Russian Language Day 2026; June 6th.

EVENT: 227th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin.

 On June 8th, 2026; from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, a concert will be held to mark the Russian Language Day 2026 at the Room I UNESCO Headquarters, Paris. The Russian Language Day was set by the decision of the UN Department of Public Information in 2010. Its celebration, along with the days of the other official UN languages, was welcomed by the UNGA in 2017. The Russian Language Day was celebrated at the UNESCO Headquarters for the fourth time (first - in 2023) in line with the Executive Board Decisions 215 EX/29 and 217 EX/26. On 8 June at 6 p.m. Room I opens the doors for Delegations of Member-States, Observer Missions, Secretariat and the guests of UNESCO for an official opening ceremony to be followed by the concert. Organized by the Permanent Delegation of the Russian Federation with the support of the Permanent Delegations of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Upon invitation. Contact: 01.42.12.84.30 - dl.russia@unesco-delegations.org

Видеообращение Министра иностранных дел Российской Федерации С.В.Лаврова по случаю Дня русского языка, Москва, 6 июня 2026 года.

Дорогие друзья,

 поздравляю вас с днём русского языка, праздником, который отмечается во всём мире в день рождения Александра Сергеевича Пушкина, нашего великого поэта, творца современного литературного русского языка. Русский язык бесконечно образный и выразительный основа культурного и духовно-исторического кода нашей страны, страны цивилизации.

При этом язык Пушкина и Достоевского выступает и важнейшим средством международного общения. Великий и могучий, один из наиболее распространённых языков в мире, в том числе в цифровом пространстве, один из официальных языков ООН, ряда других многосторонних структур. Владение им - ключ к сокровищнице мирового искусства, передовым научным достижениям, самым широким экономическим возможностям.

Особо хотел бы отметить объединительную роль русского языка в деле упрочени мира и добрососедства на евразийском пространстве, формирование в Евразии новой архитектуры безопасности и взаимовыгодного сотрудничества. Россия, Белоруссия, Киргизия, Таджикистан, Узбекистан поддержали инициативу президента Казахстана Касымжамарта Кимельвича Такаева о создании международной организации по русскому языку. В марте этого года в Москве состоялась первая министерская конференция этой организации, ознаменовавшая начало её работы. Важно, что присоединиться к деятельности Международной организации по русскому языку могут все страны, которые разделяют её цели. Среди наших безусловных приоритетов защита и поддержка тех, для кого русский язык является родным. продолжим решительно противодействовать любым проявлением языковой дискриминации и русофобии, где бы они не имели места. Обязательно добьёмся полного восстановления прав тех русских и русскоязычных людей, против которых развязан открытый террор со стороны неонацистского киевского режима. Решение этого вопроса в числе необходимых условий долгосрочного урегулирования украинского конфликта.

И, конечно, продолжим делать всё возможное для содействия нашим соотечественникам за рубежом, а также иностранным партнёрам и друзьям в деле изучения русского языка, получения на нём образования, реализации гуманитарных и просветительских проектов.

Друзья, 2026 год богат на памятные даты, связанные с русским языком. Среди них 225летие со дня рождения создателя толкового словаря живого великорусского языка Владимира Ивановича Даля, двухсотлетие со дня рождения общественного деятеля и непревзойдённого сатирика Михаила Ивграфовича Солтыкова Щедрина девяностолетия со дня рождения видного филолога, ректора Санкт-Петербургского государственного университета, основателя фонда Русский мир Людмилы Алексеевны Вербицкой. В этом году нашим министерством и фондом Русский мир учреждена премия за вклад в мировую русистику, которая носит имя Виталия Григорьевича Костомарова, выдающегося лингвиста, стоявшего у истоков государственного института русского языка имени Пушкина. Премия предназначена заслуженным преподавателем русского языка и литературы из системы общего, высшего и дополнительного образования иностранных государств.

Кроме того, ей будут отмечены значительные результаты переводческой и исследовательской работы. Рассчитываем, что первая торжественная церемония вручения премии состоится уже в этом году в Москве. Хотел бы ещё раз сердечно поздравить всех, кто любит русский язык.

великое русское слово, кто вносит свой вклад в сбережение многогранного наследия русского мира. С праздником вас всех и всего наилучшего.

 С.В.Лавров.

Для более чем 250 млн людей русский язык является общим достоянием и средством ежедневного общения. Это официальный язык ряда международных организаций, включая ООН, а также один из самых популярных языков в интернет-пространстве. На нем создавались известные во всем мире шедевры культуры, и поэтому неслучайно День русского языка отмечается сегодня, 6 июня, в день рождения выдающегося поэта А.С.Пушкина.

FORUM: "Marking the 227th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin. Russian Language Day 2026. The date of June 6th is celebrated in Russia as Russian Language Day. In 1799; On this Date, 227 years ago, the great poet, prose writer, playwright, historian, publicist, and creator of modern Russian literary language, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, was born.

On June 6, 2011, the President of the Russian Federation signed a decree establishing the annual celebration of Russian Language Day in order to “preserve, support, and promote the Russian language as a national treasure of the peoples of the Russian Federation, a means of international communication, and an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of world civilization.”

The history of the Russian language spans more than a thousand years. Throughout that time, it has united tribes and peoples, including in the face of foreign invasions, while shaping the worldview and values of those who lived — and continue to live — on Russian soil.

A key milestone was the emergence of writing in the 9th century. The brothers Cyril and Methodius created the Slavic literary tradition, and the first alphabets were Glagolitic and Cyrillic. 

Around the same time, Old Church Slavonic began to take shape. Used primarily for religious texts, it had a profound influence on the development of Russian written culture.

Over the centuries, the Russian language evolved continuously and absorbed new vocabulary. However, it was Pushkin who ultimately transformed it into the living, elegant, flexible, and expressive language spoken today. As a poet, thinker, and playwright, he not only reformed his native tongue but also laid the foundations of great Russian literature.

The modern form of the Russian language emerged after the orthographic reform of 1917–1918, which abolished several archaic letters and simplified spelling rules.

Our “great and mighty” language, like any dynamic and developing language, continues to grow, constantly enriched by new words and expressions as it adapts to the realities of the modern world.

Today, Russian remains one of the world's leading languages of communication:
• one of the six official languages of the United Nations;
• a working language of international diplomacy, science, and culture;
• the ninth most spoken language in the world (more than 250 million speakers);
• the second most widely used language on the internet by number of websites.

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #RussianlanguageDay, #RussianLanguage, #6june, #interpretation, #Деньрусскогоязыка, #Русскийязык, #6июня, #Многоязычие.

International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing 2026; June 5th.

FORUM:''The International Treaty to Fight Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Turns 10'' International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing 2026. In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adopted an International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. The FAO defined each type of fishing:

Illegal fishing refers to activities: Conducted by national or foreign vessels in waters under the jurisdiction of a State, without the permission of that State, or in contravention of its laws and regulations;
Conducted by vessels flying the flag of States that are parties to a relevant regional fisheries management organization but operate in contravention of the conservation and management measures adopted by that organization and by which the States are bound, or relevant provisions of the applicable international law; or
In violation of national laws or international obligations, including those undertaken by cooperating States to a relevant regional fisheries management organization.

Unreported fishing refers to fishing activities:Which have not been reported, or have been misreported, to the relevant national authority, in contravention of national laws and regulations; or
Undertaken in the area of competence of a relevant regional fisheries management organization which have not been reported or have been misreported, in contravention of the reporting procedures of that organization.

Unregulated fishing refers to fishing activities: In the area of application of a relevant regional fisheries management organization that are conducted by vessels without nationality, or by those flying the flag of a State not party to that organization, or by a fishing entity, in a manner that is not consistent with or contravenes the conservation and management measures of that organization; or
In areas or for fish stocks in relation to which there are no applicable conservation or management measures and where such fishing activities are conducted in a manner inconsistent with State responsibilities for the conservation of living marine resources under international law.”

Without a doubt, all three types of fishing undermine efforts to conserve and sustainably manage fisheries. But, when you consider the responsible party in each of these three cases, one quickly falls out as different. “Which one of these is not like the others?” With illegal fishing, the fishers are in direct violation of the law by fishing when, where, or for certain species they shouldn’t be fishing. Unreported fishing is the failure to report harvest in accordance with the law – the fishing itself is not illegal, but the fishers are still not in compliance with the law because of their failure to report their harvest. Then, there’s unregulated fishing. In this case, governments do not have regulations in place to manage the fishery. Yes; some fishers do take advantage of this and operate under “flags of convenience.” But, in other cases, fishers are just operating in a situation where a government is not capable of managing their activities. Illegal and unreported fishing are enforcement issues. Unregulated fishing is a governance issue. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IUUFishing, #5June, #FightIUUFishing, #PSMA, #ecosystems.

EVENTS: On Friday, June 5th, International Day for the Fight Against IUU Fishing 2026, there is much to celebrate. Ten years ago, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) entered into force.The PSMA is the only legally binding international treaty specifically designed to address IUU fishing, which it does by strengthening port controls and limiting the ability of illicit operators to offload their catch to the market. Register to participate!

INTERVIEWS: The Pew Charitable Trusts spoke with four experts – Marisa Kashorte, director, international fisheries relations, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment South Africa; Alicia Mosteiro, technical secretary to PSMA Technical Working Group on Information Exchange, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Meli Raicebe, fisheries officer, Fiji Fisheries Department, and chair, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Port State Measures Working Group; and Elsa Tudal, project director, Europe and international, directorate general for maritime affairs, fisheries and aquaculture of France and chair of the sixth PSMA meeting of the Parties in 2027 – about the impact of the PSMA’s first decade in force, the future of the agreement and what else the global community can do to combat IUU fishing. Listen to the interview!

PUBLICATION: Stopping illegal,unreported and unregulated fishing; Published by the FAO.

In 2001, after more than two years of great effort, the Members of FAO developed an International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing (IPOA-IUU) to address this problem. 1 Like the Code of Conduct, the IPOA-IUU is voluntary. It is conceived of as a “toolbox” – that is, a set of tools for usein dealing with IUU fishing in its many forms. Not all tools in the toolbox are appropriate for use in all situations. The choice of tools will depend on the particular circumstances in a fishery. This booklet is intended to help familiarize FAO Members and others with the tools; to suggest which tools to use in particular circumstances; and to provide guidance on how to use the tools effectively. For those people who would like to know more about the IPOA-IUU and to obtain a copy of the text, visit the FAO Fisheries Department Website on the Internet. The FAO Fisheries Department has also produced detailed Technical Guidelines to help governments and others implement the IPOA-IUU.

LIVESTREAM: Seminars, conferences and incentives held on behalf the Observance of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing 2026.

World Environment Day 2026: June 5th.

FORUM: "Act now for climate.'' World Environment Day 2026. The planet doesn’t argue. It doesn’t negotiate. It sends signals—rising seas, raging wildfires, heatwaves, melting glaciers. We said 1.5°C was the limit. We are crossing it. For decades, the world has heard the climate story—warnings, targets, distant deadlines. Too often, the response has been clouded by noise: delay, distraction, denial. But listen closer now. Beneath the noise, another signal is rising. Solar panels stretch across rooftops. Wind turbines line the horizon. Cities are being redesigned for people. Forests are being replanted. Positive tipping points are taking root in every corner of the planet. World Environment Day 2026 focuses on climate change—on the urgent signals the Earth is sending and the signals we choose to send back. The global campaign calls on all of us to step in, to move further, to steer a world already in motion. The question is no longer if change comes, but how we guide it and how fast it happens. Follow the Conversations with the hashtags: #5june, #WorldEnvironmentDay, #Nowforclimate, #Environment, #campaign, #wed2026.

EVENTS: On Friday; June 5th, the Republic of Azerbaijan will host the global commemoration of World Environment Day 2026 in Baku. Located at the crossroads of East and West along the historic Silk Road, Azerbaijan is a land of remarkable natural diversity. Its landscape spans two major climate zones—subtropical and temperate—and encompasses 8 distinct climate types, from subtropical forests to alpine ecosystems, creating rich biodiversity. Register to participate!

Official Address
Opening Remarks

• Opening Keynote address by high-level dignitary from Azerbaijan
• Mr. Rashad Ismayilov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (video message)
• Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (video message)
• Mr. André Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President (video message)
• Mr. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye, COP31 President-Designate (video message)
• Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (video message)
• Ms. Sara Pavkov, Minister of Environmental Protection of Serbia

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Environment Day 2026: June 5th.


This World Environment Day, warning signals are everywhere.

The past eleven years have been the eleven hottest on record.

And the damage goes far beyond rising temperatures – from polluted air to degraded land, collapsing ecosystems, and vanishing biodiversity.

Harming health, destroying homes and deepening hunger.

The world is heading for a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees.

Every fraction of a degree brings greater harm – especially to the most vulnerable.

Our task is to make that overshoot as small, as short, and as safe as possible – and rapidly bring temperatures back down.

That means slashing emissions.

Accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewables – the only sustainable path to lower costs and to real energy security.

Cutting methane – one of the fastest, cheapest ways to limit near-term warming.

Protecting forests, land, and seas.

Helping communities adapt to the devastating impacts already here.

And it means fulfilling climate finance promises to developing countries – to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen economies.

This is the moment to act – for our environment and for our future. 

António Guterres, Secretary-General.

 

Statement of the UN Environment Programme Executive Director on World Environment Day 2026: June 5th.

We're facing a climate crisis too hot to ignore.
Global temperature rise is on track to exceed 1.5 degrees, and every increment above this level will be felt in lives lost, in devastated communities and in damaged infrastructure, particularly, of course, in cities.
But we can limit this overshoot, we can support adaptation and vulnerable nations and return to below 1.5 degrees.
The solutions are right here, booming clean energy and mobility, green buildings, rapid cuts in methane emissions, more resilient food systems, and so much more.
With the right policies and investments, we can spark positive tipping points that deliver rapid emissions cuts, more climate resilient societies and stronger economic growth.
So on this World Environment Day, I call on everyone to act with urgency and determination and to help build a cooler, safer and healthier future for all.

UN Environment Programme Executive Director.

LIVESTREAM: World Environment Day 2026: A Global Call for Climate Action.

The Republic of Azerbaijan will host the global commemoration in Baku on 5 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, experts, and communities for a high-level moment of visibility and engagement.

CAMPAIGN: The UNEP’s global campaign calls on all of us to step in #NowForClimate, and steer a world already in motion. See How to get involved.

Join the Climate Dance Challenge. Take the Challenge!
Explore Climate Solutions. See Solutions!
Discover the 2026 Campaign, Learn about the campaign.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the action tools and communication assets in several languages!

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026; June 4th.

 

FORUM: "Shattering the Cycle of Impunity: Reaffirming the Rights of the Child in Times of Armed Conflict.'' International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026.

Focus on the Erosion of the Protected Status of the Child: Contemporary armed conflicts have increasingly transcended traditional combat zones, infiltrating the spaces where children should be afforded sanctuary-their homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The gravity of these violations is cataloged in the annual reports of the United Nations Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, revealing a landscape where the rights of the child are routinely disregarded. The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, including indiscriminate shelling and the use of remnants of war, has inflicted physical and psychological trauma upon a generation. Beyond these casualties, we are witnessing the recruitment of children into armed forces, the use of sexual violence as an instrument of terror, and the abduction of minors. Furthermore, the denial of humanitarian access- the obstruction of food, life-saving medicine, and essential education-constitutes a violation of the right to life, survival, and development as guaranteed under international human rights law. These are not merely collateral consequences; they are violations that dismantle the future of these children.

Focus on the Legacy of the 1996 Graça Machel Report: A turning point in this advocacy arrived in 1996 with the report, Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, authored by Graça Machel. This study shifted the international paradigm by documenting how armed conflict destroys the infrastructure essential for a child’s survival, including schools, clean water systems, and healthcare networks. Machel’s work exposed the reality of the "weaponization of childhood," wherein children were forcibly recruited into hostilities through abduction and coercion. The report did not merely observe this suffering; it demanded systemic change. Machel insisted that the protection of children be integrated as a pillar of all peace and security agendas, arguing that any peace process failing to prioritize the rehabilitation and safety of children is unsustainable. Her report led to the creation of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, establishing a mechanism to monitor violations and advocate for the accountability of perpetrators who treat children as collateral damage. The international community has forged a legal architecture to safeguard children, anchored by the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As the primary instrument for the protection of minors, the CRC obligates States to ensure the survival and development of every child. These mandates are strengthened by the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which establishes a prohibition against the recruitment and participation of children in hostilities. Complementing these are the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which dictate the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, mandating protection for children against the effects of warfare. Despite the universality of these instruments, a chasm exists between legal obligations and ground-level realities. We are witnessing an erosion of international norms, characterized by a climate of impunity where the perpetrators of these violations continue to act without fear of legal consequence. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms are essential, but they are ineffective in the absence of an enforcement apparatus capable of ensuring accountability. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #ChildViolence, #4june, #ChildVictimsDay, #childabuse, #ChildProtection.

EVENTS: On Thursday, June 4th, the international community will observe the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026. A webinar will be held to mark the day. The observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, this day emerged as a response to the suffering of Palestinian and Lebanese children during the 1982 Lebanon War. This historical genesis serves as an indictment of the international community’s failure to prevent the targeting of the most vulnerable. The United Nations highlight that children, whose status as protected civilians is enshrined in international law, continue to be subjected to acts of aggression, it's time to re-evaluate our collective commitment to their safety and dignity. Register to participate!

PUBLICATIONS: Denial of Humanitarian Access to Children:A Guidance Note for the Childrenand Armed Conflict Agenda.

This Guidance Note was authored by Sophie Solomon Federspiel, under the supervision of Dragica Mikavica as the project manager, and with the substantial support of Claire Bertouille. OSRSG CAAC would like to express profound gratitude to a myriad of contributors who have provided invaluable insight and feedback during the creation of this Guidance Note. The Note is the result of thorough consultations with numerous field staff members, NGO partners and others who engage with MRM on grave violations against children. Special thanks are extended to members of the Technical Reference Group, including UNICEF, DPO and DPPA, and to OCHA for its subject matter expertise. We are particularly grateful to our colleagues in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan who facilitated field missions associated with the project and provided support during the research phase. Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to the mothers, children, community leaders and the people we met along this journey. Those individuals shared their personal stories and experiences with us, offering a keener understanding of the harsh realities surrounding DHA and its impact on children in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Their voices have been instrumental in the formation of this Guidance Note.

Read the latest report of the Secretary-General entitled ''Children and armed conflict''. 

World Bicycle Day 2026; June 3rd.

FORUM: "Cycling Skills & Safe Practices'' UN World Bicycle Day 2026. Safe infrastructure for walking & cycling is a pathway for achieving greater health equity.The June 3rd celebration draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle, a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. A sustainable transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals . #WorldbicycleDay, #bicycle,#cycling,#Cyclists, #Cyclism, #cyclingskills, #bikes

EVENTS: On June 3rd, the World Bicycle Day 2026 will be celebrated at the UNHQ in New York. The event will be held by the United Nations Foundation, the UNDP, the UNESCO,World Health Organization (WHO), the UNICEF, the UNHCR, the World Bank, International Cyclists Union (UCI) the UN Specialized agencies and other partners. 

A webinar will be held to mark the day. Register to participate!

LIVE | Shaping the Future of Active Mobility. 2026 UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum | Athens, Greece.

On May 11th, 2026; The eighth edition of the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum was held live from Athens, Greece. The UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum annually brings together cycling leaders, advocates, mobility experts, national federations, industry representatives and policymakers to exchange ideas on the future of active mobility.The 2026 UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum is hosted in collaboration with the City of Athens and Kyvernitis Travel.   Watch the Livestream!

When: 10 & 11 May 2026

 Where: Athens Conservatoire Rigillis St & Vas.Georgiou Avenue B’ 17-19 10675 Athens, Greece 

 THE PROGRAMME -  SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026 

10.45 – 11.15 Meeting point for all Forum delegates at Syntagma Square 

11.45 – 12.45 Ride the ∆EH Tour of Hellas race circuit (public race) 

13.00 – 15.00 ∆EH Tour of Hellas side events/cycling for all activations at Syntagma Square • Finish of the ∆EH Tour of Hellas • ∆EH Tour of Hellas Award Ceremony • Visit of ∆EH Tour of Hellas Expo area 15.00 – 17.00 Bike tour with visit of the Zappeion Megaron and Panathenaic Stadium

19.30 – 21.30 Official dinner and UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards Ceremony at the Athens City Hall 

MONDAY 11 MAY 2026 

08.15 – 09.00 Delegate sign-in 

09.00 – 09.30 Welcome addresses • Haris Doukas – Mayor, City of Athens • David Lappartient – President, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) • Vasilios Diamantopoulos – President, Hellenic Cycling Federation • Spyros Capralos – President, European Olympic Committees and IOC Executive Board Member 09.30 – 10.00 Opening keynote address • Carly Gilbert-Patrick – Secretary General, International Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLOCAT)  

10.00 – 10.45 Strengthening cycling tourism: emerging trends and successful approaches • Laurianne Krid – CEO, European Cyclists’ Federation • Pinar Pinzuti – Creator and Director, Fiera del Cicloturismo • Spiros Papageorgiou – Founder and Director, Cities for Cycling NGO • George Nanos – Co-owner and head project manager, Outline

 10.45 – 11.15 Coffee break & networking

 11.15 – 11.30 UCI Bike City Label Awards 

11.30 – 11.50 Kigali’s cycling revolution: hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships • Samson Ndayishimiye – President, Rwanda Cycling Federation 

11.50 – 12.35 Urban mobility strategies: integrating cycling into city planning • Clotilde Imbert – CEO, Copenhagenize • Stathis Psyrropoulos – Mayor of Ilioupoli • Stelios Diakoulakis – Deputy Regional Director Europe, C40 Cities • Tony Mitchell – Cycling for All & Sustainable Cycling Commission President and UCI Management Committee Member, Union Cycliste Internationale 

12.35 – 14.00 Networking lunch 

14.00 – 14.20 Racing with purpose: building cycling culture through the ∆EH Tour of Hellas • Takis Xouris – Chief Operating Officer, ∆EH Tour of Hellas 

14.20 – 15.05 Cycling events as drivers of sustainable sport tourism and impact • Eelco Franckaert – Project team member, 2026 UCI Cyclocross World Championships Hulst • Samara Sheppard – UCI Bike City Coordinator, Destination Wollongong NSW • Antti Laiho – Marketing Consultant and Ambassador, Visit Lahti • Ioannis Koklakizoglou – Managing Partner, Top Cycles and Athens Bike Rental 

15.05 – 15.35 Coffee break & networking 

15.35 – 16.20 Global road safety: collaborative approaches for safer cycling • Filippo Veglio – Head of Social & Environmental Sustainability, UEFA • Vasilis Orfanos – Off Road & Dakar Champion and Chief Instructor, VOM • Dr Apostolos Ziakopoulos – Civil Engineer, PhD and Research Associate, National Technical University of Athens • Isabella Burczak – Cycling for All & Sustainability Manager, UCI 

16.20 – 17.00 Closing session: UCI remarks and presentation of the 2027 Forum host REGISTRATION Join us at the 2026 UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum by registering online here. 

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the UCI at cyclingforall@uci.ch. 

World No-Tobacco Day 2026; May 31st.

FORUM: “Unmasking the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction”. World No-Tobacco Day 2026. The campaign calls on governments, partners, and civil society to strengthen regulation, close policy gaps, and safeguard future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products. The 2026 campaign aims to: raise awareness of the tobacco and nicotine industry’s evolving strategies, including the use of synthetic nicotine, nicotine salts, and analogues to increase addiction potential while appearing technologically advanced; advocate for stronger policy action to protect youth through bans on flavours, advertising and promotion (including on digital and social media), and regulation of packaging and product design that increase appeal; and prevent addiction and reduce demand by equipping the public – especially youth – with the knowledge and tools to resist industry manipulation and access evidence-based cessation support. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldNoTobaccoDay; #31May; #TobaccoControl.

EVENTS: On Sunday May 31st, a webinar will be held to mark the World No-Tobacco Day 2026.This year's observance unites governments, health organizations, civil society, and youth voices under a shared mission: to end the tobacco epidemic and secure a tobacco- and nicotine-free future for the next generation. Register to participate!

Webinar: Exposing industry tactics behind nicotine pouch expansion and the regulatory implications.

On May 28th, 2026, from 13:00 – 14:00 CET; Ahead of World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2026, the WHO will host an online event exposing the tactics and strategies driving the market growth of nicotine pouches, which continue to lure adolescents and young adults into nicotine addiction. This event aligns closely with the theme of the 2026 WNTD, ‘Unmask the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’ but will focus on nicotine pouches, which are becoming increasingly popular, with strong youth appeal and high addiction potential. Children and young people are aggressively targeted with flavours, sleek packaging, digital marketing, social media promotion, influencer marketing and sponsorships of youth-oriented events, which position nicotine pouches as lifestyle products, rather than addictive and harmful. This webinar will include highlights from WHO’s first global report on nicotine pouches and reveal how nicotine pouches are often marketed as cool, discreet and “tobacco-free”, spreading across countries so fast that regulation often lags behind. It will bring together different perspectives to unmask the appeal and marketing of nicotine pouches, share experiences associated with regulating these products and protecting the public – particularly, youth and non-users – from nicotine addiction and draw attention as to why urgent and coordinated action is needed.

This event will equip participants with new knowledge on nicotine pouches, and serves as a call for:

• governments – where not banned, to otherwise regulate nicotine pouches within comprehensive tobacco control frameworks, close loopholes, and prioritise public health over commercial interests;
• civil society organisations - to hold the industry accountable, advocate for strong policies, and amplify credible public health messaging;
• youth and youth organisations – to recognize and resist industry tactics that specifically target them and to protect their right to health; and
• other stakeholders – to stay informed of the tactics of tobacco and nicotine industries, and press for evidence-based policies to safeguard public health.

Urgent, coordinated and sustained action is necessary to safeguard current and future generations from nicotine addiction. The webinar will be held in English with interpretation provided in Arabic, French and Spanish. Everyone is welcome - questions can be posed online, on the registration page. Register here

Call for nominations of the WHO World No Tobacco Day 2026 awards.The WHO headquarters will announce the awardees, 5 days before WNTD.

Message from Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on World No-Tobacco Day 2026; May 31st.

Today, May 31st, the Pan-american Health Organization Paro joins the global call for world no tobacco day under the slogan and masking the appeal countering tobacco and nicotine following decades of progressively in cutting in tobacco use tobacco and related industry continue to adapt their strategies. They aggressively marketing new products like e cigarettes and nicotine pouches of brand innovation to attract children adolescents and young people and get them hooked. The younger person starts the greater the risk of addition. Young people are particularly vulnerable as their brain are still developing and adapt quickly to nicotine even at low levels of exposure.
That's why this industry marketing strategies target young people. An estimated 2.6 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 smoke cigarettes in the region of the Americas and 2 million use cigarettes this levels of consumption are serious public health concern pares member states to take urgent and decisive action to protect their populations including through comprehensive policies burning all forms of advertising promotion and sponsorship reduction in affordability and features tobacco nicotine products more to adolescent people today. We must work together to protect children and young people
from the interest of the tobacco industry and it is affiliate so that we can build the generation for tobacco is a of the past Americas.

PAHO Director-General.

GET INVOLVED!  Join us in unmasking the appeal!

PUBLICATIONS:  Read the WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2025: warning about the dangers of tobacco and the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2024 and projections 2025–2030

International Day of Potato 2026; May 30th.

FORUM: "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish". International Day of Potato 2026. The observance will serve not only as a celebration of the crop itself, but also as a global call to support farmers, strengthen food systems and ensure sustainable livelihoods for communities connected to potato production around the world. The theme emphasizes the vital role of potatoes in improving livelihoods, strengthening rural economies and supporting sustainable agrifood systems across the world. From the Andean highlands where potatoes were first domesticated thousands of years ago to modern farming regions in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, the potato continues to be one of the world’s most important food crops. Potatoes are cultivated in more than 150 countries and consumed daily by billions of people. Beyond being a staple food, the crop supports millions of farmers, workers, traders, processors and businesses throughout the potato value chain. The 2026 observance will focus on how potato farming and related industries create employment opportunities, increase rural incomes and contribute to poverty reduction. A major focus of the 2026 edition will be recognizing the role of small-scale family farmers, including women farmers, in preserving potato biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge. Indigenous communities and local producers who continue to cultivate heirloom potato varieties will also be acknowledged for safeguarding the crop’s rich genetic diversity. The observance builds upon the legacy of the International Year of the Potato 2008, which first drew global attention to the crop’s importance in combating hunger and poverty. Since then, potatoes have gained greater recognition as a resilient and efficient crop capable of producing high yields while using relatively limited land and water resources. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #30May, #Potato, #InternationalDayOfPotato.

EVENTS: On Saturday, May 30th, 2026; The International Day of Potato 2026 will be observed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the 2026 observance highlights the theme: "Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish". As climate change, economic pressures and food insecurity continue to challenge global food systems, potatoes are increasingly viewed as a strategic crop for the future. Their adaptability to different climates and growing conditions makes them essential for building more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.  The event will also highlight the potato’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: Ending hunger and improving food security; Promoting sustainable agriculture; Supporting economic growth and decent work; Building climate resilience in agrifood systems; Encouraging inclusive rural development. The International Day of Potato 2026 will bring together governments, agricultural organizations, researchers, farmers, industry leaders, educators and consumers to celebrate the crop’s economic, nutritional and cultural importance. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

The third observance of the International Day of Potato, on 30 May 2026, under the theme Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish emphasizes the role of potatoes in strengthening livelihoods for farmers and value chain actors from the highlands of the Andes to Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. By advancing potato farming and value chain development, the crop contributes to poverty reduction, resilience and more inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.


Join us on Friday, 29 May 2026 (as 30 May falls on a Saturday), for the main global event hosted in the Kingdom of Lesotho and a complementary event at FAO headquarters, championed by the Government of Peru and Spain in collaboration with other Members. Additionally, from 29 May to 5 June, visit the Journey of the Potato exhibition at the FAO Museum close to the Food lab and explore the global journey of the potato spanning 8 000 years and tracing the potato’s roots to its birthplace near Lake Titicaca in the Andes Mountains, where early farmers first domesticated wild tubers. Ahead of the event, dive into our 'Get Involved' guide to learn more about how you can contribute to promoting sustainable development through potatoes.



AGENDA PROGRAMME

Global Celebration of International Day of Potato, hosted by the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Venue: Avani Lesotho hotel, Maseru, Lesotho
Time: 08:00 – 13:00
Language: English
Click here for the webcast

Master of ceremony: Lekhooe Makhate, Director of Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Securty and Nutrition, Lesotho.

AGENDA PROGRAMME

08.00 Arrival All
08.45 Welcome poem (Sesotho) Sotho kids
09.00 Opening prayer Volunteer
09.05 Welcome remarks Khothatso Ts’ooana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the Kingdom of Lesotho
09:10 Video presentation: Success in the fields Featuring Maleuta and Madiholo
09:20 Farmers perspectives: Successes and hurdles Lesotho National Farmers Union (LENAFU) and Potato Lesotho Association (PLA) Farmer Representatives
09:35 One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative in Lesotho: Progress report Tsebang Lebata, OCOP National Focal Point
09:50 Cultural performance Sotho kids
10:00 Group photo and health break All
10:30 Potato’s role in agriculture and food security Selebalo Moeketsi, Director Crops Services (a.i.)
10:45 The future is rooted in potatoes - Trends in Africa
Dinah Borus, World Potato Congress (Kenya)

11:00 Potato: A Crop for Food Security, Resilience, and Opportunity in Africa
Abdul Naico, International Potato Center (CIP)

11:15 Statement from Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho His Excellency Yang Xiaokun. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho
11:30 FAO regional vision Patrice Talla, FAO representative
11:45 Global message

QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General


12:00 - Exhibition walk-through (Tech showcase and food tasting)

Crops and Nutrition departments
12:30 Cultural performance Sotho kids
12:45 Key note address and closing remarks Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the Kingdom of Lesotho
13:00 Reception All

Cooking demonstration hosted by the Government of Peru and Spain

Time: 11:00 -13:00
Venue: FAO headquarters (Food lab)
Language: Spanish and English

Moderator: José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic and President of Madrid Fusión


AGENDA PROGRAMME

11:00–11:10 Opening remarks Manuel José Antonio Cacho Sousa
Velázquez, Ambassador of Peru to Italy

11:10 – 11:20 Video message Máximo Torero, FAO Chief Economist
11:20 – 12:30 Presentation on the history of the Spanish potato omelette accompanied by a Spanish and Peruvian cooking show centered on potatoes José Carlos Capel, journalist, food critic, and President of Madrid Fusión

12:30 – 12:50 Tasting of Spanish potato omelette and Peruvian carapulcra All
12:50 – 13:00 Closing remarks Fernando Miranda, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to FAO

 

ACTIVITIES: Several activities worldwide include International conferences and policy discussions; Farmer-focused workshops and training programmes; Potato exhibitions and innovation showcases; Educational campaigns in schools and universities; Culinary events celebrating potato-based cuisines; Community outreach and awareness programmes; Research presentations on sustainability and climate resilience. 

Why innovation matters?

Across the agricultural sector, investment is increasingly focused on developing crop protection technologies that are more targeted, reliable and aligned with evolving environmental and consumer expectations. Continued investment in crop protection innovation is helping growers manage weeds, pests and diseases more effectively, while an increasing focus is being placed on biological solutions such as biostimulants that help crops reach their genetic potential. But technology alone is not enough. Even the best crop protection only delivers value when applied at the right time, under the right conditions and as part of a broader production strategy. This is one reason digital agriculture is becoming increasingly important.

What is the role of digital agriculture in The future of potato production?

Digital agriculture platforms are providing growers with tools to improve planning, timing and operational visibility across production cycles. Better decisions in the field ultimately contribute to more efficient resource use, stronger returns and improved sustainability. The future of potato production will depend not only on the availability of new technologies, but also on creating an environment that supports continued agricultural research and development investment. Long development timelines, increasing regulatory complexity and the protection of innovation all influence how quickly new solutions can reach farmers. Without continued investment in research and innovation, growers have fewer alternatives available to respond to changing pest, climate and market challenges.

For further information contact us on International-Day-of-Potato@fao.org