The International Days in November 2013.

The United Nations Observances during the month of November. INTERNATIONAL WEEKS. 11–17 November (The week in which 11 November falls) International Week of Science and Peace A/RES/43/61 INTERNATIONAL YEARS. International Year of Water Cooperation A/RES/65/154 International Year of Quinoa A/RES/66/221   INTERNATIONAL DAYS.

6 Nov.	International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict	A/RES/56/4
10 Nov.	World Science Day for Peace and Development [UNESCO]	—
12 November.	World Pneumonia Day [WHO]	—
14 Nov.	World Diabetes Day [WHO]	A/RES/61/225
16 Nov.	International Day for Tolerance	Resolution 5.61 of the 28th session of the UNESCO General Conference A/RES/51/95
16 Nov.	World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day [WHO]		—
18 Nov.	World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims [WHO]	A/RES/60/5
19 Nov.	World Toilet Day	A/67/L.75 (draft)
20 Nov.	Universal Children’s Day	—
20 Nov.	Africa Industrialization Day	A/RES/44/237
21 Nov.	World Philosophy Day [UNESCO]				—
21 Nov.	World Television Day	A/RES/51/205
25 Nov.	International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women	A/RES/54/134
29 Nov.	International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People	A/RES/32/40B

Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18

Message from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "This year’s commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day comes at a moment of deep reflection on the life and work of Madiba, as the universally revered leader remains in the hospital."



Share this image to say you stand for freedom, justice and democracy.

Nelson Mandela’s achievements came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his own nation, South Africa, but made the world a better place for all people, everywhere… He showed the way. He changed the world.

- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Take Action!  Inspire Change

Can you spare 67 minutes of your time helping others?
Every year, on Mandela Day, people around the world are asked by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to do just that.
By devoting 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mr. Mandela’s public service – people can make a small gesture of solidarity with humanity and a step towards a global movement for good.
UN staff around the world have made a difference through a variety of activities in the past – from offering school supplies to children, to preparing meals for the elderly, helping out in an orphanage, cleaning up parks, and delivering computer literacy workshops.
In New York, UN staff will volunteer their time on 17 and 18 July 2013 to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Sandy last fall.
Last year, staff from UN Headquarters in New York volunteered at the Bowery Mission, preparing and serving food to homeless men and women.
In New York, the previous year, visitors to the Nelson Mandela International Day interactive exhibit at UN Headquarters were invited to make their own pledge to devote 67 minutes of their time to public service.
If you would like to donate your own time to public service, here are some things you can do to take action and inspire change:

• Make a new friend. Get to know someone from a different cultural background. Only through mutual understanding can we rid our communities of intolerance and xenophobia.
• Read to someone who can’t. Visit a local home for the blind and open up a new world for someone else.
• Help out at the local animal shelter. Dogs without homes still need a walk and a bit of love.
• Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them, or help them with their interview skills.
• Many terminally ill people have no one to speak to. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunshine into their lives.
• Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to do so too.
• Take someone you know, who can’t afford it, to get their eyes tested or their teeth checked.
• Donate a wheelchair or guide dog, to someone in need.
• Buy a few blankets, or grab the ones you no longer need from home and give them to someone in need.

To see all 67 suggestions for action, visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation site.

United Nations Observances for March

March :

8 March,
International Women's Day.

20 March,
International Day of Happiness.

21 March,
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
-
World Poetry Day [UNESCO],
-
International Day of Nowruz,
-
World Down Syndrome Day,
-
International Day of Forests and the Tree,

22 March,
World Water Day.

23 March,
World Meteorological Day [WMO].

24 March,
World Tuberculosis Day.
-
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

25 March,
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
-
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

Complete list of UN Observances

Learn how the United Nations makes a difference with the UN Calendar of Observances.

United Nations Calendar
 

This free iOS app features official United Nations observances and links to related videos and further information. It also illustrates how the UN makes a difference in tackling global challenges.

The UN Calendar can store UN observances in the native calendar, or it can be used independently.

Secretary-General's message on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

War and armed conflict shred the fabric of sustainable development.  They expand poverty, stunt opportunity and undermine fundamental human rights.  No conflict-affected country has yet achieved a single Millennium Development Goal.  As we look beyond the 2015 MDG deadline, we must recognize peace and security as a critical “fourth dimension” of sustainable development.
We must also acknowledge that durable peace and post-conflict development depend on environmental protection and good governance of natural resources.  There can be no peace if the resource base that people depend on for sustenance and income is damaged or destroyed – or if illegal exploitation finances or causes conflict.
Since 1990, at least 18 violent conflicts have been fuelled by the exploitation of natural resources such as timber, minerals, oil and gas.  Sometimes this is caused by environmental damage and the marginalization of local populations who fail to benefit economically from natural resource exploitation.  More often it is caused by greed.
In Afghanistan, some have voiced fears that recently discovered mineral deposits – worth an estimated trillion US dollars – could perpetuate civil conflict.  In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rich reserves of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold that could be used to raise standards of living for millions of people are instead being used to finance armed groups and prolong violence.  And throughout Africa, elephant populations are being decimated to feed the global illegal ivory trade, which in turn is funding rebels, criminal networks and other destabilizing forces.
To date, six United Nations peacekeeping missions have been mandated to support the host country’s ability to re-establish control over its resource base and stop illicit extraction by armed groups.  However, we need a greater international focus on the role of natural resource management in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to sustainably managing and safeguarding vital natural resources in times of peace and war.  Let us do more to prevent conflicts over natural resources and maximize their benefits for maintaining and building peace.  The resource curse must no longer be allowed to undermine the security of fragile and conflict-affected states and the foundations of sustainable development.

COMING UP ON NOVEMBER

November

6 November
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

10 November
World Science Day for Peace and Development [UNESCO]

12 November
World Pneumonia Day [WHO]

14 November
World Diabetes Day [WHO]

15 November
(Third Thursday in November)
World Philosophy Day [UNESCO] 

 

16 November
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day [WHO]
& International Day for Tolerance

 

17 November
(Third Sunday in November)
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims [WHO]

20 November
Universal Children’s Day
& Africa Industrialization Day 

 

21 November
World Television Day

 

25 November
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 

 

29 November
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Complete list of UN Observances

October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child

United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child,  October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child,  
Press Conference: Launch of a new report on child marriage by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Speakers: Mr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

September - United Nations Observances

September

8 September
International Literacy Day [UNESCO]

10 September
World Suicide Prevention Day [WHO]

15 September
International Day of Democracy

16 September
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

21 September
International Day of Peace

27 September
World Tourism Day [UNWTO] | World Maritime Day [IMO]

28 September
World Rabies Day [WHO]

29 September
World Heart Day [WHO]

Complete list of UN Observances

International Day against Nuclear Tests 2012

International Day against Nuclear Tests - 29 August Commemorating the International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2012 Events 2012

 PROGRAMME Informal Meeting of the General Assembly to mark the Observance of the International Day against Nuclear Tests

The Meeting is convened by the President of the 66th session of the General Assembly, His Excellency Mr. Nassir Abdelaziz Al-Nasser and organized in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 Date: Thursday, 6 September 2012 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Venue: Conference Room 4, North Lawn Building, UN Headquarters, New York

 Opening statements by: H.E. Nassir Abdelaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th session of the General Assembly H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Timur Zhantikin, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan High-Level Panel on the Role of the United Nations in Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation The official opening ceremony will be followed by a High-Level Panel on the Role of the United Nations in Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. The panelists are expected to cover some key issues, including necessary steps for further progress on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the establishment of further nuclear-weapon-free zones, confidence building and other relevant concerns.

 Moderator: Dr. Randy Rydell, Senior Political Affairs Officer, Office of the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs General observations: H.E. Tibor Tóth, Executive Secretary, Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization The invited panel speakers include: H.E. Ambassador Susan F. Burk, Special Representative of the President of the United States for Nuclear Nonproliferation, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation H.E. Ambassador Jim McLay, Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations H.E. Ambassador Gary Quinlan, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, Representative of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mr. John Burroughs, Executive Director, Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy The panel will be followed by statements and questions and answers from Member States. Entry: Delegates, NGOs and members of the media are welcome to attend. Those without a UN Grounds pass may contact: +1 (212) 230-1900, ext. 322. Download the Press Release PDF document

Statement by the Press Secretary on World Humanitarian Day 2012

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

August 19, 2012

Statement by the Press Secretary on World Humanitarian Day

On this fourth annual World Humanitarian Day, the United States joins the international community in honoring the courage and commitment of the dedicated aid workers who devote their lives to serving their fellow human beings, regardless of who they are and where they are, often in extremely dangerous circumstances.
From Syria to the Sahel, Yemen to Sudan, the eastern Horn of Africa to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, these unarmed aid workers risk their lives to provide life-saving assistance to millions of men, women and children. When disaster strikes, local and international humanitarians are often the first on the scene.
Today we also honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to others. In the past fifteen years, more than 1,000 humanitarian workers have lost their lives while helping innocent civilians in times of conflict and suffering. Since last August, 272 aid workers have been killed, injured or kidnapped. As armed groups increasingly target humanitarians, the United States condemns any effort to harm aid workers and demands that they be given the access they need to reach those in need and save lives.
As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day today, the Syrian regime continues to brutally attack its citizens and restrict the delivery of humanitarian aid to over 2.5 million people in need. Last weekend, the Government of Sudan signed a possible agreement of humanitarian access to Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, where over 665,000 people are in need. We strongly urge the Syrian and Sudanese governments to provide unfettered access to help those in need of urgent humanitarian aid.
Around the world, every humanitarian aid worker must be free to serve without fear for their safety, and every human being must be able to pursue their aspirations in peace, dignity and security.
###

International Youth Day - August 12

“Today's generation of youth – the largest the world has ever known, and the vast majority of whom live in developing countries – has unprecedented potential to advance the well-being of the entire human family,” Mr. Ban said in a message for the Day, which falls on 12 August.

2012 Theme: "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices"

The focus of this year’s International Day is "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices".
The theme aims to highlight the importance of indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging indigenous peoples' identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.
A special event at UN Headquarters in New York on 9 August will feature speakers and videos of indigenous media organizations, with a live webcast. On Twitter, use #UNIndigenousDay for regular updates and for sending questions to panel members in the days leading up to and during the event.

 

 2012 Theme: "Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices"

 

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, 9 August

IMO | Thank seafarers on 2012 Day of the Seafarer - “it came by sea, I can’t live without it!”

25 June 2012, the international Day of the Seafarer,

Day of the Seafarer 2012 IMO | Thank seafarers on 2012 Day of the Seafarer - “it came by sea, I can’t live without it!”

Secretary-General's Message for World Refugee Day 2012

More than 42 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes and communities. More than a million fled their countries in the last eighteen months alone due to a wave of conflicts, in Côte d'Ivoire, Libya, Mali, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. These numbers represent far more than statistics; they are individuals and families whose lives have been upended, whose communities have been destroyed, and whose future remains uncertain.

World Refugee Day is a moment to remember all those affected, and a time to intensify our support. Four out of five refugees are in developing countries, and have benefitted from the remarkable generosity of host countries that themselves face serious deprivations. The Islamic Republics of Pakistan and Iran host the largest number of refugees, with over two and half million between them. Tunisia and Liberia are also among countries that, despite their own national challenges, maintained open borders and shared scarce water, land and other resources for those suffering the impact of armed violence. Kenya’s third biggest city is a refugee camp and hosts over half a million Somalis, many in their third decade of exile. Niger, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso — suffering famine and drought — now host some 175,000 refugees fleeing conflict in Mali. These countries cannot be left to shoulder this burden alone. The United Nations — and in particular the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees — is working to address all of these challenges, while also providing protection and assistance to 15.5 million persons displaced within their own countries. We are also focusing on preventing and reducing statelessness. But humanitarian assistance is not enough.

 The recent UNHCR Global Trends report shows that displacement is outpacing solutions. We must work together to mobilize the political will and leadership to prevent and end the conflicts that trigger refugee flows. Where security is restored, we must address the underlying causes of conflict, allowing sustainable refugee return through access to livelihoods, services and the rule of law. Despite budget constraints everywhere, we must not turn away from those in need. Refugees leave because they have no choice. We must choose to help.

 Ban Ki-moon

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare - 29 April

Secretary-General's Message for 2012

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare - 29 April

The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is an occasion to mourn those who have suffered from these inhumane arms and to renew our resolve to eradicate them from our world.
When we remind the world of the agony inflicted by chemical weapons, we present the most compelling case for permanently outlawing them and establishing and verifying, through the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), a comprehensive and legally binding ban.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the entry into force of the CWC. Today, with 188 State Parties representing 98 per cent of the world’s population, the Convention is standing strong. I call on the eight States remaining outside the Convention to join at the earliest possible date. There is no excuse for delays in ridding our planet of these instruments of suffering and death.

Through strong provisions, the Convention provides an effective international regime to verify the destruction of all chemical weapons stockpiles and to prevent their re-emergence. This will reduce the threat of chemical weapons terrorism and strengthen the work of the United Nations to prevent the use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists.

The extended deadline for States parties to complete the destruction of chemical weapons is 29 April. Almost three quarters of all declared stockpiles have been destroyed. I welcome efforts by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to ensure that all chemical weapons are destroyed as soon as possible.

The OPCW is also continuously monitoring the chemical industry in an effort to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons. So far, the Organisation has conducted 2200 inspections in 82 countries.
As we welcome the Convention’s achievements, we never let the memory of the victims fade. This Day is a time to remember them in the most meaningful way possible: by pledging to ensure that future generations never endure the scourge that these human beings suffered.

Ban Ki-moon

United Nations Observances - Coming Up this month

1 October
International Day of Older Persons

2 October
International Day of Non-Violence

3 October
World Habitat Day

5 October
World Teachers’ Day [UNESCO]

9 October
World Post Day [UPU]

10 October
World Mental Health Day [WHO]

13 October
International Day for Disaster Reduction

15 October
World Sight Day [WHO]

 
16 October
International Day of Rural Women

16 October

World Food Day [FAO]

17October 

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

24 October

United Nations Day

24 October
 World Development Information Day

27 October 

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage [UNESCO]

Click here
(Complete list of UN Observances)