FORUM: "Honoring the Louis Braille Legacy." World Braille Day 2025. Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, and even musical, mathematical and scientific symbols. Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font. Let’s celebrate braille and keep braillists informed with up-to-the-minute braille tools. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Worldbrailleday, #LouisBraille, #braille, #4January, #Braillecode.
Braille empowers blind and partially-sighted people to fully realize their human rights, offering access to education, employment and independence. As an essential means of communication, Braille breaks down barriers, fostering inclusion and equality —and plays a vital role in achieving the #GlobalGoals for a fairer, more accessible world.
"Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife — fueling tensions and mistrust. And today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top ten 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024. This is climate breakdown — in real time. We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose. In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential — and it is possible. Even in the darkest days, I’ve seen hope power change. I see hope in activists — young and old — raising their voices for progress. I see hope in the humanitarian heroes overcoming enormous obstacles to support the most vulnerable people. I see hope in developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice. I see hope in the scientists and innovators breaking new ground for humanity. And I saw hope in September, when world leaders came together to adopt the Pact for the Future. The Pact is a new push to build peace through disarmament and prevention. To reform the global financial system so it supports and represents all countries. To push for more opportunities for women and young people. To build guardrails so technologies put people over profits and rights over runaway algorithms. And always, to stick to the values and principles enshrined by human rights, international law and the United Nations Charter. There are no guarantees for what’s ahead in 2025. But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people. Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning. Not as a world divided. But as nations united".
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
FORUM: “Early detection, early action, healthier communities.” International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024. Epidemics and pandemics are some of the biggest threats to a safe and healthy world. They are on the rise, and in today’s connected world, they are spreading further and faster than ever before. Known epidemics—such as cholera, measles, Ebola, and malaria—continue to threaten large parts of the world’s population. And, as we saw with COVID-19, the world is also at risk from new infectious diseases that can claim millions of lives, bring health systems to their knees, and reverse decades of development progress. But the good news is that with effective preparedness and response measures, we can reduce the impacts of epidemics and pandemics and even stop them in their tracks. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the need to equip the world and ensure that we are all ready to take on the health challenges to come. We must heed the lessons learnt from the recent pandemic and invest in epidemic preparedness, prevention and response to save the world from the scourge of epidemics. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EpidemicPreparedness, #27December, #InternationalDayofEpidemicPreparedness.
COVID-19 was a wake-up call to the world. Millions of lives lost, economies shattered, health systems pushed to the brink and daily life upended for all of humanity. The crisis may have passed, but a harsh lesson remains: the world is woefully unprepared for the next pandemic. Outbreaks of mpox, cholera, polio and Marburg are startling reminders that infectious diseases remain a real and present danger to every country. On this International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, I call on countries to heed the lessons of past health emergencies to help prepare for the next. This means building resilient public and primary health care systems and making good on the promise of Universal Health Coverage. It means making bold investments in pandemic monitoring, detection and response. And it means ensuring equitable access to life-saving tools like vaccines, treatments and diagnostics. Most of all, it means global solidarity. I call on countries to deliver on the historic Pandemic Agreement to ensure the world works better, together, to prevent and contain future pandemics. Today, and every day, let’s commit to working together for a safer and healthier world for everyone, everywhere.
FORUM: “Meditation for Global Peace & Harmony.” World Meditation Day 2024. Let’s focus on the essential role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. In an era characterized by unprecedented technological development and information flows, humanity finds itself increasingly distant from inner peace and mental well-being. Practice of meditation is a holistic approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness. At its core, it represents a deliberate technique to enable practitioners to achieve a mentally harmonious and emotionally calm state of being. In today's high-stress environment, where anxiety, and mental health challenges have become pervasive, meditation offers a crucial sanctuary of inner calm and introspection. Scientifically validated research demonstrates its profound impact on neuroplasticity, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive functioning. By fostering inner peace through meditation, individuals contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable world for current and future generations. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Meditation, #WorldMeditationDay, #21December.
EVENTS: On Saturday, December 21st; At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. At UNESCO HQ at the Meditation Space in Paris. On Friday 20 December 2024, from 16:00 - 17:30 pm. EST at the United Nations Trusteeship Council, The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations will held an event to celebrate the first World Meditation Day. It is in this context that the representative of the Permanent Mission proposes to host an afternoon with members of the core group, the wider UN and diplomatic corps, and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the globally recognized Indian spiritual leader, humanitarian champion, and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, to mark the 1st Day observance. Read the concept note and watch the livestream!
LIVESTREAM: Meditation for World Peace and Harmony.
On December 06th, 2024, 14:00 – 16:30 UTC +7, the UNESCAP have hosted a conference at the United Nations Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand. The observance of International Migrants Day 2024 in Asia and the Pacific is co-organized by ESCAP and the Regional United Nations Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific. It will feature the launch of the Asia-Pacific Migration Report 2024, a comprehensive United Nations system-wide assessment of the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in Asia and the Pacific and a preview of the preparations for the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, scheduled to take place at the United Nations Conference Center from 4 to 6 February 2025. The event will provide an opportunity for member States, stakeholders and United Nations entities in the region to reflect on the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration and discuss regional priorities. Get the Concept Note, the flyer and the Agenda programme!
FESTIVAL: Health for All Film Festival - In 2024, WHO will continue to celebrate the power of audiovisual storytelling for health with all those interested in public health narratives! The 5th Health for All Film Festival calls for submissions from 1 November 2023 to 31 January 2024. This year, there is a Special Migrants and Refugees Health Film Prize. We invite public health institutions from around the world, non-governmental organizations, communities, activists and students in public health, film schools, and other relevant domains to submit their original short films that shed light on the impact of migration and displacement on the physical and mental health and well-being of people on the move. Short films can also raise awareness on the rights and unique health needs of these populations, and showcase how access to health care for these populations contributes to their better health and well-being. Independent filmmakers, production companies, and TV broadcasters are also invited to participate. A multilingual social media kit with visuals is also available at the bottom of the page to further promote this call and invite submissions of short films on migrants and refugees health before 31 January 2024. For more information on how to apply, please visit the Health for All Film Festival website.
PUBLICATION: The World Migration Report 2024 reveals latest global trends and challenges in human mobility. Get the WORLD MIGRATION REPORT 2024!
On International Migrants Day, we celebrate the contributions millions of migrants make to communities, economies and countries around the world. But today is also a day to remind ourselves of the challenges migrants can face — from prejudice and discrimination, to outright violence and abuse, to the unimaginable cruelty of human trafficking. These challenges are made worse by the rising tide of mis and disinformation and hate speech which sows division and distorts the valuable contributions migrants are making each and every day. As a global community, we must summon our common humanity, and work to reverse these harmful trends. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted six years ago, provides concrete solutions to protect migrants at every step of their journeys and continue expanding rights-based pathways for migration. And through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the countries of the world re-committed to strengthening international partnerships and global cooperation for safe, orderly and regular migration. Today and every day, let’s stand up for the rights of all migrants and work to create safe, humane and inclusive migration.
Today, we proudly celebrate International Migrants Day. This day gives us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world. It's also a day for us to highlight the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs. Conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity. This last year, we saw record levels of internal displacement, rising humanitarian needs across ongoing and new crises, and, tragically, the highest-ever death toll of migrants in transit. Yet alongside these challenges, are stories of resilience, progress and hope. Where safe and well-managed migration holds extraordinary potential. Migrants play critical roles in labor markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. Migrants boost economic growth and provide a lifeline to families and communities back home, driving development. To harness this potential and meet rising humanitarian needs worldwide, IOM is launching its Global Appeal for 2025. This vital funding will support IOM programming across more than 170 countries and territories, with a goal of reaching more than 101 million people. IOM’s work will continue to focus on our three key strategic objectives:
Saving lives and protecting people on the move; Driving solutions to displacement and supporting pathways for safe, regular and orderly migration. At IOM, we're committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar – improving efficiency, partnering locally, and leveraging data to better plan and respond to evolving needs. Together, we can continue building a world where migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial – for everyone.
FORUM: “Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage.”. Arabic Language Day 2024. Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on December 18th since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization. The objectives of the U.N. Arabic Language Day is to promote equal use of all six official working languages throughout the organization and to celebrate multilingualism, as a core value, and cultural diversity. The celebration of the Arabic Language day aims to acknowledge the contribution of the 'Arabic language' in enriching science, philosophy, literature, art and universal culture. The day is also an opportunity to look into the status and the future of one of the most widely spoken languages across the globe. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #ArabicLanguageDay, #18December, #Arabiclanguage, #Multilingualism.
On this World Arabic Language Day, we join the global community in observing one of humanity’s richest cultural and linguistic treasures. With its unmatched beauty, depth, and versatility, the Arabic language stands as a pillar of cultural diversity, connecting over 450 million speakers worldwide while embodying a heritage that transcends time and place.
Since its adoption as an official language of the United Nations in 1973, Arabic has continued to serve as a bridge across civilizations and cultures. Its profound contributions—spanning fields as diverse as philosophy, architecture, poetry, music, and science—reflect its role as a catalyst for knowledge and creativity. From preserving ancient sciences and philosophies that shaped the European Renaissance to fostering dialogue along the historic Silk Roads, Arabic remains central to humanity’s shared intellectual and artistic legacy.
This year, under the theme “Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage,” we reflect on the evolving role of Arabic in a rapidly changing digital landscape. While artificial intelligence and technological advancements offer opportunities to expand Arabic’s global presence, they also highlight the need to safeguard the language’s authenticity and heritage for future generations.
We are especially proud to commemorate this occasion alongside the Arab Divas Exhibition, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Rym and in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation. Hosted in Jordan for the first time in the Middle East and uniquely curated in Arabic. This exhibition pays tribute to the iconic women whose artistry defined the Golden Era of Arab music and cinema. Through their powerful voices and timeless performances, legendary figures such as Oum Kalthoum, Fayrouz, and Dalida, among others, transformed the language into a unifying force that connects generations and preserves our cultural identity.
The Arab Divas Exhibition, housed at The Hangar Ras El Ain until February 20, 2025, celebrates these extraordinary artists as guardians of cultural heritage and showcases the enduring power of Arabic to inspire creativity and capture the universal human experience.
As we stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language and its cultural expressions. By honoring its timeless beauty and embracing its future in the digital age, we ensure that Arabic continues to thrive—uniting hearts, minds, and generations across the globe.
Message from Ms. Noha Bawazir, UNESCO Representative in Jordan, & Ms. Souha Bawab, Executive Director of Friends of Jordan Festivals
18 December 2024
On this World Arabic Language Day, we join the global community in observing one of humanity’s richest cultural and linguistic treasures. With its unmatched beauty, depth, and versatility, the Arabic language stands as a pillar of cultural diversity, connecting over 450 million speakers worldwide while embodying a heritage that transcends time and place.
Since its adoption as an official language of the United Nations in 1973, Arabic has continued to serve as a bridge across civilizations and cultures. Its profound contributions—spanning fields as diverse as philosophy, architecture, poetry, music, and science—reflect its role as a catalyst for knowledge and creativity. From preserving ancient sciences and philosophies that shaped the European Renaissance to fostering dialogue along the historic Silk Roads, Arabic remains central to humanity’s shared intellectual and artistic legacy.
This year, under the theme “Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage,” we reflect on the evolving role of Arabic in a rapidly changing digital landscape. While artificial intelligence and technological advancements offer opportunities to expand Arabic’s global presence, they also highlight the need to safeguard the language’s authenticity and heritage for future generations.
We are especially proud to commemorate this occasion alongside the Arab Divas Exhibition, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Rym and in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation. Hosted in Jordan for the first time in the Middle East and uniquely curated in Arabic. This exhibition pays tribute to the iconic women whose artistry defined the Golden Era of Arab music and cinema. Through their powerful voices and timeless performances, legendary figures such as Oum Kalthoum, Fayrouz, and Dalida, among others, transformed the language into a unifying force that connects generations and preserves our cultural identity.
The Arab Divas Exhibition, housed at The Hangar Ras El Ain until February 20, 2025, celebrates these extraordinary artists as guardians of cultural heritage and showcases the enduring power of Arabic to inspire creativity and capture the universal human experience.
As we stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, we reaffirm our shared commitment to preserving and promoting the Arabic language and its cultural expressions. By honoring its timeless beauty and embracing its future in the digital age, we ensure that Arabic continues to thrive—uniting hearts, minds, and generations across the globe.
EVENT: Observance of the World Arabic Language Day 2024 from Nairobi. hosted by the League of the Arab States, Nairobi Mission. Watch the livestream!
