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.

 

International Day of Peace 2023; September 21st.

 FORUM: “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals.” International Day of Peace 2023. This year’s theme is a call to action to recognize our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will create a culture of peace for all. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Peaceday, #sustainingpeace, #InternationalDayofPeace, #21September.

EVENTS: Peace Bell Ceremony on the Occasion of the 42nd Anniversary of the International Day of Peace at United Nations Headquarters. The programme will begin with the traditional Peace Bell Ceremony in the Peace Garden at 9:00 a.m. EDT. At that event, the U.N. Secretary-General and the General Assembly President will ring the Peace Bell. 

The International Day of Peace Youth Event 2023 's theme, "Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals," underscores the imperative for both individual and collective responsibility in urgently nurturing peace.

A youth choir from Brooklyn, New York, sings at the event.

STATEMENTS: Watch the statement of the U.N. Secretary-General Message for the International Day of Peace 2023; September 21th.

In his message for the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the crises facing both people and the planet, including conflicts leading to significant displacements, severe natural disasters like fires and floods, rising temperatures, and persisting issues related to poverty, inequality, and injustice. Additionally, he noted the presence of mistrust, division, and prejudice in contemporary society. The Secretary-General emphasized the core theme of this year's International Day of Peace, stressing that peace is not a passive state but a consequence of deliberate actions. He called for proactive measures to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring inclusivity and equity. Moreover, he advocated for action to combat the ongoing environmental crisis, safeguard natural resources, and protect human rights and dignity, especially as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration in diffusing tensions and resolving conflicts, issuing a compelling call for global commitment to actively promote and maintain peace for the benefit of all humanity.

GET INVOLVED: Act for our common future.

Embrace the possible. That’s the call of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint for a better world. We don’t have to wait for the future we want—we can create it right now. Everyone can join the global movement for change. ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals.

International Equal Pay Day 2023; September 18th.

FORUM: “Equal pay for work of equal value.” International Equal Pay Day 2023. During the day, we will celebrate achievements and discuss the challenges on the way to achieving equal pay as well as provide an opportunity for you to make a new equal pay pledge. Across all regions, women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 20% globally. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls continue to be held back owing to the persistence of historical and structural unequal power relations between women and men, poverty and inequalities and disadvantages in access to resources and opportunities that limit women’s and girls’ capabilities. Progress on narrowing that gap has been slow. While equal pay for men and women has been widely endorsed, applying it in practice has been difficult. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote decent work and economic growth by seeking full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Mainstreaming of a gender perspective is crucial in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achieving equal pay is an important milestone for human rights and gender equality. It takes the effort of the entire world community and more work remains to be done. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #EqualPayDay, #GenerationEquality, #SDG5, #EqualPay and #18September.


Opening statement of UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous to the second regular session of the Executive Board, held in UN Headquarters, 12 September 2023.

EVENTS: You are invited attend a High-Level Pledging Event to mark International Equal Pay Day 2023 on Monday, September 18th from 6 to 8:30pm EDT at the w. Westin New York Grand Central. The event entitled :“Standing up for equal pay – celebrating achievements and understanding challenges,”, aims to give countries an opportunity to make new equal pay pledges. It is organized by the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), which is led by the International Labour Organization , the UN Women, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

WEBINARS: A OECD EMnet-EPIC Webinar entitled ‘‘How companies can move the needle through the equal pay international coalition.” was held on Monday, September 11th, from 15:00 – 16:00 CEST | 9:00 – 10:00 EDT; This online event will feature discussions on the collaborative efforts led by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UN Women, and the OECD to champion the principle of achieving equal pay for women and men worldwide, along with the pivotal role of the private sector in committing to this target .Register to participate.

World Patient Safety Day 2023; September 17th.

FORUM: "Engaging patients for patient safety.'' World Patient Safety Day 2023. The theme this year focus on the recognition of the crucial role patients, families and caregivers in the safety of health care. Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction and health outcomes. By becoming active members of the health care team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and that of the health care system as a whole. Patient and family engagement was embedded in the Resolution WHA72.6 – “Global action on patient safety” and the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030 as main strategies for moving towards eliminating avoidable harm in health care. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #17September, #worldpatientSafetyDay, #PatientSafety, #HealthForAll, #Engagingpatients.

EVENTS: On and around September 17th, 2023, to mark World Patient Safety Day 2023, the WHO will organize a wide range of activities and will host a global virtual event. Celebrations will include lighting up of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau in orange colour. Member States and partners are invited to participate in the global campaign by pledging to implement the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm, organizing activities, holding events and lighting up iconic monuments in orange in support of medication safety. Through the slogan “Elevate the voice of patients!”, WHO calls on all stakeholders to take necessary action to ensure that patients are involved in policy formulation, are represented in governance structures, are engaged in co-designing safety strategies, and are active partners in their own care. This can only be achieved by providing platforms and opportunities for diverse patients, families, and communities to raise their voice, concerns, expectations and preferences to advance safety, patient centeredness, trustworthiness, and equity.

An estimated one in every 10 patients experience harm in health care facilities, and each year, there are more than three million deaths globally due to unsafe health care. Most of the patient harm is preventable, with patient and family engagement being one of the most important strategies for reducing harm.

Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2023

1. Raise global awareness of the need for active engagement of patients and their families and caregivers in all settings and at all levels of health care to improve patient safety.
2. Engage policy-makers, health care leaders, health and care workers, patients’ organizations, civil society and other stakeholders in efforts to engage patients and families in the policies and practices for safe health care.
3. Empower patients and families to be actively involved in their own health care and in the improvement of safety of health care.
4. Advocate urgent action on patient and family engagement, aligned with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030, to be taken by all partners.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2023; September 16th.

FORUM: "Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change". International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2023.

This year World Ozone Day is held under the theme Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change. Today, we celebrate the achievements of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This year’s theme highlights and reiterates the positive impact of the Montreal Protocol on ozone layer recovery and reducing climate change. Especially emphasizing the Kigali Amendment, which through the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improved efficiency in the cooling sector, will provide additional climate mitigation benefits. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #16September, #WorldOzoneDay, #MontrealProtocol, #KigaliAmendment, #Ozonelayer, #climatechange.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2023; September 16th.

The international treaties to protect the ozone layer have made a dramatic and measurable difference to protecting people and planet. They show the power of multilateralism. And they should inspire hope that, together, we can avert the worst of climate change and build a sustainable and resilient world.

Limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible if we immediately and drastically accelerate climate action. I have proposed a Climate Solidarity Pact and an Acceleration Agenda to help achieve this. I urge all leaders to work together to put them into effect – and to support these efforts by getting behind the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and limiting planet-heating hydrofluorocarbons.

Fully ratifying and implementing the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. Combining the transition away from planet-heating gases with energy efficiency measures in cooling equipment could double this figure.

I call on all countries to ratify the Amendment. And I urge governments, along with business leaders, civil society, academia, youth groups, local communities, and others, to intensify efforts to bring about real change, and to ensure developing countries have the support they need to do so.

Let’s harness the spirit of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol to build a world where humans, nature and the planet thrive together.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement by the United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director for World Ozone Day 2023.

EVENTS: Joins a group of speakers on September 16th to mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2023 and to talk about the 'Implementation of HFC phase down as per Kigali Amendment'. Register to participate to the webinar!

Activities by Parties/Countries

• Lebanon: Video
• Poland: World Ozone Day Pullout 1 | World Ozone Day Pullout 2 | World Ozone Day Pullout 3 | World Ozone Day Pullout 4
• Spain: Poster | Video | The UN Secretary-General´s message (Spanish)

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

The UNEP Ozone Secretariat has prepared a social media package in six languages, including cards, videos, and suggested messages, available on this Trello board.

International Day of Democracy 2023; September 15th.

FORUM: "Empowering the next generation." International Day of Democracy 2023.

This year’s theme will focus on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.

Young people are the current and future custodians of democracy

An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Creating an environment in which young people feel their voice counts is crucial. Young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis. It is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come.

Climate justice and democracy

The effects of the climate crisis on the physical environment are today impossible to ignore, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a challenge to democracy: growing food insecurity, migration, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are driving conflict and weighing on the minds of voters. Young people around the world have shown that they are extremely concerned about the climate crisis; in recent years hundreds of thousands of school age children, frustrated by the pace of negotiations to cut fossil fuel emissions, have taken part in large-scale marches, strikes, and protests. Calls for climate justice have also been a feature of these demonstrations: young people realize that they are likely to suffer the consequences of an increasingly unstable climate, caused by the activities of earlier generations. The United Nations recognizes the importance of empowering young people to take leadership roles on issues of international importance; the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth convenes the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals, a group of 17 changemakers whose leadership is catalyzing the achievement of the SDGs, and the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change ensures that the Secretary-General hears directly from young climate activists, who can share strategies for advancing climate action. The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) finances projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes, including youth.

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofDemocracy, #15September, #DemocracyDay. 

Statement from the United Nations Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy 2023; September 15th.

Democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights are bedrocks of resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies.

They underwrite freedom, advance sustainable development, and protect the dignity and rights of every person.

On the International Day of Democracy, we celebrate its promise to societies – and recognize the many threats it faces at this time of tension and turmoil.

The walls are closing in on civic spaces.

Mis- and disinformation is poisoning public discourse, polarizing communities, and eroding trust in institutions.

This year’s theme – “Empowering the Next Generation” – focuses on the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy today and in the future.

It is not enough to listen to children and young people.

We must support them with massive investments in education, skills-building, and lifelong learning.

We must protect human rights and advance gender equality.

And we must expand the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes at every level.

On this important day, let us join hands across generations and work as one to build a more just world for all.

António Guterres.

 EVENTS
Empowering the next generation: Democracy for climate justice.

15 September 14:00-15:00 EST
SDG Pavilion, North Lawn UNHQ, New York

Watch the event live or on demand

The event, organized by the UN Democracy Fund within the UN Office for Partnerships, brings together civil society representatives, UN officials, and climate activists, to highlights the role of youth in advancing civic space and recognizes their leadership in moving climate action forward.

IDEA: Inclusive Democracy for Sustainable Development.

15 September 10:00-13:00 EST
Conference room 3, UNHQ, New YorkREGISTER

This event, organized by the intergovernmental organization International IDEA in partnership with the Global Democracy Coalition and the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations, will seek to deepen the understanding between inclusive democracy, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the forthcoming SDG Summit.

A special event marking the International Day of Democracy.

SDG Pavilion - Empowering the next generation: Democracy for climate justice.

SDG Pavilion full programme - SDGs at Halftime.

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023; September 12th.

FORUM: "Solidarity, Equity and Partnership: Unlocking South-South Cooperation to Achieve the SDGs." United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023.

This year’s United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation will fall one week prior to the SDG Summit, and will be an opportunity to raise awareness and accelerate practical actions as we arrive at this halfway point to 2030. The commemoration – organized by the UNOSSC, together with the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations – will be an opportunity to highlight needs emerging from various regions as well as to present transformational initiatives toward achieving the most acute priorities of the 2023 Agenda by Member States, the United Nations System, private sector, and civil society. During the 21st session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, the United Nations Member States recognized the development impacts of robust catalytic collaborations among the countries of the Global South in the areas of trade, investment, regional integration, and digitalization among others. Several reports issued prior to this High-level Committee session illustrated how Southern countries are strengthening institutional capacities while intensifying experience sharing and exchange of good practices toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, recent global discussions – including the 2023 Development Cooperation Forum and HighLevel Political Forum – have recognized the urgent need to leverage South-South cooperation as a means to address the challenges the world is facing in an sustainable and equitable manner. By harnessing the power of shared experiences, knowledge, and resources, countries can enhance their capacity to address climate change, ensure equitable development, and secure a sustainable future for all. Through leveraging South-South and triangular cooperation – as envisioned in the outcome of the Second High-level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40) – there is an opportunity to address both immediate and long-term needs together, supporting countries to get back on track towards achieving the SDGs. This year’s ‘ 2023 Report of the Secretary-General on Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals’reminds us that it will take exceptional efforts and commitments to deliver a “rescue plan for people and planet.” The task ahead is daunting, but still possible. Unlocking the potential of South-South cooperation offers hope for concerted action and results. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12September, #SouthSouthCooperation, #SDGs.

Statement by th eUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023, September 12th.

In our world of deeply connected challenges, South-South cooperation plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future. The United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation is a powerful reminder that when nations unite, they can overcome obstacles and accelerate sustainable development.

From climate action to poverty eradication, from health care to education, from trade to digitalization, solidarity and strong partnerships between developing countries can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable world.

Only together can we build a world of shared prosperity, where cooperation knows no borders. Through South-South cooperation, countries of the global South can share knowledge, skills, expertise and resources, coordinate their efforts and benefit from economies of scale. Together, they can multiply their sustainable development efforts to mitigate climate disruption, find solutions to a global health crisis, manage supply chain disruptions and deliver humanitarian assistance.

South-South and triangular cooperation are important, high-value complements to cooperation with developed countries. But they do not replace or reduce the responsibilities and commitments of the global North. Developed economies have a duty to work constructively with economies in the global South, to reduce inequality and build bridges to a sustainable future for all.

As we mark the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, let us recognize this form of collaboration as an essential catalyst for change, embodying solidarity, innovation and mutual support.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: Celebration of the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 2023.

A High-level Panel Discussion will be hold on September 12th 2023, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm in the ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.