for accessible, quality mental healthcare for all.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)10-16

World Food Day

Commemorates the founding of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945, promoting worldwide awareness of hunger and food security.

Purpose: Action towards zero hunger, ensuring affordable, safe, and nutritious diets for everyone.
United Nations10-24

United Nations Day

Marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter, celebrating the principles of international cooperation.

Purpose: Amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
UNESCO11-10

World Science Day for Peace and Development

Highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.

Purpose: Ensure citizens are kept informed of developments in science and emphasize the role scientists play in broadening our understanding.
International Diabetes Federation & WHO11-14

World Diabetes Day

The primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus, held on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting.

Purpose: Promote the importance of taking coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue.
WHO & UNAIDS12-01

World AIDS Day

Dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

Purpose: Unite people worldwide in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have passed away.
United Nations General Assembly12-10

Human Rights Day

Commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in Paris on 10 December 1948.

Purpose: Reaffirm the universal, indivisible, and inalienable rights of all human beings across all societies.