The United Nations has a long list of observance days, weeks, years, and decades which are established to encourage all to focus on a specific world issue, topic, or idea. Each observance holds significance within the UN organization, and stands to commemorate an area of work for the international community. These observances are inclusive to all, and can be commemorated by one individual or an entire country.
Below is a list of UN Observance Days and Weeks throughout the year, as well as information about each one. We encourage all to think about promoting commemoration of some or all of these days, in any small or big ways.
January
27 January
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
February
20 February
21 February
International Mother Language Day
March
8 March
U.N. Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace (International Women’s Day)
21 March
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Week of 21 March
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling Against Racism and Racial Discrimination
22 March
25 March
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
April
4 April
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
7 April
World Health Day
22 April
International Mother Earth Day
May
15 May
22 May
International Day for Biological Diversity
June
5 June
World Environment Day
20 June
World Refugee Day
26 June
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking