International Day of Jazz 2025; April 30th.

FORUM: “Embodying the power of jazz to unite in our shared humanity.’’ International Day of Jazz 2025. The 14th edition of International Jazz Day will focus a Jazz Journey and will be structured around several activities: round table and concerts highlighting cultural heritage and traditions. Each year on 30 April during International Jazz Day; Communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, its future and its impact. This art is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce that Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will serve as the Global Host of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage defined as a tapestry of an Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Jazzday, #InternationalJazzDay, #30April, #SymbolizingJazz.

EVENTS: on April 30th at 4 pm (EDT) - 1 pm (PDT) - 10 pm (CET); The 2025 All-Star Global Concert will be hosted in Abu Dhabi; The city will bring musical education to local schools across the city. Higher-education institutions like Berklee Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi and other UAE-based universities will also open their doors, offering workshops and masterclasses in their lecture halls, exhibition spaces and auditoriums. Special attention will be paid to the participation of young musicians, encouraging them to cultivate their interest in music and pursue a career in jazz. The celebration entailed a 14-year anniversary All-Star Global Concert co-hosted by Herbie Hancock and others. The global celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 culminates in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India). The Additional artists announced are CLAUDIA ACUÑA, AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE, JOHN BEASLEY (MUSICAL DIRECTOR), LAKECIA BENJAMIN, TK BLUE, RICHARD BONA, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, BILLY CHILDS, MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA, SHEMEKIA COPELAND, DAR GNAWA, MANDISI DYANTYIS, ABDELLAH EL GOURD, KURT ELLING, ANTONIO FARAÒ, MELODY GARDOT, JAMES GENUS, TERREON GULLY, HERBIE HANCOCK, JAZZMEIA HORN, JEREMY IRONS (HOST), JOHNAYE KENDRICK, JK KIM, RHANI KRIJA, FEMI KUTI, ROMÁN LAJARA, MAGNUS LINDGREN, ROMERO LUBAMBO, MARCUS MILLER, YASUSHI NAKAMURA, PHILIPPE POWELL, SHARP RADWAY, TROY ROBERTS, ANTONIO SERRANO, JALEEL SHAW, JAHARI STAMPLEY, JOE LOUIS WALKER. Register to participate and watch the livestream on YouTube or Facebook!

Global Celebrations: In Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo,Trinidad and Tobago, Turkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Zambia several concert will be held. View the Jazz Day 2025 upcoming Events!

STATEMENTS: "We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city's rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz's ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents." Joint statement by the UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and Goodwill Herbie Hancock on International Jazz Day 2025; April 30th.

A series of Free online education programs will feature an array of acclaimed artists and educators presenting a multilingual selection of offerings that emphasize the richness and relevance of jazz to students of all ages.

5:00 PM UAE / 9:00 AM ET
Masterclass with Dan Tepfer (in English)

5:45 PM UAE / 9:45 AM ET
Masterclass with Melissa Aldana (in Spanish)

6:00 PM UAE / 10:00 AM ET
Arabic Masterclass and Performance with Mazen Lawand (in Arabic/English)

7:00 PM UAE / 11:00 AM ET
Timbalooloo Workshop for Kids with Oran Etkin (in English)

8:00 PM UAE / 12:00 PM ET
“The Evolution of Jazz” with the Herbie Hancock Institute Fellows and special guests Darynn Dean and Sachal Vasandani (in English)

9:00 PM UAE / 1:00 PM ET
Beyond Time: Rhythm, Improvisation and Unity with Terri Lyne Carrington & Danilo Pérez (in English)

11:00 PM UAE / 3:00 PM ET
A Conversation with Herbie Hancock and John Ridding, CEO of Financial Times Group (in English)

12:00 PM UAE / 4:00 PM ET
2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025; April 28th.

FORUM: "Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The role of AI and Digitalization at work." World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025. The theme will focus on the impacts of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on workers' safety and health. This theme will examine various new technologies through an occupational safety and health lens, including: Advanced robots; Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning; Exoskeletons; Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); Internet of Things (IoT); Virtual and Augmented Reality.The campaign will also shed light on new work practices, such as automation of tasks, big data analysis, smart digital systems and workers management through AI. New technologies have also given rise to new types of work, such as digital platform work and remote work/hybrid work/telework, which will be further examined. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #safeday25, #WorldDayofSafetyandHealthatwork, #28April, #SafeWorkingEnvironment, #HealthyWorkingEnvironment. #Rightatwork.

EVENTS: On April 28th from 13:30 to 15:30 PM GMT, The ILO commemorative event will bring together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right in the world of work. Looking at how the digital transformation of work may support safe and healthy working environments and what governments, employers and workers and other stakeholders are already doing to respond to these emerging challenges. Get ready to watch the Livestream!

STATEMENTS: Statement from ILO Director-General on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2025; April 28th.

Today is the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Every worker, every way has the right to a safe and healthy working environment.

This is a fundamental right.

And yet millions of workers around the world continue to die or injured themselves or fall sick because of work.

Too many lose their lives trying to earn a living.

We must change this.

The use of technology for good can help us to make important strides.

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies can help transform the workplace into a safer and healthier space.

Robotics, automation and AI can operate in hazardous environments and take on the most dangerous tasks like operating in extreme temperatures, handling toxic materials, or navigating disaster zones.

They can also ease physical strain, supporting caregivers in hospital, assisting with heavy lifting in construction, and reducing repetitive work in factories.

Smart sensors and digital monitoring can detect risks before accidents happen by checking air quality tracking, fatigue or alerting to unsafe movement and behaviours.

But innovation can also carry significant risks.

The rise of worker surveillance and algorithm management can threaten workers rights, dignity, and well-being.

New technologies can also introduce new risks that are not yet fully understood.

We have a responsibility, irresponsibility to and that understand safety and health risks that come with technological innovation.

We have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used for good.

That is why the digital transition must be human-centred. It must make workplace safer and healthier and more sustainable and inclusive.

On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

I call on governments, employers, workers and innovators to build a future of work that is not only smarter, but also safer and healthier.

ILO Diretor-General.

PUBLICATIONS: Explore the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Convention No. 155 and the Convention No. 187.

World Intellectual Property Day 2025; April 26th.

 

FORUM: “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP." World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Music is a universal form of creative expression and intellectual property rights play a pivotal role in supporting a vibrant and diverse music landscape. From the rhythms that invite us to dance, to the lyrics that echo our emotions, music enriches every aspect of our lives. Music is a universal form of creative expression and intellectual property (IP) rights play a pivotal role in supporting a vibrant and diverse music landscape. Music permeates every sector, and IP fosters the presence of music beyond its own realm. From film, entertainment, and technology, to fashion, video games, and consumer goods, IP rights empower cross-industry connections with music, enabling creative synergies and innovation across sectors that fuel economic growth. Even when it's not on our minds, the beat and rhythm of music and IP are always present in our lives. The theme this year highlights how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, keep a thriving music scene that benefits everyone, everywhere. This year’s World IP Day invites us to explore how IP rights and innovation policies empower creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to bring fresh ideas to the music industry, safeguarding the work of songwriters, composers, performers, and all those who shape the music that moves us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IPandmusic, #26April, #WorldIPday, #InnovationandCreativity, #IntellectualProverty, #Patents, #Trademarks, #Industrialdesign, #Innovations.

EVENTS: on 26 April, the WIPO will mark the World Intellectual Property 2025 across the globe by celebrating the contributions of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity to make music that brings people together, evokes powerful emotions, drives change, and inspires a more innovative future. Let’s come together to honor the universal language of music and the talented creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who continue to develop new sounds, styles, and technologies that shape the future of music and make us feel the beat of IP. The events will highlighting the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) in catalyzing the human innovation and creativity needed for achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore the Worldwide World IP Day 2025 celebrations and join the innovative, creative and enterprising women around the world.

Tuning in with the music of innovation and creativity, Participate to the World IP Day Youth Video Competition!

STATEMENTS: Read the full Message from WIPO Director General Daren Tang on World Intellectual Property Day 2025; April 26th.

This beautiful song is Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady. It's a song that I first listened to when I was a teenager, and it made me fall in love with jazz. And that's really the beauty of music. It accompanies you in your life, you know, in moments of joy and moments of sadness.
And when we decided to choose the theme of World IP Day this year, we wanted to do something that everyone could relate to. So we chose IP and music.
And whether you are a musician or whether you love listening to music, whether you're an innovator or creator, IP is so important to your journey to helping you to bring your ideas, your creative expressions, and your art to the world.
And so we want to make sure that this year on World IP Day, on the 26th April, we take a moment to celebrate music and creativity and innovation, to celebrate IP’s role in that, and to work together, right, in very concrete ways to help all of you, and all of these creators and musicians and artists and innovators, to remember the power of IP, the power of music, and the power of how they can come together to make the world a better place. Not just on World IP Day, on the 26th of April, but throughout the year as well.
Thank you very much.

Daren Tang.

CAMPAIGN: Promote the importance of music and IP for creators.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025; April 26th.

FORUM: “39 years since the tragedy occurred.” International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025. It is normal for people to seek an explanation for why the tragedy occurred. Through understanding, we seek to reassure ourselves that a similar event could happen again. Learn about the world's worst nuclear disaster that happened at Chernobyl by exploring the timeline of Events.

On April 25th, 1986, 1 a.m. - Chernobyl’s operators begin reducing power at reactor No. 4 in preparation for a safety test, which they have timed to coincide with a routine shutdown for maintenance. The test is supposed to determine whether, in the event of a power failure, the plant’s still-spinning turbines can produce enough electricity to keep coolant pumps running during the brief gap before the emergency generators kick in. Ironically, this safety test brings about the reactor’s destruction.

• On April 25th, 1986, 2 p.m. - Reactor No. 4’s emergency core cooling system is disabled to keep it from interfering with the test. Though this doesn’t cause the accident, it worsens the impact. At around the same time, the test and shutdown are temporarily delayed to accommodate the region’s power needs.
• On April 25, 1986, 11:10 p.m. - Operators receive permission to continue with the test and shutdown. By now, the less-experienced night shift is on the job, which purportedly never received proper instructions on how to perform the test.
• On April 26th, 1986, 12:28 a.m. - Power plummets to far below the level at which the reactor is considered stable. Operators respond by removing most of the control rods in violation of the plant’s safety guidelines, yet they still have trouble raising the power, in part due to xenon buildup in the core.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1 a.m. - The power stabilizes, albeit at a lower than preferred level, and plant supervisors order the test to proceed. The automatic emergency shutdown system and other safety features are subsequently turned off.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:04 a.m. - The test officially begins, and an unexpected power surge occurs.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:40 a.m. - An operator presses the emergency shutdown button, but the control rods jam as they enter the core.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:58 a.m. - The first explosion, to be quickly followed by at least one more, blows the 1,000-ton roof right off the reactor and shoots a fireball high into the night sky. A blackout roils the plant as the air fills with dust and graphite chunks, and radiation begins spewing out. Walls and equipment collapse, and dozens of fires start up, including one on top of the neighboring reactor. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the nuclear engineer in charge of the test insists that reactor No. 4 is still intact. He later dies of radiation poisoning.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:28 a.m. - The first firefighters arrive at the scene. They have no knowledge of the radiation and wear no protective clothing.
• On April 26th, 1986, 2:15 a.m. - Local Soviet officials convene an emergency meeting at which they decide to block cars from exiting or entering Pripyat, a nearby city that was built to house Chernobyl’s workers. Police officers assisting with the roadblock likewise have no knowledge of the radiation and wear no protective clothing.
• On April 26th, 1986, 5 a.m. - Officials shut down reactor No. 3, to be followed the next morning by reactor Nos. 1 and 2. They are re-opened months later.
• On April 26th, 1986, 6:35 a.m. - By now, all fires have been extinguished except for a blaze in the reactor core, which will burn for days.
• On April 27th, 1986, 10 a.m. - Helicopters begin dumping sand, clay, boron, lead and dolomite into the burning core in an attempt to slow radioactive emissions.
• On April 27th, 1986: 2 p.m. - After telling residents nothing about the disaster for some 36 hours, Soviet officials finally begin evacuating roughly 115,000 people from Pripyat, as well as nearby towns and villages. Residents are informed it will be temporary and that they should pack only vital documents and belongings, plus some food. Soon after, however, an exclusion zone is set up around Chernobyl that prevents their return.
• On April 28th, 1986 - Swedish air monitors detect a large amount of radiation in the atmosphere, which is traced back to the USSR. Soviet officials admit that there’s been an accident, but they falsely state the situation is under control.
• On April 29th, 1986 - Spy satellite photos provide U.S. officials with their first glimpse of the devastation wrought by the Chernobyl disaster.
• On May 1, 1986 - Soviet officials refuse to cancel the May Day festivities in Kiev, even as radiation continues to be released unabated.
• On May 4th, 1986 - Liquid nitrogen is pumped underneath the dead reactor in order to cool it. Other aspects of the cleanup, which involves up to 800,000 workers, include bulldozing contaminated villages, shooting contaminated pets and livestock, and burying huge amounts of contaminated topsoil.
• On May 6th, 1986 - Radioactive emissions drop sharply, possibly because the fire in the core has burned itself out. Meanwhile, Soviet officials finally close schools in Kiev and advise residents to stay inside and to not eat leafy vegetables.
• On May 8th, 1986 - Workers finish draining about 20,000 tons of radioactive water from the basement under the core.
• On May 9th, 1986 - Workers begin pouring concrete under the reactor, which is later encased in an enormous concrete and metal structure known as the sarcophagus.
• On May 14th, 1986 - Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks publicly about the incident for the first time, saying on state TV that "the worst is behind us."
• On August 25-29, 1986 - The International Atomic Energy Agency hosts a conference at which scientists blame the accident not just on human error and a subpar safety culture, but also on Soviet reactor design flaws.
• On December 15, 2000 - Unit 3, the last working reactor at Chernobyl, is shut down. Units 1 and 2 had been shut down in 1996 and 1991, respectively.
• On April 2006 - President Gorbachev writes that the Chernobyl disaster, "even more than my launch of perestroika, was perhaps the real cause of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since the United Nations agencies have shifted their focus from humanitarian assistance to prevention, recovery, remediation and capacity development, an integrated approach to sustainable development was adopted to address the needs of the affected regions and communities. Follow the conservations with the hashtags:#Chernobyl, #minuteofsilence, #chernobyldisasterday, #26April.

EVENTS: Minutes of silence for the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. On April 26th at 1:23:58 a.m GMT for International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025; The United Nations General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant agencies of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society to observe the day. This year, we commemorate the 39th observance of the tragedy; Participants will pay a minute of silence to the victims during the candle lighting ceremony, The survivors and dignitaries later will mark the day with a night vigil.

International Delegate’s Day 2025; April 25th.

 

FORUM: “Honoring the work of the delegates and representatives.” International Delegate’s Day 2025. The United Nations General Assembly President will address to the Permanent Missions and Observer Offices, Heads of State, Heads of Government and Ministers for Foreign Affairs , U.N. Senior officials with the 2023 Credentials Presented to the Secretary-General on the Rules and Procedure of the United Nations General Assembly.

EVENTS: High-level Meetings of the 79th Session.

On April 25th; at the UNHQ in New york and at the UN Office in GENEVA, the celebration of the International delegates Day 2025 will be held on the topic "Reflections & Vision for the Future." The delegates and representatives of all countries are invited to join the observance and share their visions.

The 2025 calendar of conferences and meetings of the United Nations is prepared by the Meetings Management Section of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. It is then reviewed by the Committee on Conferences and approved by the United Nations General Assembly.

Explore the Meetings with Security Council President and additional informations and modalities about the upcoming General Debate, the Meetings schedule, the Summaries and the conferences webcasts on UN WebTV.

PUBLICATION: Biography of H.E Philémon Yunji Yang in English, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Protocol and Liaison Service contributes to the Delegates’ Handbook, a booklet that contains information of a general nature about United Nations Headquarters and is applicable throughout the current session.

STATEMENTS: "Reflections & Vision for the Future." President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Press Statements & Remarks

World Malaria Day 2025; April 25th.

FORUM: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” World Malaria Day 2025. The WHO joins the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in – to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination as well as to develop concrete measures to overcome them. The global community recommitted to malaria in the late 1990s and, as a result, an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths have been prevented over more than two decades. But after years of steady declines, progress has stalled. Today, malaria claims an estimated 1 life every minute, with most deaths occurring in the WHO African Region. Further progress and decades of hard-won gains are in jeopardy. Extreme weather events, conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and economic stresses are disrupting malaria control efforts in many endemic countries, leaving tens of millions of people with limited access to the services they need to prevent, detect and treat the disease. Without prompt treatment, malaria can rapidly escalate to severe illness and death. It’s time to recommit to ending malaria. We have the knowledge, life-saving tools and targeted prevention, testing and treatment methods to defeat this disease. We must reinvest in proven interventions, reimagine our strategies to overcome current obstacles, and reignite our collective efforts together with countries and communities to accelerate progress towards ending malaria. We know how to end malaria. The choice is ours: act now or risk losing ground. Ending malaria is not just a health imperative; it is an investment in a more equitable, safer and prosperous future for every nation. On World Malaria Day, let’s Reinvest, Reimagine, and Reignite so that Malaria Ends with Us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldMalariaDay, #Malaria, #25April.

EVENTS: On March 25th, the World Malaria Day 2025 will be held at WHO HQ and Regional offices, During the observance the panelists, stakeholders and participant will held round-table discussion and will share experiences and reflections on the following topics: 1-Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world through: Ending discrimination and stigma; 2-Engaging communities in health decision-making; "3-Bringing health care close to where people live and work through primary health care; '4- Addressing factors that increase malaria risk; 5 - Including malaria control interventions in universal health coverage; 6- Efforts to reach the target of zero malaria.

International Girls in ICT Day 2025. April 24.

FORUM: “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation.” International Girls in ICT Day 2025. This year and every year, ITU and partners work together to inspire and encourage girls to pursue a future in ICT’s towards bridging the gender digital divide. On this day, we will encourage young women and girls to pursue their studies and careers in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other fields and help them achieve their dreams. During the day, participants will be able to listen to the most inspiring speeches and messages made by the world leaders in order to motivate future women in tech; The global celebration will include a series of events that will address different topics related to Digital Skills i.e., role models, education, mentorship, and youth participation. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #STEM, #DigitalSkills, #ICT #GirlinICT, #ICTs, #DigitalTransformation, #GirlInICTDay.

EVENTS: On April 24th around 10:30-17:30 pm (EST) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan;The event to mark the Girls in ICT Day 2025 entitled “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation” will be held. The global celebration will be part of the Regional Preparatory Meeting RPM in the CIS region for WTDC 2025. The celebration will emphasize the critical importance of achieving equal and equitable digital inclusion for ALL young women and girls, especially those in vulnerable situations, in the digital transformation process to accelerate global meaningful connectivity. The event will provide a platform for interactive intergenerational dialogue, focused on identifying concrete actions that promote gender equality and equity and will serve as a key turning point for young girls, inspiring them through the examples of women role models and the encouragement of men, to embrace ICT and pursue careers in STEM and tech field. This celebration will also be an opportunity for government officials, leaders in ICT sector, and representatives from the ITU-D Network of Women in the CIS region and beyond to come together and demonstrate a united commitment to empowering ALL girls and young women to ensure an inclusive digital transformation process and build a barrier free digital future. The seminars and workshops build onto the various initiatives of the ITU not only seek to achieve digital gender equality but also would address the importance of education and connectivity. Explore the Girls in ICT Day 2025 Programme and watch the celebration!

STATEMENTS: Statement by the ITU DBT Director-General on International Day of Girls in ICT 2025; April 24 th.

PUBLICATION: Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of ICT-Mediated Food Sharing in Japan. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been identified as potential enablers for alternative forms of sharing surplus food to prevent food loss and waste. Food sharing platforms can also provide an entry point to the sustainability transition by encouraging its users to confront the systemic causes of unsustainable and inequitable food systems. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges of ICT-mediated food sharing platforms in Japan. A comparative case study of 10 food sharing platforms operating in Japan was drawn from a web content analysis and semi-structured interviews. A consumer-side analysis was conducted, based on a Japan-wide survey of 10,000 respondents, to understand consumers’ general attitudes towards ICT-mediated food sharing and identify key challenges and drivers for its expansion. This paper provides initial contributions to understanding the Japanese experience of ICT-mediated food sharing from both the supply and consumption sides. All investigated food sharing platforms embedded food waste reduction and sustainable objectives in their mission. However, a consumer-side survey suggests that participation in food sharing was mainly driven by price consciousness and convenience orientation. Distrust towards the safety of redistributed food and reluctance to engage in a sharing community were some of the main barriers identified to food sharing. Highlighting convergences and divergences between platforms and consumers was key to starting developing intervention designs towards expanding online food sharing and leading consumers’ behaviour change. Read the full publication!

International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025; April 24th.

FORUM: “The Transformative Power of Unity: Advancing Multilateralism and Diplomacy for a Better Future of Peace and Development for Al.” International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025. As the world gathers to celebrate the achievements of multilateralism and diplomacy, which has its best representation in the United Nations, humanity, and particularly the peoples of the Global South, suffers from the consequences of a global crisis with multiple dimensions, including, among others, in the climate, food, energy and finance fields, which, coupled with the negative impacts of ongoing wars and protracted conflicts, such as the one in the Gaza Strip, is only keeping us off track from honoring our pledge of leaving no one behind and ensuring the attainment, by 2030, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In many cases, the lack of progress in effectively and comprehensively redressing such challenges and threats, despite being common, although with different levels of intensity, is derived from either of the following ones, which, at its very core, has differing understanding of core values, such as international cooperation and solidarity:

• Lack of willingness to engage, compromise and/or accommodate divergent views, positions and priorities;
• Assumption of a zero-sum mentalities and departure from consensus-building approaches;
• Resort to supremacist, punitive, divisive or confrontational approaches
• and/or measures;
• Non-fulfillment of international obligations and commitments, coupled with selective approaches and/or accommodative interpretations of the provisions of the UN Charter, as part of efforts to impose a so-called “rules-based order” that, insofar as unknown and vague, may only serve agendas of a dubious nature; or
• Resort to group unilateralism, when real and genuine multilateralism – inclusive and consultative – is perceived as not necessarily serving the purpose and/or interests of certain States.

Against this backdrop, and taking into account the persistent polarization and continued geopolitical tensions in international relations, a transformation of current diplomacy seems increasingly imminent. But not just any transformation. The diplomacy of the future – which shall necessarily still be rooted in the UN Charter and the norms of international law collectively developed over the past 79 years – must also be able to support global efforts for overcoming both growing and common challenges and threats that humanity is currently facing in multiple areas, and in which the central role of States is critical.
The United Nations, an intergovernmental Organization established in 1945 from the shatters of World War II, is at the service of its Member States for reaching agreements and taking collective decisions. Its founding Charter clearly establishes that the United Nations is a “centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends”, in order to “take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace”, to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples”, and to “achieve international cooperation”. To this end, the United Nations must, in particular, work to solve “international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character” and develop “respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all”. Nevertheless, there is a growing tendency to resort to policies and methods that seek to suppress developing States and their needs. For instance, there is an increasing recourse to unilateralism, whether in the form of group unilateralism or unilateral, protectionist and/or isolationist measures; to attempts aimed at imposing a so-called “rules-based order” that not only remains vague, but which has never been agreed upon and has the potential to undermine both the rule of law at the international level and the very tenets of the UN Charter; and to efforts aimed at replacing, minimizing or equating the central and leading role of States, in the context of intergovernmental processes and debates, particularly at the United Nations, with that of non-State actors, especially nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), which are largely based in and financed by the developed world. With respect to the latter phenomenon, while acknowledging the contribution that relevant stake-holders may indeed have to specific processes and conversations at the United Nations, we ought to note how striking it is to see that multilateralism is being slowly – yet effectively – replaced by multi-stakeholderism; an approach that ultimately dilutes the role of States, especially those in the Global South, diminishing their voice and their chances of really making meaningful contributions and ultimately having a significant impact on critical debates and decision-making processes on issues that, no doubt, will have an incidence on the lives of their peoples and the future of their nations. Hence, as things stand, multilateralism, far from being revitalized, strengthened or reinvigorated to better respond to the challenges of the 21st century, it is being threatened by growing trends and challenges that detract from the participation of developing States and make it nearly impossible to achieve the goals we have set ourselves, particularly the realization of that other possible world of peace and prosperity a reality for all. With world leaders set to convene at the UN Summit of the Future this September to reaffirm their dedication to peace, sustainable development, and protection of human rights, the importance of multilateralism and diplomacy is more paramount than ever. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayforMultilateralismandDiplomacyforPeace; #24April; #MultilateralismDay; #DiplomacyDay.

EVENTS & CONFERENCES: Special event entitled ’’The Transformative Power of Unity: Advancing Multilateralism and Diplomacy for a Better Future of Peace and Development for Al.” You are invited by the Group of friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations to participate to the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025 commemorative event. The event will take place on April 24th, this year’s commemoration of the “International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace” provides States, particularly those from the Global South, an opportunity to, among others, reiterate the need to return to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in order to consider a future of diplomacy that is viable and acceptable for all and that serves the overall purpose of realizing peace worldwide, for both present and future generations, while reaffirming our commitment to multilateralism and our pledge of ensuring that it be truly inclusive. This commemorative Special Event aims to gather, among others, the Heads of the Principal Organs of the United Nations, as well as high-level representatives from Member States and Observers to the United Nations to engage in a frank and open discussion on how to strengthen and make truly more inclusive the multilateral system, on how to ensure strict compliance and adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, in both its letter and spirit, and on how to balance the participation of relevant stakeholders in some of the intergovernmental discussions within the framework of the three pillars of the United Nations, while ensuring that the inter-governmental nature of the Organization and the leading and the central role of States is preserved. Get the flyer and watch the livestream!

WEBCASTS: Listen the panelists of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025!

PUBLICATION: The United Nations have launched a report entitled “Effective Multilateralism.” that outlines an ambitious plan to strengthen the multilateral system, ensuring it is better positioned to address current and future challenges – from the climate crisis to rising inequality, lack of finance for sustainable development, and increasing threats to democracy and stability.

STATEMENT: Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter statement.

LIVESTREAM: Special event entitled "The Transformative Power of Unity: Advancing Multilateralism and Diplomacy for a Better Future of Peace and Development for All" to commemorate and promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace 2025

Related Documents: Event Flyer

World Book and Copyright Day 2025; April 23rd.

FORUM: “Exploring the world: One page turn at a time.” World Book and Copyright Day 2025. Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, broaden our horizons, and promote open and inclusive societies. For this occasion let’s highlight the Copyright and Related Rights of authors. The UNESCO Regional offices invite students, teachers, and readers from around the world, as well as the whole book industry and library services, to testify and express their love for reading. Activities will include readings of books and plays; the distribution of bookmarks; the announcement of the winners of literary competitions. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #reading, #WorldBookDay, #CopyrightDay,#WorldBookCapitalCity #23april, #WorldBookandCopyrightDay.

EVENTS: At UNESCO Headquarters; On april 23rd, to mark the World Book and Copyright Day 2025; A symposium will be hold. The UNESCO World Book Capital for 2025 is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The designation was announced by the UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay. The year of celebrations will start on April 23rd, on World Book and Copyright Day 2025 with the opening of the World Book Capital. The city will host the Unesco "World Book Capital" label, awarded each year to a city that is committed to promoting books and reading in all its forms. UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee commended Rio de Janeiro’s demonstration of the importance of its literary heritage alongside a clearly defined vision and action plan to promote literature, sustainable publishing and reading among young people tapping into digital technologies. This is the first time that a Portuguese-speaking city has been designated World Book Capital. In line with priorities expressed in the World Book Capital Charter, Rio de Janeiro conceives its project as having the ability to affect social change – through, for example, literacy, education and poverty eradication – and bring sustainable economic benefit linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Register to Participate!

ACTIVITIES: Join the community of readers for the World Book Day bookfaceChallenge! In such circumstances, we invite students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services to testify and express their love for reading by participating to this challenge. Register to participate to the event.

WEBINARS: The right technology can remove barriers to knowledge. For example the Technology from Sage is a curated suite of library technologies that advance teaching, learning and research - from managing reading lists to discovering online resources and reference management. Request a demo!

Librarian Futures Part I: Reading and authoring

Give library patrons an easy and intuitive way to discover, read, annotate, write and share research with an award-winning online reference management tool. With intuitive and customizable features that enable collaboration, Sciwheel is where research comes together.


Librarian Futures Part II: The Knowledge Gap Between Librarians and Students.

Read the new report in our Librarian Futures series that shares research findings about contrasting librarian and student perspectives on the undergraduate workflow.


Librarian Futures Part III: The Librarian Skills Landscape.

Read the latest report in our Librarian Futures series which explores insights from over 2,000 academic library professionals on actionable strategies for skills and career development.

STATEMENTS: ‘‘After all, behind every book there is an entire chain of know-how and skills which has led to its creation. On this day, UNESCO invites you not only to celebrate reading and culture, but also to make a commitment to their support. ‘‘ Read the message of the UNESCO Director-General, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day 2025, April 23rd in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese.

PUBLICATION: UNESCO's World Book Policy and its Impacts. In order to promote the pleasure of books and reading, UNESCO is organizing a collection of books for the benefit of Libraries Without Borders (LWB), an NGO which helps to promotes access for vulnerable populations to education, culture and information. Learn more about the Books for All: a Programme of Action.