World Art Day 2026; April 15th.

FORUM: "Art & Human Dignity: Human Rights and Healing Arts for a Culture of Peace." World Art Day 2026. Each year, the celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. Under the patronage of UNESCO, in partnership with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Peace Education Network (GPEN), Dr. Guila Clara Kessous is organizing the forum “Art & Human Dignity: Human Rights and Healing Arts for a Culture of Peace”. This forum, aligned with UNESCO’s mandate to promote the arts as a bridge across cultures, ideologies, languages and geographies, reflects the crucial use of arts as an enabler for healing and social cohesion, contributing to consolidating a culture of peace. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldArtDay, #15April, #Arts.

EVENT: On April 15th; The event held on World Art Day 2026 will examine the positive impact of the arts in promoting global peace, human rights, health, and well-being. As stated by Dr. Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace, and Ambassador for Peace of the Universal Circle of Ambassadors of Peace (Geneva): “The impact of art is underestimated today. We have a limited view of the artist as someone who produces beauty devoid of social conscience. In response, many artists decide to combine activism and art to become ‘artivists’ – offering their talents to alleviate suffering, promote peace and prevent war.”

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"The impact of art is underestimated today. We have a limited view of the artist as someone who produces beauty devoid of social conscience. In response, many artists decide to combine activism and art to become ‘artivists’ – offering their talents to alleviate suffering, promote peace and prevent war."
Dr. Kessous UNESCO Artist for Peace, and Ambassador for Peace of the Universal Circle of Ambassadors of Peace (Geneva). Watch the trailer of this event here

Agenda Programme

7:00 PM CET Time - INTRODUCTION

- Dr. Guila Clara Kessous, UNESCO Artist for Peace – Ambassador for Peace of the Universal Circle of Ambassadors of Peace (Geneva)
- Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO
- Christopher Bailey, Arts and Health Lead at the World Health Organization, Co-founder, and Co-director Jameel Arts & Health Lab
- Dr. Nisha Sajnani, Director of the Program in Drama Therapy; Chair, Creative Arts Therapies Consortium; Founder of the Arts and Health initiative at New York University; Co-founder and Co-director Jameel Arts & Health Lab


7:30 PM CET Time – ART and HEALING

Roundtable: Healing through Art

- Dr. Vicky Karkou Director of the Research Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, Edge Hill University, UK
- Dr. Pierre Lemarquis, neurologist, musicologist, member of the Society of Francophone Clinical Neurophysiologists and of the New York Academy of Sciences, France
- Alfredo Fort, MD, Msc. Ph.D. Global health consultant, El Salvador

Roundtable: “Verstohlen”: The Art of Being Human

- Antoine Fenoglio, designer, « Design with care », Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers, chaire Humanités et Santé, France
- Cynthia Fleury, philosopher

“Museums on Prescription”: a Canadian initiative
- Stephen Legari, Program Officer, Art Therapy, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Sophie Lessard-Latendresse, Head of the art and wellness development at the National Museum of Fine Arts Of Quebec


8:30 PM CET Time – ART, HUMAN RIGHTS, and SOCIAL HEALTH

The core of Art - Charles Pépin, philosopher

Roundtable: Ethical Artistic Practice in support of Human Rights and Dignity

- Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts at the University of Glasgow.
- Taigué Ahmed, artivist, Chadian choreographer and director of the association Ndam Se Na in N'Djamena.
- Jonathan Fox, Co-Founder of Playback Theatre, USA

Artivism

- Fabrice Don de Dieu, artivist, “Refugees on the Move” workshops for refugees from the Central African Republic


9:00 PM – ART and PEACE EDUCATION

Roundtable: Peace Education through Art

- Dr. Tony Jenkins, Manager, International Institute for Peace Education, Georgetown University, USA
- David Cottrrell, Artist in residence, Department of Defense, UK
- Tarrie Burnett, Executive Director for Tomorrow’s Women, Israel

Roundtable: Peacebuilding through Art

- Alla Rogers, Director, Art and Cultural Impact Programs, Global Peace Education Network.
- Melvin Hardy, Arts and Education Social Entrepreneur. United Nations
- Dr. Lisa Worth Huber, National Peace Academy, USA

Theatre of The Oppressed

- Dr. Julian Boal, Co-Founder, Escola de Teatro Poplar/ The School of Popular Theatre, Brazil
- Dr. Nisha Sajnani, Director of the Program in Drama Therapy; Chair, Creative Arts Therapies Consortium; Founder of the Arts and Health initiative at New York University; Co-founder and Co-director Jameel Arts & Health Lab

10:00 PM CET Time – CONCLUSION

- Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mukwege Foundation, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

African congolese initiative: art to help the fight against child labor in mines

- His Excellency Archimede Kabeya Kalasa
- Executive secretary of the Governement of Province Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Music for hope
- Jean Michel Jarre, Artist, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

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Rising voices

Roundtable: Art Therapy Methodology

- Dr. Jacques STITELMANN – PhD. Psychologue FSP, Psychothérapeute ASP, Switzerland
- Dr. Jean-Pierre Klein, Psychiatrist, Director of the National Institute of Expression, Creation, Art and Therapy, France
- François Lacroix, MD, Art Therapist, Head of “L’Atelier des Possibles”, Switzerland


Roundtable: Art with social and medical impact

- Marlène Huissoud, experimental designer, Arts Foundation UK for the Material Innovation Award, 2016, UK
- Dr Myriam Belghazi Nciri, President of the Association “Dar Zhor”, Morocco
- François Struzik, photoreporter on the human side, “Simply Human” initiative

Nawell Ainèche, transdisciplinary artist, “Wearable sculpture” movement


Roundtable: Art and well being

Barbara Lau, family dramatherapist, vice president of the national association of dramatherapy, French representative at the European Federation of Dramatherapy

Anne Cazaubon, author, artist, coach

Marie Serruya, plastic artist


Digital Art and social impact

Pierre Fautrel, leader of “Obvious” a collective of artists working with artificial intelligence

Art and joy

Richard Orlinski, artist

Roundtable "Art as a nectar of life"

- Kudsi Erguner, musician
- Alexandra Zimeray, art therapist, Johannesburg
- Yves Dana, sculptor
- Frank Lalou, author, calligrapher
- Bouchra Benyezza, psychotherapist and art therapist, Morocco

Roundtable "The Art Pledge initiative"

- Didier Saulnier, co-founder of The Art Pledge platform
- Gaelle Choisne, artist

Bibliotherapy

- Marie Claude Réau, editorial director of documentaries Bayard youth press
- Céline Mas, co-founder of « Love for Livres » and author

Beauty, tradition and engagement

- Marie Gugliermina, Marketing Manager of Daum, cristal brand

Being aware of what "Art therapy" does really mean?

- Dr. Anne Marie Dubois, scientific manager of the Museum of Art and History of the St Ann hospital in Paris, Center of study and expression


Engage with Art!

- Barbara Borsotto, scarf designer, Daphné brand, Italy
- Laurent Godard, doctor, designer, France

OTHERS EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS: Worldwide Celebrations of World Art Day 2026.

On Wednesday April 15th, 2026; The value of creativity and the richness​ of Jersey's cultural landscape by coinciding a day of artistic and cultural events with UNESCO's World Art Day will be celebrated . The key partners across arts, culture and heritage in Jersey are working together to deliver an Island wide celebration of the arts with support from:Jersey Arts Centre​; The ArtHouse Jersey; The Jersey Opera House; The Ballet d'Jerri​; The Jersey Heritage​; The doors will be open to to Islanders to provide a range of workshops, tours, exhibitions, activities. The celebration is open to everyone. It encourages people of all ages to get involved in art, discover local talent and explore the stories and heritage that shape the Island's identity. The aims of the event is to ​build community connections, to support cultural participation and to showcase the Island's diversity and creativity​​; Learn more about the schedules!

At The Frank Lloyd Wright Building as Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Guggenheim New York is an architectural icon that has inspired countless visitors and is widely seen as Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.The Museum in New york will organize:

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2 pm EDT Join the event ''Mind’s Eye: Carol Bove''

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 2 pm EDT; If you're Curious about the Building? 

On Friday, April 17, 2026, 5 pm EDT, will be held the Students Fest: Play.

EXHIBITS:

- Carol Bove From March 5, 2026–August 2, 2026
- Gabriele Münter: Contours of a World From November 7, 2025–April 26, 2026

- Collection in Focus | Robert Rauschenberg: Life Can’t Be Stopped From October 10, 2025–May 3, 2026

- Collection in Focus | Modern European Currents From July 15, 2025–January 10, 2027

- Thannhauser Collection - Ongoing - Vasily Kandinsky - Landscape with Rolling Hills, 1910

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued six stamps in celebration of World Art Day.

World Chagas Disease Day 2026; April 14th.

FORUM: “Women at the heart: protecting the next generation from Chagas disease” World Chagas Disease Day 2026. This year’s observance underscores the key role women play in family and community caregiving, as well as their greater interaction with health services, particularly during pregnancy. Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is primarily transmitted by triatomine insect vectors, although it can also spread through oral transmission, blood transfusion, and mother-to-child. It may be asymptomatic in its early stages and but can lead to severe cardiac and digestive complications years or even decades later. According to the PAHO data, in the 21 endemic countries of the Americas, approximately 7.5 million people are living with the infection, more than 100 million are at risk, and around 30,000 new cases and 10,000 related deaths are reported each year. The disease also represents a significant economic burden, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million and the loss of approximately 770,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Demographic changes and migration have increased the importance of non-vector transmission, particularly mother-to-child transmission. It is estimated that between 2% and 8% of infected pregnant women transmit the parasite to their babies, resulting in around 9,000 new cases each year through this route. Congenital transmission represents one of today’s main challenges, but also a key opportunity for effective intervention. Strengthening screening in maternal and child health services and ensuring access to diagnosis and treatment are essential to break the cycle of transmission. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #14April, #Healthequity, #WorldChagasDiseaseDay.

EVENT: On Tuesday, April 14th to mark the World Chagas Disease Day 2026, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Global Chagas Coalition called for strengthening the response to this disease and highlighted the role of women in early detection, prevention, and care. To advance toward elimination, PAHO and the Global Chagas Coalition emphasize the importance of expanding access to early diagnosis and timely treatment—especially for women of reproductive age—integrating screening into maternal and child health programs, strengthening primary health care, and promoting sustained public policies and intersectoral coordination. The PAHO, its Member States, and strategic partners such as the Global Chagas Coalition continue to work together to raise awareness and promote a collective response under the principle of leaving no one behind. Congenital Chagas disease is part of PAHO’s Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 diseases and related conditions in the Region of the Americas by 2030. Within this framework, countries are working to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, with the goal of curing 90% or more of newborns infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Register to participate!




STATEMENTS: “Eliminating Chagas disease as a public health problem requires placing women at the center of diagnosis, treatment, and care strategies,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. “Ensuring timely access to quality health services, particularly for women of reproductive age, is essential to prevent new infections and advance toward the elimination of congenital Chagas disease in the Region of the Americas,” he added.

“The role of women in the fight against Chagas must not and should not translate into an additional burden or exclusive responsibility for them,” said organizations from the Secretariat of the Global Chagas Coalition. “On the contrary, it represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen more equitable, accessible, and responsive health systems that recognize and respect women’s needs.”

WEBINARIO: Hoy es 14 de abril, Dia Mundial Chagas, y salimos todas y todos a reafirmar nuestros compromisos por un futuro libre de enfermedad de Chagas. Este año las asociaciones destacan el papel fundamental que desempeñan las mujeres en la lucha contra esta Enfermedad Tropical Desatendida (ETD): "Las mujeres en el centro de la atención: protegiendo a la próxima generación de la enfermedad de Chagas" Por eso hemos querido hablar con algunas de las mujeres más destacadas de la comunidad de Chagas, para que nos cuenten su experiencia a este respecto desde las disciplinas en que contribuyen a la mejoría de las personas afectadas y al objeto final de acabar con la enfermedad de Chagas como problema de salud pública. Además, por cortesía de BeatChagas, estrenamos durante la sesión el nuevo spot de la campaña "Yo visto la camiseta del Día Mundial de la Enfermedad de Chagas 2026" (Ponte La Camiseta), una producción de BeatChagas en Colaboración con la OMS para la celebración del Día Mundial 2026.

International Human Space flight Day 2026; April 12th.

FORUM: "65th anniversary of the First Human Space Flight of Yuri Gagarin." International Human Space flight Day 2026. Today, 65 years later, we celebrate another remarkable milestone: Artemis II has taken humans farther from Earth than ever before. As we mark this anniversary, we are reminded that space exploration continues to inspire innovation, cooperation and discovery across borders. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Gagarin65; #ForeverFirst; #12April, #YuriGargarin, #HumanSpaceFlightDay, #YurisNight, #humanspacefight, #65thanniversary

EVENT: On April 13th, 2026, Date: April 13, 2026 from 12:00 to 13:00 GMT at the "Palais des Nations", a solemn ceremony of laying flowers will be held in the UN Office in Geneva (Ariana Park) at the "Conquest of Space" monument in honor of the 65th anniversary of the First Human Space Flight of Yuri Gagarin. Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ambassador Gennady Gatilov and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya will open the event with their welcoming speeches. The monument was officially donated to the UN by the USSR Minister of Culture, Yekaterina Furtseva, on July 20, 1971. The participants of the upcoming ceremony will pay a tribute to the feat of Yuri Gagarin, as well as the heroic and selfless work of all those who made the First Human Space Flight possible. Anyone wishing to visit the event (especially those who do not have permanent UN accreditation) must register to participate and activate the badge at the Pregny Gate.

See you at the ceremony!

EXHIBIT: On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet citizen, became the first human to travel into space. This historic achievement opened the door to space exploration for the benefit of all humanity. 

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2026 International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda; April 7th.

Statement of the U.N. Secretary General on the 2026 Commemoration of the International day of reflexion the 1994 Genocide against the Tsutis in Rwanda.

Thirty-two years ago, Rwanda endured one of the darkest chapters in human history. In just 100 days, more than a million people were murdered – primarily Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide. Entire families were brutally erased.


On the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we mourn the victims and honour their stolen dignity. We pay tribute to the survivors, whose resilience shows the strength of the human spirit. And we recall, with humility and shame, the international community’s failure to heed warnings and take immediate lifesaving action.


It’s not enough to remember the dead. We must learn from past failures and protect the living – by rejecting hatred, inflammatory rhetoric and incitement to violence; by investing in the social fabric to deepen community resilience; and by strengthening institutions that help prevent mass atrocities. I call on all countries to become parties to the Genocide Convention without delay – and to implement it fully.

The United Nations stands with the people of Rwanda. And we stand with all those, everywhere, who refuse to surrender our future to fear, division, or silence.


Let this day reaffirm our commitment to remember, to listen, and to act. With history as our guide, and the prevention of genocide as our goal.

U.N. Secretary General.

On April 9th at the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV); Starting at 14:45 PM GMT, The Commemorative ceremony to mark the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Watch the UNOV Celebration of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda!

01:42:41

Meetings & Events

On April 7th, Starting at 09:00 AM GMT; The Director-General of UNON in collaboration with the Rwanda High Commission will be leading to mark the 32nd Anniversary of International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Watch the 32nd Anniversary of The International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda!

01:55:29 - Meetings & Events.

On April 7th; Starting at 16:00 PM EST; The Memorial Ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, organized by the Department of Global Communications and the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations.

Watch the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda - Annual Commemoration!

On Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT in the General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters. 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, one of the darkest chapters in human history. More than one million people - overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also Hutu and others who opposed the genocide - were systematically killed in less than three months. On this Day, we honour those who were murdered and reflect on the suffering of those who survived. The Department of Global Communications in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations, will hold a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications will host the proceedings. Speakers will include the Chef de Cabinet, the President of the General Assembly, a representative of the African Union and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda. The commemoration will also feature remarks by the President of Ibuka USA, testimony of a genocide survivor, the lighting of memorial candles and musical elements.

Related Sites and Documents: Website & Programme (pdf), 01:25:32 High-level Events

On April 7th, starting at 16:00 PM EST, the United Nations Office at Geneva will commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003. The United Nations Office at Geneva will commemorate the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003. 7 April marks the beginning of the genocide perpetrated against members of the Tutsi minority by the Hutu extremist-led government. Within just over 100 days, more than 1 million Tutsi were systematically murdered. Moderate Hutu and others who opposed the massacres were also killed during this period.

Related Sites and Documents: More Information.

Watch the Kwibuka 32 - Commemoration at the UN in Geneva!

01:20:15 Meetings & Events

World Health Day 2026; April 7th.

FORUM: "Together for Health. Stand with Science." World Health Day 2026. In a world facing complex health threats, WHO calls on everyone to stand with science – by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. Science serves everyone, everywhere. The WHO and its partners work around the clock to generate scientific knowledge on key health priorities from healthy diets to water, sanitation, vaccines and medicines, infections, chronic conditions and mental health; sharing evidence, strengthening countries’ research capacities and systems for more equitable access to health care. Be part of this work, contributing with experiences from you and your community’s perspective, to ensure science-led public health benefits more people to guide future health policies. Our health has improved substantially over the past 100 years – thanks to scientific innovations. The future will be shaped based on how we develop and practice science-led approaches for the health of all – not only humans, but also animals, plants, ecosystems and the entire planet – through the One Health approach. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #Worldhealthday, #Health, #Together4health, #standwithscience, #sdg3.

EVENTS: This World Health Day 2026, the G7 Presidency of France will host the International One Health Summit. Bringing together Heads of State, global leaders, scientists and community representatives, the Summit will showcase how science and political commitment can drive a new way forward for safeguarding the health of the planet.

Science powers health – One Health.

From 5 – 7 April 2026; The One Health Summit plowing by a "one health" intervention will be held in Lyon, France. Progress in public health is built on global solidarity and collaboration. WHO’s ability to connect science with real-life practice in communities and countries around the world is powered through its network of 800 collaborating centres. They are national institutions working in specialized fields such as radiation, influenza, nursing, bioethics, and occupational health, among many others.

The organizers' call on everyone to stand up and speak for science sharing their experiences of how facts, evidence and science-based interventions improve their health and the health of their loved ones.

Stand with science – WHO and its collaborating centres in over 80 countries.

From 7 to 9 April 2026 will be held the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres entitled '' Collaborating for a healthier future.'' The Forum will highlight how its unique and powerful scientific network drives health impact that touches every person’s life.

Learn how to attend the International One Health Summit and the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres.

PUBLICATIONS: Creating Healthy Lives— The Future of Medical Innovation. Published by the WIPO. Medical innovations are critical for closing the gaps in global healthcare provision. These innovations are happening across multiple dimensions. The key questions addressed in this edition of the GII include: 

• What is the potential impact of medical innovation on society and economic growth, and what obstacles must be overcome to reach that potential? 

• How is the global landscape for research and development (R&D) and medical innovation changing?

• What health challenges do future innovations need to address and what types of breakthroughs are on the horizon? 

• What are the main opportunities and obstacles to future medical innovation and what role might new policies play?

 Five key messages emerge: 

1. High quality and affordable healthcare for all is important for sustainable economic growth and the overall quality of life of citizens. While significant progress has been achieved across many dimensions over the last decades, significant gaps in access to quality healthcare for large parts of the global population remain. 

2. Medical innovations are critical for closing the gaps in global healthcare provision. These innovations are happening across multiple dimensions, including core sciences, drug development, care delivery, and organizational and business models. In particular, medical technology related innovations are blossoming, with medical technology patents more numerous and growing at a faster path than pharmaceutical patents for the last decade. However, some challenges need to be overcome—notably, a decline in pharmaceutical R&D productivity and a prolonged process for deploying health innovations due to complex health ecosystems. 

3. The convergence of digital and biological technologies is disrupting healthcare and increasing the importance of data integration and management across the healthcare ecosystem. New digital health strategies need to focus on creating data infrastructure and processes for efficient and safe data collection, management, and sharing. 

4. Emerging markets have a unique opportunity to leverage medical innovations and invest in new healthcare delivery models to close the healthcare gap with more developed markets. Caution should be taken to ensure that new health innovations, and their related costs, do not exacerbate the health gap between the rich and poor. 

5. To maximize the potential for future health innovation, it is important to encourage collaboration across key actors, increase funding from public and private sources, establish and maintain a skilled health workforce, and carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of medical innovations.

GET INVOLVED!

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026; April 6th.

FORUM:  “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers". International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026. The United Nations will mark the IDSDP on April 6th, reaffirming the transformative role of sport in promoting social inclusion, health, equality and sustainable development worldwide. This year’s observance will be held under the theme: “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers". The theme underscores the critical role of sport as a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and socio-economic barriers. It highlights how inclusive access to sport can empower individuals and communities, particularly those in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, women and girls, youth, and marginalized populations. Sport continues to serve as a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion, promoting tolerance, and combating discrimination. Across diverse contexts, from schools and communities to elite competitions, sport creates opportunities to build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen community bonds. In line with global commitments to “leave no one behind,” this year’s Day calls for renewed efforts to ensure equitable access to safe, inclusive and accessible sporting environments for all. This includes addressing structural barriers, investing in community-based programmes, and promoting inclusive policies that enable participation regardless of age, gender, ability or background. Follow the conversations with the hashtags;: #6April, #Sport4SDGs, #SportForAll, #IDSDP2025, #sport4SocialInclusion, #SportDay, #EveryoneIncluded.

EVENTS: On April 6th. The observance of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026 will highlight the importance of integrating sport into broader development strategies, including education, health, and social protection systems. Governments, civil society, the private sector and the United Nations system are encouraged to scale up partnerships and initiatives that harness sport as a driver of sustainable development. Building on recent global commitments, including those emerging from the Second World Summit for Social Development, the 2026 observance emphasizes the need to translate policy commitments into concrete actions that deliver measurable impact on the ground. Register to participate!

On and around April 6th, stakeholders around the world are invited to organize events, campaigns and activities that celebrate the unifying power of sport and promote its role in advancing peace and development. From grassroots initiatives to high-level dialogues, the Day provides an opportunity to showcase good practices and inspire collective action. As the international community accelerates efforts toward the 2030 Agenda, the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace serves as a timely reminder: sport is not only a game, it is a catalyst for inclusion, equality and lasting social change.

On April 8th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST, at United Nations Headquarters, conference room II, a side-event entitled ''Sports for Peace and Development: Leveraging Sport for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism'' will be held. This event will examine how sports development initiatives can be leveraged more systematically as part of broader strategies for youth empowerment, prevention of violence and extremism, and the promotion of inclusive and peaceful societies. It will provide a platform for Member States and stakeholders to exchange experiences, highlight best practices, and explore opportunities for strengthened partnerships. Read the concept note!

LIVESTREAM : Across many regions, young people living in conditions of poverty, marginalization, an limited access to education and employment remain particularly vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremist groups and involvement in crime and violence. These structural conditions, compounded by social exclusion and lack of opportunity, create environments where youth may be drawn toward destructive pathways, with implications for peace, stability, and sustainable development. In this context, sport has emerged as a practical and effective tool for prevention. There is increasing recognition within the United Nations system of the role of sport in advancing peace and security objectives, including in preventing violent extremism and promoting social cohesion. Well-designed sports programs can strengthen community resilience, support youth engagement, and contribute to addressing root causes of instability. 01:26:28

International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2026; April 4th.

FORUM: “Invest in peace, Invest in mine action” International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2026. Mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices continue to cause death and injury, especially in situations of armed conflict. On average, one person is killed or injured by such explosive device every hour. Many children are among the victims. The use of improvised explosive devices has expanded, terrorizing civilians and threatening humanitarian actors and United Nations missions and personnel. In 2026, the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action will be commemorated under the theme "Invest in Peace; Invest in Mine Action." This theme draws out the foundational importance of lands being cleared from explosive threats and communities living in the absence of fear from these indiscriminate weapons for peace to be able to prosper. Mine action saves lives, provides security, restores dignity, unlocks land for productive use, and creates the conditions for long-term stability. It transforms hazardous land into safe, productive spaces. It enables humanitarian access, facilitates development, supports stabilization efforts, and lays the groundwork for durable peace. Investing in mine action is therefore not only a technical necessity - it is a strategic investment in peacebuilding, recovery, and sustainable development.Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#InvestInMineAction; #IMAD2026, #safefuturesstarthere, #MineAwareness; #landmines; #4april; #Mineaction.

EVENTS:  On April 1st, 2026, from 17.45 - 19.30 ET, organized by the Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations, at the United Nations Headquarters; a Film Festival will be held at the 1 Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, 35th Floor - 885 2nd Avenue, between 47th and 48th Street New York, NY 10017 *This event is by invitation.

OPT | Watch Here

South Sudan (1) | Watch Here

South Sudan (2) | Watch Here

Sudan | Watch Here

Syria |

Watch Here

Ukraine | Watch Here

View event pictures here

WORLDWIDE CELEBRATIONS: Several Events had been organized at UNHQ and around the world to highlight the progress and challenges in mine action and to mark the International Day for Mine Awareneness and Assistance in Mine Action 2026. Demining and Mine Action is not only about removing explosives from the ground. It’s about: Restoring safety; enabling opportunities; Protecting communities; Rebuilding trust and the foundations of lasting peace It's time to Invest In Mine Action. Register to participate!

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - 3 April 2026, from (08:30 – 12:00): Official inauguration of the ANMAA premises and Open Day, to mark its operationalization. 2 April 2026, from (10:00 – 12:00): Workshop/panel discussion focused on Victim Assistance, bringing together national authorities, partners, and civil society actors. Media engagement: Radio broadcasts and awareness-raising programmes will be conducted on national stations. Visibility and communication campaign:Recording and dissemination of radio spots during the week of 23 March 2026 Public billboards/display panels across Bangui from 30 March to 27 April 2026

COLOMBIA, On 4 April Start of  the MAC's digital campaign.

8 April -  Panel discussion and photo exhibition (pillars of Mine Action) for National Day of Remembrance and Solidarity with the Victims of the Armed Conflict. Initiative of two NGOs of the Mine Action sector.
10 April - Event and exhibition regarding 4 April, co-organized by the national mine action sector and UNMAS.
Commemorative Gathering: Memory and Action Against Anti-Personnel Mines, a solemn space for reflection, recognition, and awareness about the humanitarian impact of these devices in Colombia.
15 April -  Launch of our technical paper on weaponized drones, event at UN House.
Launch date tbd
Relaunch of UNMAS-led radio and social media campaign on humanitarian access to promote humanitarian access and respect for the work of mine action organizations in Colombia.

IRAQ - 1- Photo exhibition in collaboration with the Iraqi Kurdistan Mine Action Agency (IKMAA) in Erbil. 2- Publishing the UNMAS Iraq Annual Report. 3- "Thank you" social media campaign to our donors.

SOMALIA  - Interactive Mine Awareness Event inside UNSOS Camp (5 April): Since 4 April falls on a Saturday, we will host an interactive showcase at the UNSOS camp on Sunday, 5 April (10:00 am – 3:00 pm). Supported by a mission-wide broadcast, our teams will demonstrate mine action tools and share expertise on our mandate. Watch how explosive detection dogs work silently and precisely, saving lives everyday in Somalia.

SOUTH SUDAN - On Thursday, 2 April 2026  from 09:00 to 12:00 at the  Pyramid Hotel, Juba, join the commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

EXHIBIT: Explore the Digital exhibition entitled'' Signs of Safety''.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the  International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2026; April 4th.

Landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices exact a devastating toll on civilians, especially children. As conflicts multiply and military spending skyrockets, these dangers are deepening.

These weapons do not disappear when the fighting is over. They lurk in fields in Colombia, Ethiopia, Lebanon and Myanmar; amid the rubble in Gaza; and in communities across Syria. They kill thousands each year and injure a great many more – often long after conflict ends.

Mine action plays a critical role in places where peace is fragile, the humanitarian response urgent, and development precarious. It allows the UN and its partners to work in greater safety and enables ravaged communities to recover and rebuild.

On this International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, I call on all Member States to join and adhere to the relevant instruments – including the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention – and urge those that have withdrawn to rejoin. Failing to preserve these vital instruments will only weaken civilian protections and add to the 100 million innocent lives already in peril.

This year’s theme – “Invest in peace, Invest in mine action” – highlights the need to accelerate mine clearance, enhance risk education, expand victim assistance, reduce weapons stockpiles and advocate for a mine-free world.

We must eradicate the threat posed by these weapons – so all people everywhere can live in safety and with hope.

United Nations Secretary-general.

PRESS CONFERENCES: With the UNMAS representatives on International Mine Awareness Day 2026 and UNMAS work going on in Ukraine and Afghanistan and beyond.

00:35:43

Press Conference by Kazumi Ogawa, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Paul Heslop, UNMAS Special Adviser to the Resident Coordinator and United Nations Country Team in Ukraine (both in-person) and Nick Pond, Chief of Mine Action Section for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) (virtual from Kabul), on the International Mine Awareness Day 2026 and the work going on in Ukraine and Afghanistan and beyond.

 

Ethiopia & Sudan: Mine Action - Press Conference at the United Nations Headquarters - A UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) spokesperson said, “There are many crises in the world today that are taking up attention and resources, but neglecting countries on the path to peace will result in them sliding back to war.” Rob Syfret, Chief of the UN Mine Action Programme in Ethiopia, and Mohammad Sediq Rashid (joining virtually from Khartoum), Chief of the UN Mine Action Programme in Sudan, addressed the press in New York. Syfret said, “Ethiopia at the moment, risks becoming the forgotten post conflict. There are many crises in the world today that are taking up attention and resources, but neglecting countries on the path to peace will result in them sliding back to war.” He continued, “The fighting left areas of the country littered with explosive remnants of war that continue to kill and maim civilians four years after the Pretoria agreement ended the conflict. The resources that required to solve the problem are ebbing away and being directed to more high-profile current events as the crisis caravan moves on to follow the headlines.” He stressed, “Ethiopia is the largest country in the Horn of Africa, and if it falls into conflict again there will be a vast region of instability stretching from the Red Sea to the borders of Egypt, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Kenya. Some resources need to be focused on trying to prevent this. And what better way than by removing and destroying explosive remnants of war so they cannot be converted into IEDs, so they cannot be repaired and put back into service as weapons of war?” He added, “Humanitarian mine action has proved that there is the capability to solve this problem if the funds to employ people to do the work are available. In areas contaminated with explosive ordnance, it is foundational to almost every single one of the Sustainable Development Goals to clear it. Yet, time and again, it becomes the forgotten problem, a specialist issue that is easier to ignore than to understand.” He concluded, “My counterparts in the Ethiopian mine action office are doing a fine job but continue to need our support.” Mohammad Sediq Rashid, Chief of the UN Mine Action Programme in Sudan, said that the scale and nature of contamination in the country is alarming, “because this war is fought in the cities.” He added, “As families begin to return, they are doing so into a highly dangerous environment, often without awareness of the risks.” He also said, “The conflict is ongoing, and in many areas, intensifying. The continued use of heavy weapons, including unmanned aerial systems. This means contamination is increasing day by day.” He said, “We estimate that around 14 million people are at risk from explosive hazards. This includes civilians, returnees and humanitarian workers.” He concluded, “Sudan was already dealing with legacy contamination from decades of conflict. The current war is adding a new and complex layer of contamination across densely populated areas. On our response, the mine action program has been severely impacted by the conflict, including the loss of critical equipment. It had one stage last year, the program faced the risk of shutting down due to funding constraints, while the response is now gradually regaining momentum, it remains far below what is required.” Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) leads, coordinates, and implements projects and programmes to mitigate the threat posed by explosive ordnance. In recent years, UNMAS has supported and continues to provide assistance in Abyei, Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Colombia, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, the State of Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, the Territory of Western Sahara and Yemen.

Mines and explosive devices kill or injure a person every hour. Many of them are children. I urge States to accede to or rejoin the Ottawa Treaty and invest in Mine Action to protect communities, support survivors, and rebuild lives. Mr.Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:  Get the poster and the IMAD 2026 Digital Assets.