International Mother Language Day 2025; February 21st.

FORUM: The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Celebrated annually on February 21st, this milestone will highlight a quarter-century of dedicated efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues. Languages are essential for both education and sustainable development, shaping the way people learn, communicate, and engage with society. The world is increasingly aware of its rich cultural, linguistic and biological diversity and their interlinkages. There is growing recognition of the need to protect and preserve this diversity in the face of its gradual decline. The UNESCO estimates that there are 8,324 languages, spoken or signed. Out of these, around 7,000 languages are still in use. However, linguistic diversity is under threat, with many languages disappearing at an accelerated pace in our rapidly changing world.Language is the primary medium through which knowledge is transferred. Education plays a key role in sharing and maintaining the world’s diversity, where languages, cultures and environments mutually and sustainably support one another. There is still much to be done to ensure that all learners have the right to education in the language they best speak and understand

EVENTS: Silver Jubilee celebration of International Mother Language Day.

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AGENDA PROGRAMME

The UNESCO will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) in line with the UNESCO Executive Board decision 219 EX/38 which aims to reaffirm the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in promoting human dignity, peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding. The celebration of the 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on achievements, renew commitments, and emphasize the critical role of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education outcomes and creating more peaceful, sustainable societies. As we approach 2030, the Silver Jubilee will highlight the urgency of accelerating progress on linguistic diversity and multilingualism to achieve a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive world by 2030. It will also contribute to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) for which UNESCO is leading global efforts. The Silver Jubilee will also underline the crucial role of languages in implementing the SDGs and shaping the post-SDG agenda. Languages are essential for communication, inclusion, education, and empowerment – all key for achieving the SDGs.

Throughout 2025 and beyond, UNESCO will harness its convening power and leadership in education to advocate for multilingual educational policies and practices. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

Goal and objectives
The event seeks to renew commitment towards supporting linguistic diversity and multilingualism as a key contribution to the attainment of all SDGs. Specifically, it aims to:

• Review progress in policies and practices for developing multilingual societies and educational
• systems.
• Showcase educational policies and practices that have improved access to quality multilingual education.
• Further advocate for inclusive language policies and practices that respect language communities.

Expected outcomes
The following expected outcomes reflect the key objectives of the celebration and the broader vision to promote multilingualism as a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future:

1. Fostered dialogue and cooperation on language diversity and multilingual education.
2. Enhanced awareness of the potential of multilingual education in a globalized and digitalized world.
3. Renewed commitment towards linguistic diversity and multilingualism, with specific attention to the preservation, teaching and transmission of Indigenous languages

Participants
Around 500 participants are expected to attend the event including: Ministers of Education and other government officials; Ambassadors and representatives of the Permanent Delegations to UNESCO;
education practitioners and educators; researchers and experts; bilateral, multilateral and other development partners; private sector stakeholders; representatives of youth organizations; representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations supporting multilingual
education, cultural and linguistic diversity and inclusion in education.

Format
The event will provide a platform for debate and sharing of experiences and innovative policies and programmes and will consist of one day for technical dialogues (20 February) and a High-Level event (21 February). An exhibition ‘Languages matter!’ will illustrate the richness of languages across the globe, and a cultural event will close the Silver Jubilee celebration. Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Spanish for the technical dialogues on 20 February and in the six UN official languages for the High-level event on 21 February. Sessions will be streamed for online viewing in English, French and Spanish.

Get the list of Panelists!

Explore the map of Endangered languages!

Contacts: UNESCO’s Section of Education for Inclusion and Gender Equality, Division for Education 2030, Education Sector: inclusion@unesco.org

World Day of Social Justice 2025; February 20th.

FORUM: "Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future." World Day of Social Justice 2025. The observance of the day help remind us of the need to build a fairer and more equitable world and to urge all efforts to combat unemployment, social exclusion, and poverty. Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future means making sure our move toward low-carbon economies benefits everyone, especially the most vulnerable. It requires a holistic approach that weaves environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that workers, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities receive the support they need—through retraining, job creation, and strong social protection measures. In other words, decarbonization and economic transformation should go hand in hand with policies that fight poverty, reduce inequality, and open up opportunities for all. At the heart of this vision is the idea of integrating “just transition” principles into both global and national policies. When these principles are built into sustainable development agendas—such as those discussed at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2)—policymakers can create a fairer environment where the costs of change are shared equitably. For example, targeted green skills training, comprehensive social protection, and community-led economic diversification can help ensure that the decline of fossil fuel industries doesn’t lead to long-term unemployment or increased social inequality. Instead, these measures redirect investments into emerging green sectors, building a resilient workforce and a more equitable society. Ultimately, strengthening a just transition is about re-imagining our economic and environmental systems to prioritize people as much as the planet. It’s a call to shift the focus from simply decarbonizing to also redistributing opportunities and resources so that sustainable growth benefits everyone. Through collective action and inclusive policies, we can create a future where environmental integrity and social equity go hand in hand, forming the foundation of a truly sustainable global economy. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #20February, #SocialJusticeDay.

EVENTS: At UNHQ New York; On February 20th, from 01:15 PM. -02:30 PM. (EST); Conference Room 6; The 2025 World Day of Social Justice, convened by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), will focus on “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future.” This year's event takes on special significance as the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2). As the global community faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, economic transitions, and social inequalities, the event will explore how inclusive policies can ensure that climate action leads to more and better jobs, reduces inequalities, and fosters sustainable development. Key topics for panel discussions include:

• The role of macroeconomic policies and trade frameworks in ensuring inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and social justice.
• Strategies for an equitable transition to a low-carbon, job-rich economy, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, and green infrastructure.
• Innovative financing mechanisms to support low-income and climate-vulnerable countries in transitioning to sustainable economies.
• The importance of social protection systems, education, and skills development in preparing workers for the emerging green economy.

The event will also emphasize multi-stakeholder collaboration, leveraging the Global Coalition for Social Justice to align the efforts of governments, businesses, trade unions, and civil society. Join the conversation on 20 February 2025 to explore actionable solutions that advance social justice and build a sustainable future for all. Read the Concept Note | Flyer and Register here

On February 20th, On the occasion; The ILO will mark World Day of Social Justice 2025 with a series of five events held in major cities around the globe. The events will bring together high-level speakers from across the world of work to discuss how to put social justice at the centre of international, national and regional policy agendas. The International Labour Organization (ILO) brings together leading figures from academia, politics and the world of work with the ILO Director-General to discuss how to advance social justice in the world. The conference will be held by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

From From 05:00 - 06:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Achieving universal social health protection for social justice in Asia and the Pacific.” will be held. Join ILO Regional Office for Asia Pacific, Director, representatives of academics, members of the Mahidol University, Bangkok, and experts in the field of Social Protection as they discuss how to reinforce commitment to universal social health protection through inclusive policies and to strengthen knowledge-sharing for advancing social health protection. Watch the live event!

From: 07:00 to 08:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Social justice in the digital era: AI's impact on the labour market.’’ will be held. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the ILO Regional office for Europe, is hosting a high-level discussion featuring ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, EESC President Oliver Röpke, Ministers of Labour from various EU member countries and partners of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, and senior representatives from EU institutions, European social partners, academia, and civil society. The event will explore how Artificial Intelligence is set to transform the world of work, focusing on opportunities to harness AI to promote decent work, foster inclusive labour markets, and advance gender equality. Watch the live event!

From 09:00 - 10:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Decent work in Africa: A key component of Social Justice.’’. To mark the day, the Regional Office for Africa is hosting a high-level panel discussion on how to advance social justice through decent work in Africa. The event will highlight the impact of ILO projects on improving lives and fostering greater social justice. The panel will feature representatives from the government, the ILO Regional Director for Africa, a young entrepreneur, a cultural sector representative, and a partner from the Global Coalition. Watch the live event!

From 11:00 - 12:00 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Social justice in the field of work: A new social contract for Latin America.’’. Join the ILO Regional of for Latin America and the Caribbean, the co-authors of the book Justicia Social y Trabajo: desde la perspectiva de América Latina y el Caribe, and a representative from the European Union in Peru for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities of advancing social justice in the region through the framework of a new social contract. Watch the live event!

From 13:30 - 14:30 (GMT-5), a panel discussion entitled “Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future.’’ Join key representatives from the United Nations in New York, Member States, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), along with the Special Advisor on Climate Action and Just Transition (TBC) and the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (TBC), for an engaging discussion on driving sustainable climate action through a Just Transition. The session will also highlight opportunities to build a socially inclusive and empowered low-carbon economy. Watch the live event!

Get the agenda Programme and Watch the Commemorative Event.

INITIATIVES: "Bridging Gaps and Building Alliances". A ground-breaking initiative will be launched to help intensifying collective efforts to urgently address social justice deficits and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Decent Work Agenda. In support of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Conferences and summits: This includes the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, the Summit of the Future, as well as preparations for the World Social Summit.

STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Day of Social Justice 2025; February 20th and the Statement of the ILO Director General on World Day of Social 

LIVESTREAM

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World Radio Day 2025; February13th.

FORUM: “Radio and Climate Change” World Radio Day 2025. This year, we celebrate the many opportunities that radio broadcasting brings for giving prominence to climate change issues. 2025 marks a pivotal year for climate change. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, if humanity is to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the greenhouse gas emissions must peak by that year at the latest, before they begin to fall. While the Paris Agreement takes on capital importance, radio contributes to the achievement of its international objectives by supporting populations in the face of climate change through the dissemination of fact-based information, listeners’ voices, dedicated radio shows … Broadcasters must prioritize the quality and diversity of information sources, as they play a critical role in addressing climate-related issues. To all radio professionals and volunteers, everywhere in the world, UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to the future of our planet, our future. Here are the ways to Celebrate this year celebration: 1. Put more emphasis on facts 2. Review your programming strategy 3. Present realities from elsewhere 4. Inform from an intersectional point of view 5. Start an "On the way to COP30" chronicle 6. Give the audience a say 7. Prepare for the storm 8. Raise the safety awareness of environmental journalists 9. Redouble your efforts to combat disinformation 10. Encourage your audience to listen to the radio critically 11. Strengthen staff competencies in relation to climate change issues 12. Set the tone 13. Green your radio; Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #13February, #WorldRadioDay.

EVENTS: On February 13th, World Radio Day 2025 will be dedicated to “Radio and Climate Change” to support radio stations in their journalistic coverage on this issue. Together, let's prepare the celebration the 14th edition of World Radio Day. panelists will address climate-related issues. This includes dismantling climate skeptics' arguments, investigating greenwashing, understanding ecological economics, and reporting on climate activism and barriers to solutions.The UNESCO and its partners invites the worldwide Radio industry in all its many forms - commercial, public, non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium at this special journey. Ahead of World Radio Day, we're celebrating projects where radio is empowering communities on the frontline of climate change.

OPPORTUNITIES: To benefit from the 2025 Opportunities and appear on the UNESCO map please click here. Your radio station will also have the chance to connect with a radio station in another locality or country. Thanks to these collaborations, you will be able to exchange programs, guests, sound archives, and even… consider a longer-term relationship beyond February 13, 2025. Take advantage of this opportunity! Regularly consult the map to discover new radio stations or partners that could match your search…

STATEMENTS: Read the statement of Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Radio Day 2025; February 13th.

Get Involved!

1. Put more emphasis on facts

2. Review your programming strategy

3. Present realities from elsewhere

4. Inform from an intersectional point of view

5. Start an On the way to COP30 chronicle

6. Give the audience a say

7. Prepare for the storm

8. Raise the safety awareness of environmental journalists

9. Redouble your efforts to combat disinformation

10.  Encourage your audience to listen to the radio critically

11. Strengthen staff competencies in relation to climate change issues

12. Set the tone

13- Green your radio

International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2025; February 12th.

FORUM: “Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE): A Path to Sustainable Peace“ International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2025. Millions of people have fled the territory controlled by terrorist and violent extremist groups. Violent extremism conducive to terrorism remains a profound challenge to global peace and security. The rise of new tools, in digital and offline spaces, for spreading violent extremist ideologies has further amplified this threat, creating unprecedented opportunities for harmful narratives to take root and grow. Terrorist groups like ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and their affiliates continue to exploit instability and conflict to expand and intensify attacks in many parts of the world. These groups exploit conflict, fragility, poverty, weak governance and marginalization to recruit and indoctrinate followers including through narratives of grievance and actual or perceived injustice. No country is immune from the threat of terrorist attacks and the impact of terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. While Member States and their respective national institutions have primary responsibility in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders, and the media also play an important role in addressing this scourge. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12february, #extremists, #violentextremism, #counterterrorism, #PVEDay.

EVENTS: On February 12th 2025, the United Nations will commemorate the third ‘International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism’ through a series of events and activities. The International PVE Day brings together Member States, the United Nations system and all relevant stakeholders—including civil society, religious leaders, the private sector, academia and the media, to enhance cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism in a coordinated, inclusive, transparent and human rights-based, gender-responsive manner.

At UNHQ on February 12th, starting at 1:15 PM EDT, the high-level event to mark the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the UN and UNOCT, under the framework of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Compact Working Group on PCV will be held. Get the Agenda/Concept note and Watch the live event!

On February 12th, starting at 3:00 PM EDT a Side Event entitled ‘‘Prevention of Violent Extremism through the Implementation of Tajikistan’s National Strategy on Countering Terrorism and Extremism (2021-2025)” Organized by UNOCT, UNRCCA and the Permanent Mission of the Tajikistan to the UN will be held. Get the Concept note!

STATEMENTS: Opening remarks by Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) 2025; February 12th.

Remarks of the Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism on the side event: Prevention of Violent Extremism through the Implementation of Tajikistan’s “National Strategy on Countering Terrorism and Extremism (2021-2025)

PUBLICATIONS: "Who supports violent extremism in developing countries? What are the common characteristics among radicalized individuals, willing to justify attacks targeting civilians? Drawing on information on attitudes toward extreme violence and other characteristics of 30,787 individuals from 27 developing countries around the world, and employing a variety of econometric techniques, this paper identifies the partial correlates of extremism. The results suggest that the typical extremist who supports attacks against civilians is more likely to be young, unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, relatively uneducated, and not as religious as others, but more willing to sacrifice own life for his or her beliefs. Gender and marital status are not found to explain significantly the individual-level variation in attitudes toward extremism. Although these results may vary in magnitude and significance across countries and geographic regions, they are robust to various sensitivity analyses. Read the full policy working paper!

Countering violent extremism while respecting the rights and autonomy of women and their communities. Issued by the 1325 Committee. At present the world is gripped with fear of rising violent extremism. Although research shows that societies that respect women’s rights are less prone to extremism, women’s rights should not be securitized and should not be seen as an instrumental tool for countering extremism. Rather, women’s rights are an end in and of themselves. Across regions, a common thread shared by extremist groups is that in every instance their advance has been coupled with attacks on the rights of women and girls—rights to education, to public life, and to decision-making over their own bodies. Counter-terrorism and CVE overlook the spectrum of roles that women play in both preventing and participating in violent extremism. The women peace and security agenda provides a framework for a de-militarized and preventive response to terrorism and violent extremism, and several recent international mandates acknowledge this correlation. The risk of co-opting and instrumentalizing women’s rights is high. Where women’s advocacy becomes too closely associated with a government’s counter terrorism agenda, the risk of backlash against women’s rights defenders, in often already volatile environments, increases. Women are also impacted by counter-terrorism tactics: securitization can increase women’s insecurity and stricter banking procedures and donor policies can impact women’s organizations adversely. As such, women are ‘squeezed’ between terrorism and counter-terrorist responses. Read the full publication!

Countering Violent Extremism Online and Offline issued by START. In the wake of devastating attacks by violent extremists around the world, policy makers have invested considerable effort into understanding terrorists’ use of the Internet as they radicalize and mobilize to violence. Read the full publication!

LIVESTREAM Observance of the 2025 International day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism.
United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Commemoration of International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025; February 11th.

FORUM: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science.“ International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025. Science in the 21st century is dynamic, collaborative and diverse, serving as a powerful tool for engaging with the world and tackling global challenges. Today, a background in science opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that extend well beyond traditional laboratory professions. Moreover, the profiles of scientists are far more varied than the conventional stereotypes suggest. From a gender perspective, pioneers like Marie Curie have demonstrated that women can shape and lead scientific disciplines, but her legacy as one of the few widely recognized female figures in science highlights the urgent need for greater progress. Therefore, this important anniversary for the IDWGS aims to reflect the expansive reach of science and celebrate the contributions of women in science worldwide. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #11February, #WomeninScience; #GirlsinScience.

EVENTS: At UNESCO Headquarters, to mark the 2025 IDWGS celebration, a special hybrid event will take place on Tuesday, 11 February; 2025 at UNESCO Headquarters under the theme: “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”. The IDWGS’ 10th anniversary will bring together Member States, early-career and accomplished scientists, stakeholders from the public and private sectors, UNESCO scientific networks and Chairs, journalists, as well as students. Explore the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science sessions!

Afternoon session (2.00 pm – 5.30 pm): Building on the UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science”, we will explore together the critical role of women in scientific innovation and discuss the need for inclusive media representation to challenge gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

Evening session (6.30 pm – 8.30 pm): The celebrations will continue at 6:30 p.m. with the screening of the documentary “Women of Science: These women who change our lives”, directed by Safia Kessas and produced by Iota Production, with the support of the Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to UNESCO. Get the agenda programme and the flyer of the event!

Building on the 2024 UNESCO Call to Action “Closing the Gender Gap in Science” and aligned with the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024 – 2033), speakers will explore two key aspects during this unique event:

Roundtable 1) Unpacking STEM Careers: The Power of Diversity and Inclusion in Shaping the Future.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds will share their inspiring journeys in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reflecting on the paths that led them to their current professional roles and the passion that drives them forward. The discussion will also highlight the critical importance of diverse perspectives, including those of women, in STEM fields, in line with the communication campaign “Imagine a world with more women in science”, launched for this special anniversary with the support of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The roundtable will emphasize the many opportunities a STEM background can provide and show that every unique journey – while embracing one’s identities – holds the keys to contribute to advancing science and building a more equitable world.


Roundtable 2) Her Voice in Science: Inspiring Change in the Media
The event will also delve into how women in science and the diversity of scientific career pathways can be more effectively represented across various forms of mass media, ranging from traditional press and broadcast media to digital and out-of-home media. Speakers will discuss how representation in the media can enhance public trust and understanding of science, while reshaping societal perceptions of gender roles within the field. Engaging with the audience, they will explore actionable next steps for building a more inclusive scientific community in the long term, where every voice is valued.

Documentary screening
Following the roundtables, the celebrations at UNESCO Headquarters will continue with the screening of the documentary “Women of Science: These women who change our lives” (“Électrons Libres : Ces femmes de science qui changent nos vies” in French), directed by Safia Kessas and produced by Iota Production, with the support of the Radio Télévision Belge Francophone (RTBF), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation to UNESCO. This documentary follows the journeys of six women scientists from across Europe, highlighting their remarkable contributions to the field and the challenges they have overcome along the way.

Expected Outcomes
Through the insights shared by panelists and their interactive engagement with the audience, the event aims to raise awareness about the critical role of women in scientific innovation and the need for inclusive media representation to challenge gender stereotypes in STEM careers. It will also provide a platform for stakeholders to take and support actionable steps in closing the gender gap in science, building on UNESCO’s 2024 Call to Action.

OTHER EVENTS: The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), co-organizing and co-sponsoring Member States, UN Agencies and Intergovernmental Organizations are celebrating the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly.

AT UNHQ - On February 11th 2025, from 10:00 – 18:00, in the Conference Room 1 (CR-1) at the UN Headquarters will be held an High-level event organized by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), the Permanent Mission of Malta and Co-organized by Permanent Missions of Antigua And Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovenia, as well as the African Union, the League of Arab States, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Intellectual Pproperty Organization (WIPO), and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The 10th edition of the International Day of Women & Girls in Science Assembly will bring together women in science leaders and experts from around the world, high-level government officials, representatives of international organizations and the private sector to discuss women leadership in achieving the three pillars of Sustainable Development, namely economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity. Recognizing the role of women and girls in science as agents of change and the importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the main theme for the 10th IDWGIS Assembly is: "Charting Progress to Shape the Future: The Best is Yet to Come". Get the concept note

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025; February 11th.

Ten years ago, the first International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognized a fundamental truth: women’s participation is essential for building a better world through science and technology. I saw that enormous potential firsthand when I was teaching engineering, and I saw the remarkable talent, creativity, and determination of countless women scientists.

Yet today, women still represent just one-third of the global scientific community. Deprived of adequate funding, publishing opportunities and leadership positions in universities, women and girls continue to face an uphill battle in building careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Look no further than the development of new digital technologies. Men dominate the field at every level—including in Artificial Intelligence. The result is a surge of biased algorithms and embedded inequality, risking a new era of digital chauvinism.

The more that women are excluded from STEM, the more we limit our collective power to address urgent global challenges, from climate change and food security to public health and technological transformation.

We can and must do more to level the playing field

By expanding scholarships, internships and mentorship opportunities to open doors for women and girls in STEM; creating workplaces that attract, retain and advance women in science; encouraging girls’ engagement in STEM from an early age; championing women leaders in science through the media; and dismantling gender stereotypes.

The Pact for the Future, agreed last September by Member States, gives renewed momentum to these goals by committing to address barriers preventing the full, equal and meaningful access for women and girls in scientific fields.

On the tenth anniversary of this important day, and as we reflect on 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, let’s help pave a path to STEM careers that women and girls deserve – and our world needs.

António Guterres; United Nations Secretary General.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Focus on the Ten years of delivery, building up and leading fruitful change.

The delegation of the republic of Malta to the UNESCO and the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT), will hold an event to celebrate the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, taking place on 11 February 2025 at UN Headquarters in New York.

This high-level event aims to assess challenges and progress toward the implementation of the outcome documents of the International Days of Women and Girls in Science endorsed by member states and inter-governmental organizations, and the role of women in science experts. The event is expected to highlight the role of women and girls in science in solving world challenges, the importance of multilingualism to facilitate the global compilation and application of scientific advancement for sustainable development, as well as the value of investment in science-based solutions for sustainable development. It will also be an opportunity to share best practices and experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, and the mobilization of partnerships, including:

• Reflection on what has been done for early start programs focused on Equity / Encouragement / Advancement of Girls in STEAM & Education;
• Drafting and implementing science policy, declaration, and relevant strategic frameworks and action plans;
• Representation of women in science in diplomacy, government, parliament, and academia;
• Women in science for economic development;
• The inclusion of people with disabilities in science education and employment;
• facilitate the global compilation and application of scientific advancement for sustainable development;
• Science-based resolutions addressing world challenges including, inter alia, water scarcity, climate action, health, and sustainable culture, where women experts have played a role;
• The implementation of national strategies related to the SDGs by women experts and professionals.

Explore the 2025 IDWGIS Concept Note and Agenda programme.

LIVESTREAM: Celebration of the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science at UNESCO and UNHQ.


Watch (Part 1) 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Watch (Part 2) 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

  

 

Women in Science for SDG-3: From Research to Practice - Side event.

This side event aims to enhance women's participation in STEM, integrating medical sciences to improve healthcare outcomes

   

Uplifting Women in STEM 

 

 An astronaut-led panel to highlight the contributions of women and girls in science, and the importance of ensuring that they are safe from gender-based violence and gender discrimination. Get the Conncept note!

 

World Pulses Day 2025; February10th.

FORUM: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems.“ World Pulses Day 2025. In 2025, the theme for World Pulses Day is: “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems” while the slogan is: “Love pulses for a healthy diet and planet”. This year’s theme will underscore the vital role of pulses in promoting diversity – both above and below the ground. When we integrate pulses into our diets and agrifood systems, we unlock a more sustainable, nutritious and equitable future. Pulses bring diversity to our agrifood systems in multiple ways: on the farm, in our diets and through value-added products. They boost biodiversity on farms by enriching cropping systems with more species. With more than 100 types of pulses available, farmers have many options for crop rotations and/or intercropping. Consumers can enjoy pulses as part of healthy diets. They are an affordable, protein-rich food source (19–25 percent protein), packed with essential minerals, high in fibre, and low in fat. These edible seeds are highly versatile and can be processed into different products, such as flour for making bread and pasta, or even protein drinks. That means they provide a range of income opportunities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldPulsesDay; #LovePulses; #10February.

EVENTS: The global celebration of World Pulses Day 2025. On Monday, February 10th; from 10:00 am to 13:00 pm GMT-5 Peru time; The FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean will organize a hybrid-event to mark the World Pulses Day 2025. The first session features the official opening of the World Pulses Day 2025 exhibition. Representatives from FAO and Peru’s Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) will inaugurate the event, followed by a tour of the exhibition. With the help of governments, the private sector, Members, partners and the general public, let’s celebrate, recognize and support the production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems and healthy diets. Register to participate to watch the webcast!

PUBLICATION: Confusion around the terms “legumes” and “pulses” has been a long-standing problem among consumers, health professionals, and researchers in the United States. The Food and Agricultural Organization defines pulses as legumes that are harvested solely as dry grain and include beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. For the first time ever, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognized and used the terminology “pulses.” Red the full publication on Terminology matters: Advancing Science to Define an Optimal Pulse Intake.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025; February 6th.

FORUM: "Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation.'' International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025. Data from about a third of the countries where the practice is still common have indicated a decline over the last three decades, with one out of three girls undergoing the practice compared to one out of two girls previously. While steps in the right direction have been taken, in 2025 alone, nearly 4.4 million girls are projected to be at risk. Positive results would need to be stepped up drastically to meet the target of ending the practice by 2030. On this important day, February 6, we urge people from every corner of the globe to unite in amplifying the message of “Stepping up the Pace.” Share your efforts and stories by tagging #Unite2EndFGM from across social media platforms and affirming the commitments. It is only through concerted efforts that we can make lasting change so that no girl has to live with fear or endure the harmful consequences of FGM. So, let’s #Unite2EndFGM. Every voice counts! 

Key messages

● Female genital mutilation violates the fundamental rights of girls, including the right to health, life, physical and mental integrity and freedom from torture.

● By strengthening alliances among grassroots activists, communities, governments, organizations and the private sector, we can build a powerful social movement that ends harmful norms, which promote the continuation of the practice.

● Every public declaration, every conversation, and every investment brings us closer to a world free from female genital mutilation, ensuring a safer and brighter future for girls.

Call to action

● Increase investment to ensure no girl is at risk of female genital mutilation: Governments, donors, and the private sector must step up financial investments to scale up of effective interventions.
● Strengthen social movements to eliminate female genital mutilation through partnerships: Expand social movements led by girls, women, survivors, youth, boys and men through strategic coalitions that amplify action to eliminate female genital mutilation.
● Centre the voices and stories of survivors: Place survivors at the heart of advocacy, policymaking, and implementation efforts. Their voices are essential to driving change.
● Advocate for accountability: Ensure countries uphold their commitment to international, regional and national human rights through regular reporting of progress in implementation of policies, strategies and interventions that protect girls at risk and provide necessary care including justice for survivors.
● Engage everyone: Ending female genital mutilation requires the collective efforts of girls, women, survivors, men, boys, youth, traditional and religious leaders, communities, governments, private sector and donors as key allies.

Key data

● An estimated 27 million  additional girls are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation by 2030 unless action is accelerated.
● Over 230 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to female genital mutilation  and need access to appropriate care services
● Every year, over 2 million girls are subjected to female genital mutilation before their fifth birthday
● Partnerships and alliances are vital to building social movements to end this harmful practice.
● Collective interventions are essential to prevent female genital mutilation and provide needed care for survivors.
● Since the inception of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in 2008, over 7 million girls and women have accessed prevention and protection services, more than 50 million people have made public declarations to abandon the practice, and over 250 million individuals were reached by mass media messaging on the issue. In the last two years, more than 2 million women and girls have initiated conversations on eliminating female genital mutilation, and more than 20,000 grassroots organizations and 112,000 community and frontline workers have worked to drive change.

EVENTS: On February 6th at 14:00 CET, the WHO will participate in a global advocacy webinar for  International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025 entitled "Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM'' The advocacy event hosted by the UNFPA – UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. The observance of the day provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice. From community leaders to health workers and family members, everyone has a role to play. This year, with the theme Step up the Pace, there is a focus on strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM. With only 5 years to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, our efforts must be faster and bolder. We must step up the pace 27 times to achieve SDG 5.3 on ending FGM. Keeping this urgency in mind. Register to participate!

Hear from global leaders, survivors, and youth advocates as we unite to #EndFGM.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025; February 6th.



Female genital mutilation is a horrific act of gender-based violence.

More than 230 million girls and women alive today are survivors of this abhorrent practice.

As one of the most brutal manifestations of gender inequality, female genital mutilation inflicts profound, lifelong physical and mental harm, carries life-threatening health risks, and violates the rights of women and girls to bodily autonomy, safety, and dignity.

Eradicating this vicious human rights violation is urgent, and it is possible.

As this year’s theme reminds us, we are making progress, but we must pick up the pace. We must strengthen global movements to break down harmful attitudes, beliefs and gender stereotypes. And we need to bolster strong partnerships between governments, grassroots organizations and survivors to supercharge efforts and eliminate this scourge by 2030.

The Pact for the Future, agreed at the United Nations last September, includes a commitment by Member States to eliminate female genital mutilation by tackling negative social norms and gender discrimination.

Let’s join forces to make female genital mutilation history and ensure a brighter, healthier, and more just future for all women and girls everywhere.

United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres.

UNFPA, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Statement on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025. 

“Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights that inflicts deep and lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars on girls and women. This harmful practice affects more than 230 million girls and women today. An estimated 27 million more girls could endure this violation of their rights and dignity by 2030 if we do not take action now.

“Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, and in response to the theme "Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation", UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO reaffirm our commitment to work together with countries and communities to end this harmful practice — once and for all.

“There is hope. Many countries have seen a decline in the prevalence of female genital mutilation. We are witnessing progress in countries like Kenya and Uganda, where collaborative action and community-led initiatives are proving that by strengthening alliances and building movements, we can accelerate change.

“Since the launch of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in 2008, and in collaboration with WHO, close to 7 million girls and women have access to prevention and protection services. Additionally, 48 million people have made public declarations to abandon the practice, and 220 million individuals were reached by mass media messaging on the issue. In the last two years, close to 12,000 grassroots organizations and 112,000 community and frontline workers galvanized to effect change at this critical juncture.

“Yet the fragility of progress made has also become starkly evident. In the Gambia, for example, attempts to repeal the ban on female genital mutilation persist, even after an initial proposal to do so was rejected by its parliament last year. Such efforts could gravely undermine the rights, health, and dignity of future generations of girls and women, jeopardizing the tireless work over decades to change attitudes and mobilize communities.

“Of the 31 countries in which data on prevalence are collected nationally, only seven countries are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending female genital mutilation by or before 2030. The current rate of progress must accelerate urgently to meet this target.

“This requires strengthened alliances among leaders, grassroots organizations, and across sectors spanning health, education, and social protection — as well as sustained advocacy and expanded social movements with girls and survivors at the centre.

“It demands greater accountability at all levels to ensure commitments to human rights are upheld and policies and strategies are implemented to protect girls at risk and provide care, including justice, for survivors. It also requires increased investment in scaling up proven interventions. We are indebted to generous donors and partners who are supporting this life-changing work and call on others to join them.

“We all have a role to play to ensure that every girl is protected and can live free from harm. Let’s step up the pace and act with urgency. The time to end female genital mutilation is now.”

UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Share your support to #Unite2EndFGM.