World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

FORUM: "Digital lifelines – Strengthening resilience in a connected world." World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026. This year's initiative, driven by ITU, WTSID highlights the need for robust, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure, encouraging global action to protect essential communication networks and bridge the digital divide.This year long campaign explores the often invisible digital systems that keep everyday life running, especially when communities face disruption or crisis. In a world that increasingly depends on uninterrupted connectivity, the resilience of our digital networks is essential. Digital lifelines – terrestrial networks, submarine cables, satellites, and data systems – form the backbone of our communities and economies. A single cable break, data center outage, or satellite failure can disrupt vital services, from health and education to finance and disaster response. In a time of escalating natural hazards and rising dependence on technology, building resilient digital infrastructure is critical to the stability of systems and growth for all. This is especially true for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where reliable connectivity underpins recovery from climate impacts and supports growth for all. Share your accomplishments, national visions and strategies, commitments and initiatives on your social media accounts using the hashtags #DigitalLifelines, #DigitalInclusion, #EveryoneIncluded, #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay.

EVENTS: On May 17th, 2026; a virtual event will be held to World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026. This event calls on governments, industry, and communities to strengthen the digital lifelines that keep the world running. Join us in designing the networks and systems that can withstand shocks and recover quickly, ensuring that no one is cut off and left offline when it matters most. Register to participate!

On 19 May 2026, from 15:00 – 16:30 CEST, Join the ITU Space Connect webinar “Beyond the Horizon: Framing the Future of Space Communications” for further insights on ITU spectrum
coordination. Registration and Join live webcast

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, the International Telecommunication Union and the world recognize digital technologies as lifelines – connecting people to safety, services and one another.

When disaster strikes, networks carry early warnings, enable first responders, and keep clinics, classrooms and public services up and running.

But lifelines must be trusted, secure and accessible to all. Too many communities remain offline. Critical systems are vulnerable. Disinformation and cyberthreats are growing. And as climate emergencies intensify and the AI divide widens, the cost of inaction falls hardest on those already left behind.

We must invest in connectivity – from seabed cables to satellites, from local access to open standards and digital skills. We must implement the Global Digital Compact, advance rights-based AI governance and strengthen cooperation across governments, industry and civil society.

Digital infrastructure is an essential public good, so let us build it to withstand the crises ahead. When digital lifelines are universal and safe, every community can prepare, respond and recover.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the ITU Director-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026; May 17th.

Today, more people are connected than at any point in human history. Billions of us rely on digital technologies to do the things that matter most. From accessing health care to running a business to learning, communicating with our loved ones and calling for help in a crisis, connectivity has become as crucial to modern life as roads and electricity. And in many parts of the world, digital infrastructure has transformed economies and communities within a generation. But what happens when those networks and services fail? Think of the submarine cables that extend more than 1.7 million kilometers around the globe and they carry 99% of international data traffic. A single earthquake can sever multiple cables at once, cutting entire regions off from the world for weeks. Likewise, a major solar storm can disrupt power grids, satellite navigation networks, and even the global financial system that we rely on. Very often, these critical digital risks transcend borders. And when connectivity fails, the consequences fall hardest on those who can least afford them. And that's why resilience must be built into digital infrastructure from the very beginning and it must be built collectively with the people at the core through international standards, capacity building and global cooperation. This world telecommunication and information society day. Join the ITU in strengthening the digital lifelines that keep our world meaningfully and reliably connected. Together, we can build a more resilient digital future for everyone, everywhere.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.

ACTIVITIES: Several events on digital lifelines will be held , such as local community roundtables and exhibitions bringing the vital importance of resilient digital lifelines to professional and public diplomacy audiences whose lives run on them. 

CAMPAIGN: Join the advocacy for resilient digital infrastructure!

What if the digital systems you count on were resilient by design?

Explore how the world’s essential connections stay strong—from clear navigation signals and lifesaving alerts to resilient undersea data routes—and the role ITU plays behind the scenes to make it happen.

This WTISD What if…? series reveals the often‑hidden systems that keep people safe, informed, and connected, and highlights the global cooperation that makes these digital lifelines possible.

What if a simple message on your phone could save your life?

ITU helps countries strengthen mobile-based early warning systems to reach at-risk communities fast, reliably and at scale when disasters strike.Explore the Early Warnings for All initiative

What if navigation signals remained strong and reliable for generations?Every day, satellite and terrestrial navigation systems guide travel on land, at sea, and in the air. ITU coordinates radio frequencies, ensuring these essential signals remain safe and interference-free. Discover how satellite spectrum and orbits are coordinated

What if distress signals at sea were always received?Maritime safety relies on dependable communications. ITU coordinates the spectrum use, identification resources and standards for the systems behind global distress signals.Explore how maritime distress systems work

What if no one lost connection when forced to flee?Through the Connectivity for Refugees initiative, ITU and partners are advancing meaningful, affordable connectivity, aiming to reach 20 million displaced people and host communities by 2030.Learn how connectivity supports displaced communities.

What if digital use didn’t increase our environmental footprint?

ITU sets global standards for energy efficient, low-carbon digital technologies, and tracks ICT sector emissions and e-waste through the Greening Digital Companies Report and the Global E-waste Monitor. Join the partnership for Green Digital Action

What if everyone had the skills to keep digital systems running?

Every year, the ITU Academy trains 5,000+ learners worldwide in topics such as digital inclusion, connectivity, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, policy leadership and more. Take a course with ITU Academy!

What if global data traffic across oceans was never interrupted?

ITU co-convened the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience to safeguard undersea cables carrying over 99% of intercontinental data. Explore global efforts to strengthen submarine cable resilience!

What if AI helped improve disaster preparedness?

ITU and partners advance the use of AI for disaster preparedness through the Early Warning Connectivity Map, identifying where and how many people can be reached via digital networks. Learn how to Attend the AI for Good Global Summit!

What if everyone had access to resilient digital infrastructure?

ITU supports infrastructure mapping, planning, and analysis to help countries identify connectivity gaps and build inclusive, resilient networks. Explore global connectivity infrastructure maps!

What if every digital network was trusted and secure?

ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index benchmarks cybersecurity commitments across all ITU Member States, and ITU Global CyberDrills engage incident response teams in live cyber-incident simulations. Discover how countries strengthen cybersecurity with ITU

What if connectivity reached everyone, everywhere?

Today, 2.2 billion people remain unconnected. Partner2Connect mobilizes new resources, partnerships, and commitments to advance universal connectivity. Make a pledge with Partner2Connect!

Every day, invisible digital systems help keep the world running. They warn communities when disasters approach. Guide navigation across land, sea and air. Carry the data that connects continents. These systems form the digital lifelines that underpin modern life. Explore how they work, why they matter, and how global cooperation helps keep them strong.  Digital resilience depends on many systems working together. But which one matters most from your perspective? Vote here and tell us why.

POLL: Share your perspective – take part in this poll!

Which digital lifeline matters most to you?

1. Early warning systems
2. Navigation signals
3. Maritime distress and safety
4. Connectivity for displaced people
5. Green digital technologies
6. Digital skills
7. Submarine cable resilience
8. AI for disaster preparedness
9. Resilient national infrastructure
10. Trusted and secure networks
11. Universal connectivity

Why does this digital lifeline matter most to you?

PUBLICATION: A new report by ITU and UNDRR mapping the hidden fragility of our interconnected digital world and the priorities needed to build resilience. Read the full report!

EDITORIAL: 

1. How digital lifelines keep our life running from UN Today
2. Digital resilience starts with radio-frequency spectrum from the ITU

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get Access to materials such as posters, backgrounds, and social media cards. To Become a partner by providing financial or in-kind support. Check out opportunities!

International Day of Living Together in Peace 2026; May 16th.

FORUM: "Building Trust through Dialogue, Inclusion, and Solidarity". International Day of Living Together in Peace 2026. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together in order to build a sustainable peace, solidarity, harmony and reconciliation. Let's focus on the international efforts to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #LivingTogetherinPeaceDay; #16May, #reconciliation, #sustainablepeace, #unitedindiversity, #peacefulcoexistence,

EVENT: On May 16th, a the Member States, political and faith leaders, religious communities and other relevant actors will held a virtual event to observe the day. Register to participate!

International Day of Light 2026; May 16th.

FORUM: ''Light for a sustainable future.'' International Day of Light 2026. Today, we will commemorate the anniversary of physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman's first successful operation of the laser in 1960. The celebration provides also an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace. The major goals are to Improve the public understanding of how light and light-based technologies touch the daily lives of everybody, and are central to the future development of the global society; To Build worldwide educational capacity through activities targeted on science for young people, addressing issues of gender balance, and focusing especially on developing countries and emerging economies; To Highlight and explain the intimate link between light and art and culture, enhancing the role of optical technology to preserve cultural heritage; To Enhance international cooperation by acting as a central information resource for activities coordinated by learned societies, NGOs, government agencies, educational establishments, industry, and other partners; To Emphasize the importance of basic research in the fundamental science of light, the need for investment in light-based technology to develop new applications, and the global necessity to promote careers in science and engineering in these fields. To Promote the importance of lighting technology and the need for access to light and energy infrastructure in sustainable development, and for improving quality of life in the developing world; and To Raise awareness that technologies and design can play an important role in the achievement of greater energy efficiency, in particular by limiting energy waste, and in the reduction of light pollution, which is key to the preservation of dark skies. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #lightday2026, #Photonics, #LightbasedTechnologies, #Light, #16May, #InternationalDayofLight.

EVENTS: On May 16th, we will celebrate the ninth celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Light 2026, one of the most anticipated science events on the global calendar of United Nations observances. Since its inception in 2018, over 3200 activities and events have taken place in more than 100 countries, reaching and inspiring millions worldwide. We would like to thank you all for the hard work that has made the International Day of Light such a success. As you will see from our global calendar, activities are being organised worldwide for 2026, and we look forward to some fantastic celebrations. Indeed, some have already taken place! One of the unique features of the International Day of Light is its ability to bring together diverse communities, and this is reflected in the tremendous range of topics that will be celebrated, including science and technology, lighting and lighting quality, astronomy, education, and more! In addition, 16 May is also the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace, and we encourage organisers of events on 16 May to consider including broader discussions of this theme as well, perhaps linking with the cultural association of light as a symbol of inclusion and hope. If you haven’t planned any activities yet, remember that the International Day of Light celebrations do not all need to take place on 16 May itself. While many will naturally be organised around that date and during the week that follows, events at any time of the year can receive an association with the International Day of Light. Please register your events as soon as you can, and remember that we have simplified our registration form in case you are organising multiple events. As usual, the website contains useful information about all aspects of event organisation. Also, feel free to review past events for inspiration as well. Many people find this extremely useful as a way to get started. We appreciate just how much work and commitment go into organising such events, so don't hesitate to let us know if you wish us to highlight your plans via our newsletter. This can be a great way to give you some well-deserved recognition! And if you may be involved in organising a technical or science-themed conference this year, why not think about including a special session related to outreach, education, or training? Our experience is that such sessions are very enthusiastically attended and provide a great forum for meeting new collaborators. And once again, we acknowledge the continued commitment and support from the Steering Committee and other partners. Information about our partnership and how to get involved and how to Register to participate!

CIE Webinar for the International Day of Light.

The CIE invites you to join its upcoming special webinar entitled Lighting the Way: Finding Balance Between Safety, Beauty, and the Night Sky on the topic of light pollution, in celebration of the International Day of Light 2026 (16 May). The webinar will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 15:00 - 16:30 CEST.  This webinar will bring together various perspectives on current practice and emerging priorities in light pollution, highlighting developments in policy, regulation, scientific research, and municipal and regional initiatives. The session will provide an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, learn what is happening in practice, and reflect on how these developments relate to existing CIE work and relevant CIE publications. It will also facilitate exchange between experts to support CIE’s guidance, recommendations, and potential future publications, while identifying topics and gaps that may benefit from further attention in current and future CIE activities. By linking real-world practice with CIE outputs, the session aims to inform and guide ongoing and future CIE work in this area. CIE President Dr. Jennifer Veitch will open the webinar with an introduction to CIE's work on this topic. This will be followed by contributions from invited experts, and the webinar will conclude with a 30-minute discussion and Q&A session joined by outdoor lighting expert(s) from CIE Division 4: Transportation and Exterior Applications. The webinar will feature CIE experts Prof. Matej Kobav (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; CIE NC Slovenia), presenting Slovenia’s light pollution regulation and its effects in practice; Prof. Carolin Liedtke (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – HAW Hamburg, Germany; CIE NC Germany), presenting the DARKER SKY project within the EU Interreg North Sea Region Programme; as well as updates from the Horizon Europe project PLAN-B, which investigates light pollution and its effects on terrestrial biodiversity, jointly presented by project experts Prof. Karolina Zielińska-Dąbkowska (Gdansk University of Technology, Poland) and Prof. Mike Wood (University of Salford, UK). The perspectives presented will also be reflected on by Prof. Steve Fotios (Associate Director of CIE Division 4), opening the discussion for audience interaction.

This webinar is part of the CIE project “Understanding Science – Understanding Light”, which aims to make scientific knowledge on light accessible and relevant to the public. Learn more about the speakers and the topics they will present here. REGISTER HERE or Contact Seda Gasparyan; Communications Officer, International Commission on Illumination; Email: seda.gasparyan@cie.co.at

International Day of Light at the Multimedia University of Kenya

The Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society will be holding a celebration of the International Day of Light (IDL) on 29th May 2026. Building on the tremendous success of their event for IDL 2025 - which drew 320 attendees, 4 companies, 7 universities, and 4 high schools - this year’s planned event will be even larger. Activities will include hands-on optics demonstrations, Internet of Things (IoT) competitions, lab tours at the National Institute of Optics and Lasers (NIOL), and industry exhibitions.

Officially founded and registered in October 2023, the Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society is anchored in Kenya’s first BSc in Applied Optics and Lasers, which was launched in 2016. In just three years, the society has grown into a recognised student chapter under Optica (since February 2024) and SPIE (since March 2025). A major highlight of IDL 2026 will be the official launch of the Women’s Chapter, a dedicated initiative to bridge gender gaps in STEM through mentorship and targeted outreach to girls’ schools. This launch reaffirms the Chapter's commitment to inclusivity and scientific leadership in East Africa.

Contact: Kipkemoi Elvis Samuel; President, Multimedia University of Kenya Optical Society
Laboratory Technologist, National Institute for Optics and Lasers; Email: ekipkemoi@mmu.ac.ke

Illuminating Impact Symposium with Unite to Light

Unite to Light is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit organisation that provides solar-powered lighting and charging solutions to people around the world living without access to electricity. Indeed, over 700 million people still live without reliable access to electricity, yet it is widely known that access to clean, affordable light and energy is critical to improving health, education, and prosperity. Since its founding in 2010, Unite to Light and its partners have distributed over 275,000 solar lights and chargers to more than 80 countries, aiming to address key needs in education, maternal and child health, disaster response, and homelessness support.

For the International Day of Light 2026, Unite to Light will host the Illuminating Impact: Thought Leadership Summit on May 15 at the Direct Relief Headquarters in Santa Barbara, focusing on discussing aspects of innovation, collaboration, and leadership at the intersection of light, sustainability, and global impact. The summit will convene climate and clean energy leaders, global health and education experts, philanthropists and impact investors, and local government and business leaders, creating a unique platform for cross-sector dialogue and partnership. Registration for in-person and online attendance is at this link.

Contact Kate Stevens; Unite to Light; Email: kate@unitetolight.org

Who will be The Daylight Award 2026 laureates?

As The Daylight Award approaches its 2026 announcement, anticipation is building around the new laureates who will join a distinguished group of previous recipients in the categories of Daylight Research and Daylight in Architecture. Awarded biennially, The Daylight Award honours individuals whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of daylight and its impact on life on Earth. Previous laureates, from pioneering researchers to visionary architects, have contributed to shaping a growing, interdisciplinary dialogue that connects science, design, and the built environment. The laureates will be revealed on Saturday, 16 May 2026, marking the UNESCO International Day of Light. The official award ceremony will take place in Copenhagen on 27 May 2026 and will be livestreamed globally, offering audiences the opportunity to experience the laureates’ lectures and join the ongoing conversation on the role of daylight in our lives. Who will shape the next chapter of The Daylight Award story?; Mark the date and follow the announcement at thedaylightaward.com

Contact Jadrana Curkovic; The Daylight Award Communication; Email: jadrana@thedaylightaward.com

A Libyan National Node for the International Day of Light.

We are very pleased to highlight the newly established Libya National Node, led by the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers at the College of Electrical and Electronics Technology (CEET) in Benghazi. In recent years, researchers within CEET have organised a range of workshops and hands-on sessions for both students and professionals, including collaborations with the Man-Made River Project that was built to transport groundwater from underground aquifers in the Sahara Desert to coastal cities where the majority of the population is concentrated. Building on this momentum, a 20-hour postgraduate training course on optical fibre networks will run throughout April 2026, with field training and visits to optical fibre deployments in Benghazi planned for May. More general outreach activities aimed at young students and the general public have focused on simpler experiments illustrating the basic properties of light, and also describing the rich heritage of Arabic contributions to optical science through pioneers such as Ibn Al-Haytham. These initiatives reflect the national commitment to strengthen optics and photonics capacity in Libya, and align with the global mission of the International Day of Light to promote education, and the longer-term goals of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.

Contact Dr. Mohamed Elgaud; Director of the Center of Research and Technical Studies; Coordinator of the Research Center of Optical Fibers and Lasers, CEET; Email: elgaud@ceet.edu.ly

Lighting the Sound in Albany, Australia.

Running for nine nights over three weekends in March 2026, the coastline and sky of the portside city of Albany/Kinjarling in Western Australia were transformed by Lighting the Sound, a dramatic and immersive large-scale light-art installation. Designed and implemented by Finnish light artist Kari Kola together with arts and cultural organisation FORM, the work was co-designed with Menang Elders and the Albany community. Lighting the Sound embodies the Menang-first approach and principles of reconciliation central to the Albany 2026 vision. Rooted in the wisdom of the Menang (or Bloodroot) plant, from which the region’s First Nations people take their name, this initiative celebrates tens of thousands of years of unbroken connection and creates the opportunity for Menang people to tell their story. The visual language of the work drew from the bloodroot plant - its vivid pigments, earthy hues, and elemental strength. These natural colours formed the basis of the installation that drew an audience of 10's of thousands into stillness, reflection, and awe.

Contact Kari Kola; Email: kari@karikola.com

Celebrating 200 years of Photography.

It was around 1826-1827 that the French inventor Nicéphore Niépce captured what is generally considered to be the first surviving photograph, le Point de vue du Gras, a view from a window of a country estate in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes. The image was created by a process that Niépce had invented around 1822, using a camera obscura to project an image onto a pewter plate thinly coated with bitumen. The bitumen hardened in areas strongly exposed to light, but remained soluble in areas more weakly illuminated, such that it could be washed away to reveal an image. Photography has since revolutionised virtually every area of society - in science and technology, art, culture, education, family life, politics, and more. By giving us the ability to freeze moments in time, photography has fundamentally transformed how we document and share our human experience.

Throughout 2026 and 2027, a number of celebrations of the photography bicentenary will take place, including a major national initiative in France coordinated by the French Ministry of Culture. Of course, this is also an opportunity for the International Day of Light community to engage, since many partners already include photography and photography competitions in their activities. For example, events in 2026 could launch local campaigns encouraging students to explore photography, perhaps leading to exhibitions to take place for the International Day of Light in 2027. And from an educational and scientific perspective, photography reveals the universe on every scale, whether it be everyday natural phenomena or the remarkable techniques of astrophotography and microscopy. There are several possibilities of wonderful events to organise, so if you are planning something, please let us know.

Contact International Day of Light with the Email: contact@lightday.org

Physics Without Frontiers in Pakistan

Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) is a capacity-building program run by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) that supports physics education and research in developing and under-resourced regions by connecting local teachers and students with the international scientific community. Through building local groups trained in particular areas of physics, the programme supports schools and universities and helps communities to organise public outreach events. For the International Day of Light 2026, the Active Learning in Optics (ALO) group at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan, held a PWF activity at the Women University Mardan from March 30 - April 1, bringing together students, researchers, and international experts to promote advanced learning in optics and photonics amongst women in the region. Topics covered quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and quantum optics and in addition, two Salam Centennial Lectures were given as part of the celebrations at ICTP, recognising the centennial of Abdus Salam who would have turned 100 on 29 January 2026.

Contact: Imrana Ashraf at the Active Learning in Optics at Quaid-i-Azam University; Email: iashraf@ictp.it.

We encourage you to visit the social media and the official channels: IDLOfficial on X/Twitter, InternationalDayOfLight on Instagram, InternationalDayOfLight on Facebook, International Day Of Light on LinkedIn, and @idlofficial.bsky.social on Bluesky for further contents.

The IDL2026 Newsletter Archive

• 20 April 2026: April Newsletter
• 23 March 2026: March Newsletter
• 28 January 2026: January-February Newsletter
• 12 November 2025: November Newsletter

International Day of Families 2026; May 15th.

 

FORUM:"Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing." International Day of Families 2026. Global inequalities have continued to widen in recent years, driven by persistent income and wealth disparities, unequal access to essential services, and the uneven impacts of global crises. Inequalities extend beyond income, affecting access to education, healthcare, digital connectivity, and opportunities for social mobility, reinforcing intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. Currently, the majority of the world population lives in in countries where income inequality has increased in the last three decades with inequalities based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, migrant status and disability widespread in developed and developing countries alike, reducing opportunities for social development and undermining global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Technological innovation, climate change and other megatrends have had broad and varied implications often resulting in growing inequalities. Around the world, families experience profound transformations driven largely by megatrends and growing inequalities constraining their ability to adequately provide for their members. Economic inequality shapes family formation by influencing when and how households form, how many children they have, and how resources are allocated within households impacting the conditions under which children are raised. Without adequate support, the addition of children in households often increases the likelihood that households fall below the poverty line, reinforcing intergenerational disadvantage. Importantly, child development outcomes cannot be addressed or improved without addressing the family context in which children are born and raised. Family formation decisions, under what economic conditions, and with what level of institutional support,shape patterns of poverty, inequality, productivity and dependency, and human capital formation over time. Children born into households facing income instability, weak caregiving support, and limited access to services are more likely to experience developmental setbacks that persist into adulthood. Research shows that family structure can amplify economic inequality across generations because parental investments in children often reinforce existing disparities, limiting mobility for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Families with young children often face the highest risks of falling behind economically due to childcare responsibilities, limited access to decent work, and insufficient social protection measures. When families struggle to meet basic needs, children face increased risks of malnutrition, poor health outcomes, reduced educational attainment, and restricted social mobility. Moreover, the environments in which children grow—family relationships, access to learning, safety, and emotional support—shape early childhood development and long-term outcomes. However, inequalities in income, housing, digital access, and family support services systematically disadvantage certain groups. Children in low-income households, migrant families, single-parent households, or families living in informal settlements are especially vulnerable. In addition, inequalities rooted in gender, race, and social identity create additional burdens for families, particularly those facing intersecting disadvantages. Gender-based disparities, such as unequal workloads or limited access to education and jobs, heighten stress within families and reduce overall wellbeing. Racial and ethnic inequalities similarly restrict access to housing, healthcare, and employment, contributing to chronic marginalization that affects family stability and children's long-term outcomes. Persistent inequality also fuels cycles of limited social mobility, leaving families trapped in disadvantage across generations. Research links inequality to wasted human potential, inefficient allocation of resources, and the formation of institutions that perpetuate unequal opportunities. These 3 systemic barriers prevent families from improving their circumstances and improving their wellbeing. Despite its importance, spending on the youngest children remains low, family policies are fragmented, and early intervention is often treated as discretionary in most low and middle-income countries. This year’s observance of the International Day of Families aims to demonstrate that engagement at international level is essential to elevate early family investment as a core social development priority. Family-oriented policies can accelerate social progress with family and child benefit policies stabilizing households when most vulnerable. Income support, maternity and parental benefits, childcare, and integrated family services reduce poverty risks, improve child outcomes, and support women’s economic participation – especially when implemented early. Similarly, investments in well-designed child allowances enhance nutrition, school participation, and family resilience while reducing stress and improving caregiving capacities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #Earlyfamilyinvestment, #Familyorientedpolicies, #Integratedfamilyservices, #Familyresilience, #inequality, #15May, #InternationalDayofFamilies, #Families.

EVENT: On May 15th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. EST; The Observance of the International day of Families 2026 will be held, with the aims to: • Contribute to enhanced global understanding of how inequalities undermine family and child wellbeing • Promote investment in integrated family-oriented social protection systems • Highlight good practices in family policymaking to reduce inequalities and promote child wellbeing • Share international good practices, including universal child benefits, parental leave systems, affordable early childhood education, and community-based family support services • Foster dialogue among Member States, UN agencies, policy experts, and civil society organizations • Contribute to increased commitment to the implementation of family-oriented policies • Examine issues relating to the Doha Political Declaration of the Second World Summit for Social Development, including: o integrating the role of the family as a central enabler and contributor to social development o promoting social and economic policies that are designed to meet the needs of families and their individual members and promote investments in early childhood development.The event is open to the public and will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. For more information contact: Renata Kaczmarska Focal Point on the Family, DISD/UNDESA kaczmarska@un.org  Read the concept note, Register to participate and Watch the livestream!

PUBLICATION: The research paper “Families, inequality and child wellbeing in the context of the 2030 Agenda” to be launched at the observance will elaborate on: • Current inequality trends affecting families globally • Family formation as a critical but under-addressed driver of inequality • Megatrends and their impact on growing inequalities and families’ wellbeing • The relevance of family-oriented policies for achieving family and child wellbeing and reducing inequalities • Urgency of action for family and child wellbeing in the context of 2030 Agenda • Good practices in family policymaking aiming at inequality reduction. Read the research paper!

References

• The  World Inequality Database.
• The World Social Report 2025 on “A New Policy Consensus to Accelerate Social Progress”. 
• The “Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025” 
• The Doha Political Declaration.
• The Reduced inequalities ( published by the DESA)

LIVESTREAM: Observance of the International Day of Families 2026 at UNHQ.

International Day of Plant Health 2026; May 12th.

FORUM:  “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security” International Day of Plant Health 2026. This year’s theme underscores the recognition that biosecurity measures aid in protecting plants, animals and people from biological threats by preventing harmful pests, diseases and organisms from entering, emerging or spreading. Biosecurity therefore serves as a safety net in agrifood systems – thereby safeguarding food security and nutrition. Plant biosecurity is a tool that underpins FAO’s Four Betters by safeguarding production systems, improving nutrition outcomes, conserving ecosystems and the environment, and strengthening resilient livelihoods. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Planthealthday, #12May, #Protectourplants, #PlantHealth, #plant, #plantbiosecurity, #foodsecurity.

 

EVENT:  On May 12th, from 10:00 to 11:30 am at FAO HQ; The high-level event will be conducted in a talk-show format, to foster an engaging yet substantive discussion on the importance of plant biosecurity for food security. The event will be moderated by Yurdi Yasmi, NSP Director. Opening remarks will be delivered by FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, and FAO Chief Economist, Máximo Torero, both via video message. The Ambassadors to FAO of Brazil, Mexico and the United States, and the Director General of the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT have all confirmed their participation. The discussion will be guided by the IPPC Secretariat to ensure a coherent dialogue and balanced participation among speakers. Register to participate, explore the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the Visual Identity, the promotional materials, and the campaign asset toolkit!

International Day of Argania 2026; May 10th.

FORUM: "Roots of Tradition; Seeds of Tomorrow'' International Day of Argania 2026. Its protection is fundamental, given the importance of its environmental and socioeconomic role. In recent decades there has been a growing awareness of its value and an increase in initiatives to protect it. The Argania (Argania spinosa) is a woody species endemic to Morocco, where it is concentrated in the Souss, in the South, and Algeria, where it is present in the Tindouf region. It belongs to the sapotaceae family, and has leathery leaves, small yellow flowers and a yellow-greenish fruit that looks like olives. It is also a unique tree due to its high capacity of adaption to the natural environment and its ability to develop its own ecosystem. The argan tree is the ideal species to fight against erosion and desertification, as argan tree masses constitute a green belt against the advance of the desert. These features arose curiosity on the Argania many centuries ago. One of the first writings that mention this trees is the Traité des simples (13th century), written by the Andalusian physician and botanist Ibn al-Baitar. It had previously been mentioned by the Andalusian botanist and historian El Bakri in the 11th century and was later mentioned by the famous Andalusian explorer Leon the African (15th-16th century), who detailed the uses of argan oil for food and illumination. The Argania has played an important role in the traditional culture of the local population, especially among the Imazighen tribes. One of its first uses lies in the hardness of its wood, which was traditionally used as a construction material, due to its good insulating properties, and as fuel. However, it is best known for its oil, produced from its fruits, which are particularly slow to ripen and contain between one and three small kernels rich in oil. In some places, argan oil replaces olive oil, making it an essential ingredient in regional cuisine, as well as being used as a condiment for many dishes. In the Souss region, argan oil, honey and a glass of tea is served as a symbol of hospitality towards guests. This oil is also used for the preparation of the popular and delicious amlou, a paste made with argan oil, roasted and crushed almonds and honey. Amlou is a culinary specialty of the Souss region, which has become popular throughout Morocco and even beyond its borders. Argan oil is also known for its many benefits and its high content of vitamin A and E, as well as its essential fatty acids. For this reason, it is regularly used to treat skin diseases, as well as being a highly appreciated ingredient in cosmetics by both artisanal and major international brands. For centuries, the argan tree has been the main means of subsistence for many families in rural areas, through the sale of its fruits or its oil, whose production is based on traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Today, most of the quality oil is still produced in women-organized cooperatives, such as the Amal Cooperative in the Moroccan village of Tamanar or the Tifaout Women’s Agricultural Cooperative in the Souss-Massa-Draa region. It is estimated that more than 2,000 people work in Moroccan argan oil cooperatives. The importance of this tree is such that its disappearance would affect the entire ecosystem: soil, water reserves, fauna, and flora. This know-how and the practices linked to argan oil were included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014, following a request from the Moroccan government. Since April 2009, the production of oil is also a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Argan oil was the first African product to benefit from this protection. These recognitions underline this tree’s importance and the practices that surround it. The benefits of the argan tree transcend these uses, and we all profit from its impact directly or indirectly. In fact, it is the ideal species to fight against erosion and desertification, as argan tree masses constitute a green belt against the advance of the desert. For instance, the UNESCO’s decision to declare “la Arganeraie” a Biosphere Reserve in 1988. This reserve in the southwest of Morocco, formed by the Souss Massa National Park, has since protected an Argan forest of 25,687 km2. Likewise, this tree, a symbol of life in Morocco, was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco in 2014, as a living example of the symbiosis between humans and nature. It is crucial to provide protection of this invaluable species for effective and durable results .

EVENTS: On May10th, a virtual event will be held to mark the International Day of Argania 2026. to Raise-awareness and increased protection of the Argan trees. Register to participate!

2026 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War, 8-9 May.

С Праздником Великой Победы!

Парад Победы на Красной площади.

Возложение цветов к Могиле Неизвестного Солдата.

В канун 81-летия Победы Святейший Патриарх Кирилл возложил венок к могиле Неизвестного солдата

8 мая 2026 года, в канун 81-й годовщины Победы в Великой Отечественной войне, Святейший Патриарх Московский и всея Руси Кирилл возложил венок к могиле Неизвестного солдата в Александровском саду у Кремлевской стены в Москве.