International Day of Older Persons 2023; October 1st.

FORUM: “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.” International Day of Older Persons 2023. 75 years ago, this year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, a monumental document in the history of human rights. Written by representatives from around the world with different legal, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, it is the first document articulating the fundamental human rights that are meant to be universally protected. In recognition of this milestone, and looking to a future that delivers on the promise to ensure that all persons, including all older persons, fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms. According to the outcomes of the Fourth Review and Appraisal of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), age-based discrimination in institutions, attitudes and practices continues to be rampant, highlighting deficiencies in the implementation of international and national frameworks for older persons. Systemic and structural barriers often exist for older persons in the context of work, standards of living, learning opportunities and access to services and resources because of ageist attitudes, discriminatory laws and policies, underfunding, and lack of accessibility and affordability, among others. This can lead to increased vulnerability of older persons to neglect, abuse and serious health issues. There are and have been numerous interventions designed to prevent and mitigate these threats to older persons which, while helpful, have not necessarily been based on a coherent and holistic approach to the human rights of older persons that is more broadly sustained. According to the outcomes of the Fourth Review and Appraisal of MIPAA, in the absence of human rights norms and standards, particularly to the situation of older persons at the international level, the ability to unpack the complexities and changing nature of discrimination and intersecting forms of inequality across the life course is limited. The work of the International Community around intergenerational solidarity has demonstrated, time and again, through various fora that intergenerational solutions, which are guided by the human rights principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment and legality, can contribute to rekindle the legacy, relevance and activism of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by empowering both youth and older persons to shift the needle of political will towards fulfilling the promises of the Declaration for all people across generations. Follow the conversations with hashtags. #1October, #UNIDOP2023, #OlderPersonsDay, #HealthyAgeing.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day of Older Persons 2023; October 1st.

This year’s International Day of Older Persons coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To realize the promise of the Declaration, we must do more to protect the dignity and rights of older persons everywhere.

Challenges abound. Ageism is rampant in societies. From the COVID-19 pandemic to poverty and climate emergencies, older persons are often among the first victims of crises.

Addressing these and other issues is a human rights imperative that will benefit everyone.

Older persons are invaluable sources of knowledge and experience and have much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development, and protecting our planet.

We must ensure their active engagement, full participation, and essential contributions – including through social and workplace policies built around their specific needs.

We must promote lifelong learning, quality healthcare, and digital inclusion.

And we must foster intergenerational dialogue and unity.

Together, let us build more inclusive and age-friendly societies and a more resilient world for all.

António Guterres 

EVENTS: The 33rd commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons will focus on the theme of “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations”. The event will put a spotlight on the specificity of older persons around the world, for the enjoyment of their rights and in addressing violations, and how the strengthening of solidarity through equity and reciprocity between generations offers sustainable solutions to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.

New York, UNHQ - On October 2nd, 2023, from 10am to 1pm at ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ. A event entitled “Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations” wil be hosted by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), NGO Committee on Ageing NY, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Group of friends of Older persons, the Permanent Mission of Argentina to United Nations; The event to observe the United Nations International Day of Older Persons 2023 is a call to action and opportunity, with globally representative experts offering a multi-stakeholder dialogue on a range of human rights of older persons and as well as on examples of policies that facilitate intergenerational solutions, taking into account a life course approach to equality, freedom and justice for all. Register to participate.

The objectives of UNIDOP 2023:

• To increase global knowledge and awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and generate commitments among all stakeholders to strengthen the protection of the human rights of current and future generations of older persons around the world;
• To share and learn from intergenerational models for the protection of human rights around the world; and
• To call on Governments and United Nations entities to review their current practices with a view to better integrate a life course approach to human rights in their work, and to ensure the active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, national human rights institutions and older persons themselves, in the work on strengthening solidarity among generations and intergenerational partnerships.

LIVESTREAM: 2023 Commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.

Geneva, UNHQ - On September 28th, 2023, from 15:30-17:00 CEST at United Nations Geneva. An Hybrid event & WebEx event entitled ‘‘Climate change induced disasters: Older persons’ preparedness and response to build forward better” was hosted by the UNECE, NGO Committee on Ageing Geneva, the Permanent missions of Portugal, Slovenia, the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), the International Psychogeriatric Association, the Global Alliance for the rights of Older person (GAROP), the International Longevity Centre (ILC) … to mark the International Day of Older Persons 2023 in UN Geneva. Please register for ONLINE participation HERE.

World Translation Day 2023; September 30th.

FORUM: ”Translation unveils the many faces of humanity.” World Translation Day 2023. Translation unveils a world of human experience, allowing us a window into cultures other than those we know. As climate and geopolitical shocks resonate across the globe, it also plays an important role in addressing threats to the peace and security, in diplomacy and multilateralism, sustainable development and humanitarian aid, human dignity and human rights. To honour International Translation Day (ITD) this year, we wish to recognise the important role that translation plays in our lives, and celebrate our shared humanity. Translators contributes to the global, cultural existence; so let’s unveil the role of translation in all its facets. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Translation, #InternationalTranslationDay; #30September, #languageprofessionals, #translators.

EVENTS: on September 30th, to celebrate the theme for International Translation Day 2023: Translation unveils the many faces of humanity; The FIT Council and the FIT Standing committees are pleased to present the International Translation Day 2023 Poster. This year’s poster will pay tribute to the many human faces and stories made visible through translation.

ABOUT THE DAY: The United Nations General Assembly established 30 September as International Translation Day to recognise the work of translation professionals Every year since 2005, the United Nations invites all its staff, accredited permanent missions staff and students from select partner universities to compete in the UN St. Jerome Translation Contest, a contest which rewards the best translations in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, as well as German, and aims to celebrate multilingualism and highlight the important role of translators and other language professionals in multilateral diplomacy. Interpreters provide simultaneous interpretation from and into the six official languages for the meetings of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council and all their subsidiary bodies. A team for a six-language meeting requires 14 interpreters: three per booth for Arabic and Chinese (because they interpret from and into those languages), and two a piece for Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. Some of the other official languages may also be working languages in the Regional Commissions.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2023; September 29th.

FORUM: “Stop food loss and waste. For the people! For the planet!”. International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2023.

The International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste makes a clear call to action to private, public entities and citizens to enhance the efficient use of natural resources, mitigate climate change, and support food security and nutrition by reducing food loss and waste. Accelerating the pace of actions to reduce Food Loss and Waste toward meeting the SDG 12.3 target, and the target set by the Global Biodiversity Framework for food waste reduction is a dire necessity to positively impact the pace of agrifood system transformation – with tangible benefits for people and planet. Follow the conversation with the hastags: #FLWday, #29September, #NotWasting, #Foodloss, #Foodwaste, #SDG12.

EVENTS: You are invited to participate to the Fourth Observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste under the theme "Stop food loss and waste. For the people! For the planet!"
Date; 29 september. 2023 

Time: 03:45 PM

Where: FAO Rome

FAO - UNEP -IBD Webinar: In Latin America and the Caribbean  - This year the day aims to promote the reduction of food losses and waste by raising awareness about the magnitude and importance of this phenomenon in social, environmental and financial matters, thus contributing to guaranteeing food security for all and reducing gas emissions. This event will bring together diverse voices in the region to promote a message of unity around the transformation of food systems, moving towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Date: September 29th, 2023

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 EST; 12:00 - 13:00 Chile; 9:00 -10:00 Mexico.

UNRIC FLWDay 2023 Event - In Brussels, Belgium,

In Brussels, Belgium, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Environment Programme are delighted to invite you to the official celebration of the Day with the title “International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste: Stop food loss and waste.

Date: 29th September, 2023
Time: 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM
Location: BE-HERE, Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 4, Bruxelles, 1020.

 For the people! For the planet!”. The event will take place at BE-HERE sustainable village on Friday 29 September 2023, from 12.30 to 1.30 PM followed by a networking moment with light lunch and drinks. The location of our event is the inspiring BE-HERE sustainable village that gives space to young Brussels-based entrepreneurs to develop their sustainable business, many of them in the agrifood sector, and putting a great emphasis on “closing the circle”.  We will enjoy the space, atmosphere and locally produced food and drinks, while getting informed about one of the major ecological challenges of our times. Registration – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction 2023 event: “REACT, TAKE ACTION AND REDUCE”.

Participation in the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction event “REACT, TAKE ACTION AND REDUCE” on September  29th, 2023 in the Bigh FARM – Rue Ropsy Chaudron 24, Anderlecht – Brussels, Belgium. To participate Register here.

1. A “debate” on food waste with international personalities and representatives of Belgian civil society.
2. A special guided tour of the Brussels aquaponic farm “BIGH FARM”
3. A culinary demonstration with ‘recycled’ food and zero waste by the committed chef Isabelle ARPIN, followed by a friendly drink and a unique tasting session.
4. Screening of the food-related fiction film co-funded by the EU “La Brigade” with François Cluzet and Audrey Lamy.

CAMPAIGN: Make not wasting a way of life. We all have a role to play! Together we can make a difference.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023; September 28th.

FORUM:" The importance of the online space for access to information." International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023.

The panel discussions will focus on the following topics:"Technology for Democracy and Sustainable Development", "Internet connectivity as an enabler of the ability to exercise rights online, with a particular focus on access to information" "Judicial and Information regulators’ perspective on accessibility and Internet connectivity". Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IDUAI, #AccesstoinfoDay, #28september, #RightToKnow, #Onlinespace.

WEBINARS: Join the United Nations Library’s virtual event in celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 on September 28th, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. ET. More information and registration 

EVENTS: This year, the global celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023 will be hold in Oxford, United Kingdom on September 28th 2023 from  9:00 am to 7;00 pm , and will center around the theme of "the importance of the online space for access to information."

OPENING - Video presenting the International Day for Universal Access to Information (2 minutes)

Moderator: Mr James Deane, Co-founder of, and consultant to, the International Fund for Public Interest Media and former Director of Policy and Learning, BBC Media Action (UK)Welcoming Remarks from Professor John Armour, incoming Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Oxford
Opening Statement from Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and United Nations
Video Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO


High-Level Roundtable: Guaranteeing Access to Information in the Age of the Internet.

The high-level roundtable "Guaranteeing Access to Information in the Age of the Internet" will discuss access to information and internet shutdowns and restrictions in the context of the Vienna Declaration adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights, in 1993. It will call on effective access to the Internet and other digital technologies for the sake of ensuring fundamental human rights.

Moderator: Mr James Deane, Co-founder of, and consultant to, the International Fund for Public Interest Media and former Director of Policy and Learning, BBC Media Action (UK)

Speakers:Mr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (UNESCO)
- Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon Minister of State (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and the UN) and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (UK)
- Mr Joe Powell, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Open Government Partnership)
- Mr John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner (UK)
- Ms Kate O'Regan, Director, Bonavero Institute of Human Rights of the University of Oxford (UK/South Africa)

- Rapporteur: Ms Anjali Bhardwaj Sharma - National Campaign for Peoples’ Right to Information (India)


Panel 1: Technology for Democracy and Sustainable Development.

Panel 1 "Technology for Democracy and Sustainable Development" (in cooperation with Access Now and Freedom Online Coalition) will shed light on the complex dynamics and evolving landscape surrounding access to information in the digital era. This theme will encompass discussions on the challenges and opportunities posed by the internet, the significance of accessing information online, and the implications of internet shutdowns and online censorship.

Moderator: Ms Mahsa Alimardani, ARTICLE 19 and Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford (Iran/Canada)

Speakers:

- Mr Kanbar Hossein Bor, Head of the Democratic Governance and Media Freedom Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK)
- Mr Brett Solomon, Executive Director, Access Now (USA)
Mr Preetam Maloor, Head of the Emerging Technologies Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU/online)
- Ms Emilar Gandhi, Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Policy Initiatives at Meta (UK/Zimbabwe)
- Mr Hilmi Ghalib, Executive Director, Yemeni Organization for Development & Technology (Yemen)

Rapporteur: Ms Ilaria Fevola, Legal Officer, ARTICLE 19 (Italy)


The Official Ceremony of Signing the UNESCO-APRM Memorandum of Understanding.
Signatories:

- Mr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication & Information (UNESCO)
è Mr Eddy Maloka, Chief Executive Officer, African Peer Review Mechanism (African Peer Review Mechanism)




Panel 2: Internet Connectivity as an Enabler of the Ability to Exercise Rights Online, with a Particular Focus on ATI

Panel 2 "Internet connectivity as an enabler of the ability to exercise rights online, with a particular focus on access to information" (in cooperation with Foianet and Article 19) will focus on the role of internet access in facilitating the exercise of rights online, and access to information. It will underscore the need for equal and unrestricted online access to foster open dialogue, diverses opinions, and the free flow of information.

Moderator: Mr. Toby Mendel, Chair, Freedom of Information Advocates Network (Canada)

Speakers:

- Ms Quinn McKew, Executive Director, ARTICLE 19 (USA)
- Ms Celeste Fernandez, Co-director, Civil Association for Equality and Justice (Argentina)
- Mr Marcelo Daher, Human Rights Officer, United Nations (OHCHR)
- Ms Mitali Mukherjee, Acting Director, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford (UK/India)
- Ms Emma Cantera, Lead on transparency and access to information, Public Governance Directorate (OECD)

Rapporteur: Mr Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director at Africa Freedom of Information Centre (Uganda)


Panel 3: Judicial and Information Regulators’ Perspective on Accessibility and Internet Connectivity.

Panel 3 "Judicial and Information regulators’ perspective on accessibility and Internet connectivity" (in cooperation with the International Conference of Information Commissioners and representatives of the judiciary) will focus on the legal frameworks and mechanisms to promote transparency, accountability, and access to information. Experts perspective will highlight the importance of fostering a conducive environment for access to information, addressing challenges and promoting best practices.

Moderator: Ms Nicole Stremlau, rofessor of the University of Johannesburg and Head of the Comparative Media Law & Policy Program, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies of the University of Oxford (South Africa)

Speakers:

-  Ms Justice Atoki Dupe, Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (Nigeria)
- Ms Helena Jäderblom, Justice and President, Supreme Administrative Court (Sweden)
- Ms Blanca Lilia Ibarra Cadena, On behalf of the International Conference of Information Commissioners and President of the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection of México (Mexico)
- Mr Ricardo C. Pérez Manrique, President, Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Costa Rica)
- Ms Lucy N’dungu, Information Commissioner, Office of the Ombudsman of Kenya (Kenya)

Rapporteur: Mr Joan Barata, Senior Legal Fellow at Justitia - Future of Free Speech (Spain).


CLOSING REMARKS

- Mr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (UNESCO)
- Ms Kate O'Regan, Director, Bonavero Institute of Human Rights of the University of Oxford (UK/South Africa)
- Mr Kanbar Hossein Bor, Head of the Democratic Governance and Media Freedom Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK)

Register to Participate to the IDUAI2023.

World Maritime Day 2023; September 28th.

FORUM: “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on.” World Maritime Day 2023. The theme reflects the organization's long history of protecting the environment from the impact of shipping via a robust regulatory framework and emphasizes its ongoing commitment to this important work. The theme 'MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on' spotlights the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which covers prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. Follow the conversation with the hashtags, #28September, #WorldMaritimeDay, #Marpol.

Statement from the IMO Secretary-General on World Maritime Day 2023; September 28th.

EVENTS: The World Maritime Day 2023 takes place on 28 September 2023. This year's World Maritime theme is "MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on".


IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum 2023. The event takes place on 28 September 2023 at IMO Headquarters, London, and online. The Forum includes topics such as: Environmental performance; reducing plastic litter from ships; supporting innovation in marine fuel production; decarbonizing the maritime sector; unlocking green finance; and partnerships and collaboration. Read more details here.



Lighting up landmarks. IMO Headquarters will be bathed in blue light in the evening of the day to promote this year's theme. IMO invites Member States, intergovernmental organizations in cooperation with IMO, and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO to lighting up landmarks. Please find the photo gallery here. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED!

 IMO invites Members States and everyone in the maritime industry to celebrate the day by using the hashtag #WorldMaritimeDay and tagging IMO on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn).



How does IMO’s marine protection treaty make a difference?


IMO's marine protection treaty, the MARPOL Convention, is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships and currently includes six technical Annexes. Learn how the treaty makes a difference in marine protection.

World Tourism Day 2023; September 27th.

FORUM: "Tourism and Green Investments.'' World Tourism Day 2023. The UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. This year we will highlight the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

Key topics to be addressed 

•How can governments promote international and private investments; and how can they improve regulations and incentives concerning human capital development? •What steps can the private sector take to address the emerging investment needs of the tourism sector vis-a-vis education? •How to motivate policymakers and investors to support increased investment in greening the tourism sector •How to accelerate climate innovation; how to invest in new technologies, business models, and practices to facilitate the emergence of new climate solutions •What are the financial investment mechanisms and instruments available to support innovation, technology and entrepreneurship? •How to promote ease of doing business, how to better develop investment policies and how to embrace new innovative financial mechanisms and solutions to address emerging and complex challenges •How to close the financing gender gap and accelerate access to capital in both domestic and international markets for women entrepreneurs.

 Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #GreenInvestments, #WTD2023.

EVENTS: The celebration of World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy. This year the country host is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ; The World Tourism Day 2023 will be observed on September 27th and September 28th in Riyadh with the theme “Tourism and Green Investments.”. Green investing consists of investment activities that focus on companies or projects committed to the conservation of natural resources. The WTD2023 observance on September 27th will start at 10:00 AM with a Presentation of UNWTO’s Global Tourism Investment Framework. The Panel Discussions will include the following subjects: THE POWER OF TOURISM: BUILDING BRIDGES., INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE: IS TOURISM GETTING THE RIGHT TALENT?, INVESTING IN OUR DESTINATIONS: THE POTENTIAL OF THE UNDISCOVERED, INVESTING IN OUR PLANET: FLYING TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, INVESTING IN OUR PROSPERITY: BRIDGING THE INNOVATION GAP, INVESTING IN OUR PROSPERITY: POWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, followed by two plenary sessions on September 28th at10:00 AM: “Public Sector Session: A Sustainable Future for Travel & Tourism.” and the ”Public-Private Sector Session: A Seamless End-to-End Travel Experience”.

COMPETIONS: From 16:00 to 16:45 will be held the ‘‘WOMEN IN TECH START-UP COMPETITION FINAL’’, an AWARD CEREMONY and an “HANDING OUT TROPHIES”.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres on World Tourism Day 2023.

Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.


Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism. And many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.


On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet.


Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.


Targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.


So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement from the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili on World Tourism Day 2023; September 27th.

Dear Friends,

It is a true pleasure to greet you on this World Tourism Day.

This is a chance to reflect on the importance of our sector.

Tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.

And it offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges – including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.

The power of tourism is enormous. But it is not a force that can be taken for granted.

Instead, it must be supported, above all with investment.

This World Tourism Day we recognize the theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

The theme could not be more timely.

2023 was the hottest year on record. And extreme weather events like heat waves could become the new normal.

Tourism needs to adapt. For this, we need to rethink how our sector is financed.

We need to make it easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.

Looking further ahead, we need investments that can empower tourism to build a better and fairer future for all.

Once again, I wish you all a peaceful and inspiring World Tourism Day.

UNWTO Secretary-General.

Concept Note - World Tourism Day 2023

Agenda Programme of the World Tourism Day 2023.

27 - 28 September | Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

General Information Note - World Tourism Day 2023.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

Celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 by joining the photo filter campaign/

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023; September 26th.

FORUM: "Towards a new vision for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation." International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023. On September 26th, We will continue to enhance public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by Nuclear Weapons and States Nuclear arsenals and the necessity for their total elimination. Its also an occasion for the world community to reaffirm its commitment to Global nuclear disarmament as a priority. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #nuclearweaponfreeworld, #26September, #NuclearArmaments, #TotalEliminationofNuclearWeapons.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023; September 26th.

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons reminds us that a peaceful future depends on ending the nuclear threat.

Geopolitical mistrust and competition have spiked the nuclear risk to Cold War levels. Meanwhile, hard-won progress over many decades to prevent the use, spread and testing of nuclear weapons is being undone.

On this important Day, we re-affirm our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and the humanitarian catastrophe their use would unleash.

This means nuclear-weapon States leading the way by meeting their disarmament obligations, and committing to never use nuclear weapons under any circumstances.

It means strengthening the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including through the Treaties on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

It means all countries that have not yet ratified the Comprehensive-Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty to do so without delay, and for those States that possess nuclear weapons to ensure a moratorium on all nuclear testing.

It means taking into account the evolving nuclear order, and addressing the blurring lines between strategic and conventional weapons and the nexus with new and emerging technologies.

Above all, it means deploying the timeless tools of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to ease tensions and end the nuclear threat. The recently launched Policy Brief on a New Agenda for Peace calls on Member States to urgently recommit to this important cause.

The only way to eliminate the nuclear risk is to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Let’s work together to banish these devices of destruction to the history books, once and for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

OTHER STATEMENTS: Letter from the President General Assembly on the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023; September 26th and Statement of the Executive Secretary of the CTBTO on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023.

EVENTS: The United Nations General Assembly will hold the high-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2023 on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 at 10.00 a.m. in Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters, New York. The high-level meeting will, inter alia, raise awareness about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination in order to mobilize international efforts towards achieving the common goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world. Further information on the programme and inscription on the list of speakers will be conveyed in due course. Delegations are encouraged to be represented at the highest possible level.

The Russian Federation announced on 21 February 2023 that it will suspend its participation in the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (“New START”).

The first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons took place at the Vienna International Center from 28 July – 11 August 2023.

The second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will take place at the United Nations Headquarters from 27 November – 1 December 2023.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023; September 23rd.

 FORUM:“A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere”. International Day of Sign Languages 2023. On this edition, the world will highlight the unity generated by our over 200 different national sign languages. Deaf communities, governments and civil society organisations continue their collective efforts - hand in hand - to foster, promote and recognise national sign languages as part of their countries’ vibrant and diverse linguistic landscapes. The Blue Light Challenge is an unique opportunity for national governments to partner with their national associations of deaf people in achieving the human rights of their deaf communities. Join us in Shining a Blue Light on Sign Languages!; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofSignLanguages, #2'3september, #SignLanguages, #IDSL,#IDWP and #BlueLight.

EVENTS: Following the success of the first Shine a blue light on Sign Languages in 2022, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is continuing the Blue Light for Sign Languages this year, aiming to highlight the unity brought by the shared experience of national sign languages. This International Day of Sign Languages 2023 event aims to unite the world, its citizens, communities and societies through the blue light. We invite all public places, public landmarks and official buildings, Presidential houses, County buildings, City Halls, and others to be spotlighted in blue light on 23 September 2023. By highlighting the blue colour on their buildings and landmarks is a reaffirmation of our joint commitment to supporting national sign languages and showing solidarity with global deaf communities. Together, we can achieve human rights and a more equal society via the use of national sign languages in all areas of life. The WFD encourages its 135 Ordinary Members, national associations of deaf people, as well its international partners and all other relevant stakeholders, to reach out to their governments officials and invite them to contribute to this Blue Light For Sign Languages Event by lighting buildings with the Blue Light.

WEBINARS: On Saturday 23 September, 2023; you are invited to Participate to the online panel discussions entitled “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere.”. The sub-themes “Declaration on the right of the deaf children.”; “ Building capacity across the world.”; “Realising "Nothing Without Us."; ”Putting Deaf People on the Agenda.”;”Achieving Sign Language Rights for All.”; “Building Inclusive Deaf Communities.’’ will be developed during the celebration of the International Week of the Deaf people 2023 from 18 to 24 September.

Today, we share the WFD’s vision of a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere. A world where deaf people are seen as a part of the natural range of human diversity, and national sign languages are celebrated and used everywhere as part of national societies. The WFD calls upon all governments to take measures to ensure at least 50% of their children and youth know their national sign languages, as a step towards building societies in which deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.

STATEMENT: Watch the statement of the World Federation of Deaf People on International Day of Sign Languages 2023; September 23rd.

When we include facial expression, body language and most importantly British Sign Language, we will be able to communicate and understand each other. Are you interested in becoming more deaf-aware? RAD provides Deaf Awareness Training. Royal Association for Deaf People.