International Day of Peace 2026; September 21st.

FORUM: “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” International Day of Peace 2026. Today, amidst staggering volatility, the search for peace feels overwhelming—but it has never been more urgent. Peace is more than the absence of war; it is the foundation necessary to collectively tackle humanity’s challenges. It is the lived experience of safety, dignity, opportunities and cooperation in our daily lives. This year’s International Day of Peace honours the 'everyday architects of peace'—people driving local action, laying the groundwork for stability, and building a lasting peace from the ground up. Remember, peace isn’t just built in conference rooms—it is shaped by everyone, everywhere, every day. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Peaceday, #sustainingpeace, #InternationalDayofPeace, #21September.

EVENTS: On Monday September 21st, 2026, the world marks the International Day of Peace.

On Monday, September 21st will held at United Nations Headquarters, a ceremony under the theme ''Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day '' to observe the International Day of Peace 2026. This year's theme focuses on honoring local community builders and everyday people who create stability and cooperation. Peace is more than the absence of war. It is a daily practice of safety, dignity, and inclusion. Several events are being held throughout the world to observe the Day. The Peace Bell Ceremony will be Held at the UN headquarters in New York, where leaders ring the bell and observe a minute of silence. The United Nations calls on all combatants worldwide to observe a 24-hour cessation of hostilities and violence. Communities, schools, and youth groups host "Peace Circles" and educational events. Register to participate!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Peace 2026; September 21st.

As we mark the International Day of Peace, we face a world where this vital asset is in dangerously short supply.

Communities are shaken by violence and division.

Conflicts are growing in scale and complexity, spilling across borders and inflicting enormous suffering.

Dialogue is faltering, solutions are elusive and global solidarity is missing in action.

But around the world, people are showing that we are not powerless.

Volunteers, advocates, civil society leaders, peacekeepers and peacemakers are bridging divides, uniting communities and pushing for dialogue.

Action by action, they are building peace from the ground up.

Like this year’s theme — “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day” — these champions of peace are showing us that achieving peace is not passive or automatic.

It’s an active and deliberate choice to invest in a better future.

By building inclusive communities where peace can take hold.

By investing in sustainable development — in people’s health, education, nutrition and social protection.

By bridging divides and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.

By safeguarding the human rights and dignity that belong to every person.

And by strengthening the proven tools of peace — diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and peacekeeping.

On this International Day of Peace, let us all be inspired by the courage of those who champion peace in neighbourhoods, classrooms and communities.

And let’s call on world leaders to invest in a peaceful future for all people.

António Guterres.

Secretary-General's remarks at the UN Peace Bell Ceremony

Each year, the toll of the Peace Bell reminds us of the most important and consequential job we have:

Building peace.

Peace is never a passive achievement.

Peace is hard work.

Peace is action.

But in our world today, action for peace is faltering.

Violence and division are tearing apart communities.

Conflicts are widening and deepening.

People are suffering.

And the dialogue and solidarity that solutions require are missing in action.

But where governments are failing to deliver peace, people are showing another way.

Around the world, volunteers, advocates, civil society leaders, peacekeepers and peacemakers are doing the heavy lifting of peace.

Raising their voices.

Bridging divides.

Healing communities.

Through their actions, large and small, they are bringing to life the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace: “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

As world leaders prepare to gather at the United Nations in the coming weeks, I urge them to follow the lead of these champions of peace.

By investing in sustainable development — in people’s health, education, nutrition and social protection.

By building institutions and systems that people can trust.

By safeguarding the human rights and dignity that belong to every person.

By re-committing to the proven tools of peace — diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and peacekeeping.

And by ending wars and conflicts. Now.

Today, I call on world leaders to stand with us:

Take action;

Invest in solutions;

And do the hard work of building lasting, sustainable peace.

This is the last time I will ring the Peace Bell.

But I will always stand with the champions of peace around the world.

Thank you.

António Guterres, 9 September 2026.

Secretary-General's 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace message

In a world rocked by conflict, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But all around us are everyday architects of peace – from volunteers to campaigners and civil society leaders – showing us how to take action to reshape our communities for the better.

Over the next 100 days, as we count down to the International Day of Peace, let us honour these changemakers – and take inspiration from their example.

Peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighbourhoods, and everywhere people meet with open minds and open hearts. Together, day by day, we can build a more just world, with compassion, equality and dignity for all.

António Guterres,

13 June 2026.

TAKE ACTION: Everyone, everywhere can do their part for peace. Take one small step for peace every day:

Give your time to help someone else.
Lend your voice to drive positive change.
Host a Peace Circle - an intergeneration youth-led conversation on solutions.
Use your platform to promote a cause or tell a story of peace and hope

Show us how you're building the architecture of peace and justice using #InvestInPeace.

Actions for peace

Here are some activities you can consider and help raise awareness about peace and global goals.

1. Act Now for Our Common Future through social media.

Promote and participate in the Act Now 1 Million Actions for Our Common Future campaign. Download the app, select the campaign, and log your action to Speak up for Peace.

2. Launch a digital awareness campaign for peace.

3. Organize a peace walk or run.

4. Hold a “Sports Day for Peace”.

5. Host a peace-themed film night.

6. Volunteer for a peace organization.

7. Tend to a community garden for peace.

8. Host a peace concert in your community.

9. Organize an exhibit of art for peace.

10. Spearhead an environmental clean up effort.

11. Write a poem for peace.


Definitions from the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace

Cultivating a Culture of Peace:

A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behaviour and ways of life based on:

(a) Respect for life, ending of violence and promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation;

(b) Full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States and non-intervention in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law;

(c) Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms;

(d) Commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts;

(e) Efforts to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations;

(f) Respect for and promotion of the right to development;

(g) Respect for and promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men;

(h) Respect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information;

(i) Adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations; and fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace.

COMMUNICATION ASSETS: Download International Day of Peace 2026 promotional material on Trello

ActNow for A Peaceful World

Explore what you can do for peace.

Join the 1 Million Actions for Our Common Future campaign.
Find out how you can be part of the UN Summit of the Future.
Download the UN ActNow app and log your actions for peace!

LIVESTREAM: Watch the United Nations Peace Bell Ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2026.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly will celebrate the International Day of Peace in the Peace Garden at United Nations Headquarters by ringing the Peace Bell and observing a minute of silence.

World Cleanup Day 2026; September 20th.

FORUM: ''From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.'' United Nations World Cleanup Day 2026. This year’s global observance will focus on food waste, one of the largest and most preventable waste streams affecting cities and communities worldwide. It was estimated that1.1B people live in informal settlements, monitored that between 8–10% of global GHG emissions are from food waste, and about 1B+meals are wasted daily Every day, more than 1 billion meals are wasted globally, while millions of people continue to face hunger and lack basic services. Food waste places enormous pressure on waste systems, contributes to climate change, wastes land and water resources, and represents a missed opportunity to build more resilient and equitable systems. During this observance we will focus on the urgent need to: Raise awareness and encourage everyday habits that reduce waste; to Promote responsible production, purchasing and consumption practices; to Strengthen local food recovery, organic waste and circular economy systems; to Advance partnerships and policies that support resilient and resource-efficient cities and to Encourage waste separation, redistribution, composting and recovery of organic waste. What’s your go-to habit for wasting less food at home?.This year, we will Showcase #innovativepolicies, technologies and partnerships that #accelerateaction on #foodwasteprevention, #circulareconomy & #sustainableurbandevelopment.

EVENTS: On Sunday, September 20th, 2026, people around the world unite for World Cleanup Day. It is a global movement that goes beyond cleaning up waste and aims to address the systems that generate it. The global observance of World Cleanup Day 2026 will take place on 20 September 2026. The event will provide a platform for international dialogue, knowledge-sharing and partnership-building to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda —advancing more resource-efficient, resilient and inclusive cities. The city host is the city of📍 Shaoxing, in the Zhejiang Province, in China.

Food waste fuels the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Food loss and waste account for an estimated 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste alone contributes significantly to methane emissions from disposal sites. These impacts are felt most acutely in cities, where inadequate waste management and growing volumes of waste place additional pressure on urban infrastructure and public health. For the more than 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements and slums, the consequences are particularly severe, increasing exposure to pollution, disease, flooding and other climate-related risks. Addressing food waste is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also an important step towards building healthier, more resilient and more equitable cities. By reducing food waste, World Cleanup Day supports progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and more circular and resilient urban food systems. Get the agenda programme!

Statement of the United Nations Under Secretary General Li Shaoxing on World Cleanup Day 2026.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, it is my great honor to address the global observance of the world clean update 2026.

Today we focused on vital road of the cities and citizens in tackling west challenges and advancing the transition towards a circular economy.

I thank the government of China our host city of Shiaoing UN Habitat and all partners for bringing us together around an issue so fundamental to protecting and sustaining our planet's ecosystems.

We meet at a critical moment. With only four years remaining until 2030, the global community faces profound sustainable development challenges. According to the latest 2026 SDG progress report, progress remains deeply uneven across the goals and among countries, severely hampered by compounding shocks, interconnected crisis and escalating conflicts.

In addition, unmet financing targets risk putting many SDGs targets beyond reach. Yet, if there is one lesson from the first decade of implementing the 2030 agenda, it is these challenges are not merely problems to be managed.

They are catalysts to transform. They demand a fundamental transformation which will reshape our societies, our economies and our relationship with the planet. This transformation will not happen in isolation. It requires the underlying commitment, creativity and the leadership of the governments, international organizations, development banks, the private sector, academia, civil society, youth representatives, and many others around the world.

The theme of this year's water cleanup day, from clean plate to clean city, highlights a critical entry point for real progress. Transitioning to a circular society, allows us to build a sustainable model that harmonizes economic growth with environmental stewardship. Excellencies, my department, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is deeply honored to lead and coordinate many of these efforts, working closely with the broader UN system and partners worldwide.

Together, we can forge a future where the resources are valued rather than discarded, where the waste is eliminated by design, and where our economies and ecosystems shrived together.

By leveraging digital innovation, artificial intelligence and a smart urban infrastructure, we can build clean, green and resilient cities. Let elevate the quality of life for all people. Let us act with ambition, solidarity and determination this moment demands. We are working to ensure that the 2030 agenda delivers meaningful lasting change for present and future generations.

Thank you.

United Nations Under Secretary General Li Shaoxing.

Statement by the UN-Habitat Executive Director on World Cleanup Day 2026.

Around 1/3 of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. Food loss and waste account for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, placing immense pressure on [music] our climate, natural resources, and municipal waste systems. As we mark World Cleanup Day 2026, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the city of Shiaoeng for hosting this year's global observance. I commend the leadership in advancing practical solutions, demonstrating how cities can drive innovation, collaboration, and collective action towards more sustainable urban futures.

I also want to recognize the extraordinary World Cleanup Day Movement. Last year alone, around 25 million volunteers in more than 190 countries and territories came together to clean their [music] communities, demonstrating the power of collective action. This year's theme, from clean plates to clean cities, reminds us that the journey to sustainable cities starts at home. The choices we make in our [music] kitchens and communities shape the way our cities function. Young people, community groups, and citizens are leading this transformation through everyday actions that inspire change. At UN Habitat, we see waste as part of a larger urban ecosystem. Waste is reduced when cities are well planned, when essential services are accessible, and when communities are actively engaged. Yet too many people, particularly 1 billion people living in informal settlements and slums, still lack regular waste collection and basic services. Addressing the global housing crisis and improving access to basic services and resilient infrastructure are essential to building cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive cities.

City governments are at the forefront of action. They design [music] and oversee waste management, regulate services, and work directly with communities. National governments play a critical role in [music] creating policies, incentives, and investments needed to scale solutions. Equally important is cooperation across cities and regions.

Networks of cities can accelerate progress by sharing solutions, [music] scaling innovation, and learning from one another. This is why bringing cities together to exchange knowledge, strengthen capacity, and support the development of solutions for waste management and the circular economy [music] is important. We already see inspiring examples. Cities are recovering surplus food, reducing waste, and turning organic waste into compost and energy. Communities, including informal workers, waste pickers, and local entrepreneurs, are leading innovations that create jobs while protecting the environment by keeping materials in use for longer, recovering valuable resources and [music] reducing waste as at its source. The secular economy helps cities cut emissions, strengthen resilience, and create new economic opportunities.


By acting at every level, from households to neighborhoods, cities and national policies, we can turn waste] into opportunity. Let us move from clean plates to clean cities, from awareness to action, embracing circular solutions that value resources rather than discard them. Building communities that are cleaner, healthier, [music] and more resilient for everyone.

UN-Habitat Executive Director.

Happy 9th World Cleanup Day 2026! A message to our global family.

TAKE ACTION: Simple habits to cut food waste at home.

GET INVOLVED!

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Discoverthe posters and toolkits and other assets ob theTrello board!

International Equal Pay Day 2026; Septembre 18th.

FORUM: “Equal Pay for work of equal value — For everyone, everywhere.” International Equal Pay Day 2026. During the day, we will celebrate achievements and discuss the challenges on the way to achieving equal pay as well as provide an opportunity for you to make a new equal pay pledge. Across all regions, women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 20% globally. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls continue to be held back owing to the persistence of historical and structural unequal power relations between women and men, poverty and inequalities and disadvantages in access to resources and opportunities that limit women’s and girls’ capabilities. Progress on narrowing that gap has been slow. While equal pay for men and women has been widely endorsed, applying it in practice has been difficult. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promote decent work and economic growth by seeking full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. Mainstreaming of a gender perspective is crucial in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achieving equal pay is an important milestone for human rights and gender equality. It takes the effort of the entire world community and more work remains to be done. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #EqualPayDay, #GenerationEquality, #SDG5, #EqualPay and #18September.

EVENTS: You are invited attend a High-Level Pledging Event to mark International Equal Pay Day 2026 on September 18th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm EDT organized by the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), which is led by the International Labour Organization , the UN Women, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). During the observance of the International Equal Pay Day, the ILO is reaffirming a fundamental principle: work of equal value deserves equal pay. The participants are invited to share lessons learned and good practices that can be adapted and applied to different contexts.

Statement from the ILO Director-General on International Equal Pay Day 2026; Septembre 10th.

On International Equal Pay Day, the ILO reiterates a simple but fundamental principle: work of equal value deserves equal pay.

Yet women around the world earn 18 per cent less than men.

This is not just a statistic. It is millions of women whose work supports families, businesses, communities and economies, but who are still not being paid fairly.

This must change.

Together, governments, employers and workers can remove the structural barriers that underpin this injustice and strengthen the laws and institutions that promote equal pay. And through social dialogue, including collective bargaining, they can address the undervaluation of work done by women, strengthen pay transparency, build fairer wage structures, and ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping their economic life.

The world of work is changing profoundly. But our principles remain steadfast.

The new Resolution concerning the ILO transformative agenda for gender equality in the world of work only confirms our determination to close the gender pay gap.

Equal pay is a matter of rights, principle, dignity and social justice – for every worker, everywhere.

ILO Director-general.

Statement of the UN Women on the celebration of the International Equal Pay Day 2026; Septembre 18th.

The gender pay gap affects far more than a pay cheque. It means lower lifetime earnings, less economic security, smaller pensions, and greater inequality across generations. And for many women – including migrant women, women with disabilities, and women from racial and ethnic minorities – the gap can be even wider.

Equal pay for work of equal value is therefore critical for reducing poverty, advancing women’s economic justice and rights, and building more inclusive economies globally.

This year has brought renewed momentum. At the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, governments, employers, workers, and private-sector leaders renewed commitments to tackling the structural barriers holding women back at work. The adoption in June of ILO Convention no. 193, the first international labour standard on decent work in the platform economy, holds the potential for stronger protections for women working through digital platforms – from unfair pay, harassment, and discrimination to opaque algorithmic decisions.

Through the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), UN Women, ILO, and OECD continue to work with governments, employers, workers’ organizations, and other partners to turn commitments on equal pay into action.

At a time of economic uncertainty and widening inequality, equal pay is not only a matter of justice. It strengthens families, economies, and societies.

As the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, UN Women reaffirms its commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

Closing the gender pay gap is possible. What is needed now is action – to ensure that every woman is valued equally for work of equal value.

World Patient Safety Day 2026; Septembert 17th.

FORUM: “Safe Care for people with Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)” World Patient Safety Day 2026. This year, we will raise awareness of patient safety and mobilize action to reduce avoidable harm in health care. The theme for 2026 is recognizing that people living with NCDs—including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases—require continuous, lifelong care across multiple health care settings, creating numerous opportunities for safety risks and avoidable harm. Globally, approximately one in ten patients experience harm during health care, and nearly half of these events are preventable. Individuals with NCDs are particularly vulnerable due to frequent interactions with health services, complex treatment regimens, multiple medications, and transitions between levels of care. Fragmented services, diagnostic errors, medication-related harm, inadequate follow-up, and inequitable access to quality care can adversely affect health outcomes and increase the burden on health systems. In the Americas, NCDs account for approximately 6 million deaths annually and are the leading cause of mortality and disability. More than 240 million people in the Region live with at least one NCD, making delivery of safe, quality, and people-centered care a critical public health priority. Strengthening patient safety within NCD services is therefore essential to achieving universal health coverage, improving health outcomes, and advancing resilient, integrated health systems. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #17September, #worldpatientSafetyDay, #PatientSafety, #HealthForAll, #Engagingpatients.

EVENTS: On September 17th, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Patient Safety Day 2026 will beobserved. 

About the webinar: In the context of World Patient Safety Day 2026, this regional webinar, jointly organized by the Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) and the Department of Health Systems and Services (HSS) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), will bring together key stakeholders from across the Region of the Americas to exchange experiences, good practices, and lessons learned on patient safety in the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, promoting safer, higher-quality, and people-centered care.
Target audience 

Ministries of Health; patient safety and quality teams; noncommunicable disease (NCD) program managers; primary health care professionals; academic institutions; patient organizations; development partners; and civil society organizations.

To learn more about the World Patient Safety Day 2026 campaign, its key messages, and communication materials, please visit the official campaign webpage.


Objective

• Increase awareness of patient safety risks associated with NCD care.
• Promote strategies to reduce preventable harm related to diagnosis, medication use, care transitions, and long-term management of chronic conditions.
• Highlight the role of patients, families, communities, and health workers as partners in improving safety and quality of care for people living with NCDs.
• Encourage policymakers, health system leaders, and health professionals to integrate patient safety principles into NCD-related policies, programs, and service delivery models.

 
Agenda Programme

Moderator: Silvana Luciani, Unit Chief, Noncommunicable Diseases, Violence and Injury Prevention, PAHO11:00 a.m. Opening RemarksDr. James Fitzgerald, Director, Health Systems and Services, PAHO
11:05 a.m. Highlights of global systematic review and WHO campaign for patient safety for people living with NCDsDr. Alarcos Cieza, Unit Head, Management of NCDs, WHO
11:25 a.m. Overview of patient safety in the Americas and PAHO recommendations for safe and quality health systemsDr. Gustavo Rosell, Advisor, Integrated Health Services Delivery, PAHO
11:45 a.m. Panel of country and organizational experiences with improving patient safety and quality, with a focus on people with NCDsMexico: Dr. Laura Cortés Sanabria, Directorate of Education and Quality in Health, Ministry of Health
Brazil: National Patient Safety Program
WONCA: Dr. María Pilar Astier, Working Party on Quality and Safety
International Diabetes Federation: Prof. Pablo Arias, President of the SACA region
12:15 p.m. Interactive session of questions and answers with participants
12:25 p.m. Closing remarksDr. Ernesto Báscolo, Unit Chief, Primary Health Care and Integrated Services Delivery, PAHO

How to participate
DATE: Thursday, 17 September 2026
TIME: 11.00 – 12.30 (Washington, D.C. time)
OTHER TIME ZONES: Buenos Aires, Brasilia (12.00–13.30), Mexico City (9.00–10.30), Bogota, Kingston, Lima, Panama City (10.00–11.30).
PLATFORM: ZOOM (with registration)
LANGUAGES: Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
REGISTER

Light It Orange for Patient Safety & Health System Safety!

For the first time Aotearoa Is lighting Up for World Patient Safety Day
17 September 2026 will be a little different in Aotearoa New Zealand

World Patient Safety Day is a Global Day of Recognition and action, established by the World Health Organization to bring patients, families, health workers, health leaders, policymakers and communities together around a shared goal: reducing avoidable harm in healthcare. It is marked internationally every year on 17 September.

This year, Aotearoa is not simply acknowledging the day. We are showing up!

Led by the Health Consumer Advocacy Alliance, Patient Voice Aotearoa and Kaitiaki Hauora, 2026 will see New Zealand's first nationwide coordinated, patient and whānau-led World Patient Safety Day campaign. And there is already real momentum behind it.

Health organisations, health workers, patients, whānau and communities are finding ways to take part. Some will wear orange. Others are making patient safety visible in their workplaces and communities. Organisations across the country are getting involved, and the campaign continues to grow.

Light It Orange!

On 17 September, landmarks across Aotearoa will be illuminated in orange, joining a global movement of landmarks, buildings and public spaces lighting up to demonstrate a shared commitment to safer healthcare. Auckland's Sky Tower and landmarks in Wellington, Tauranga, Whangārei and Dunedin are already confirmed to take part, with more expected to join. These lights will create powerful images, but the real story is the people behind them. People whose lives have been changed by preventable harm. Patients and whānau who have had experiences they never expected to have. Health professionals who know that safer systems are possible. And decision-makers who have the opportunity to listen and act. View PDF version hereµ

International Day of Science, Technology & Innovation for the South 2026; September 16th.

FORUM: "Rethinking the STI architecture". International Day of Science, Technology & Innovation for the South 2026. Science, technology & innovation are key to achieving the #GlobalGoals & a more inclusive world. Yet many countries still face major gaps & challenges in these areas. The sectoral diversity in technology sharing is equally noteworthy, ranging from agriculture and health to cutting edge technologies in energy, biotechnology and genetic engineering. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #scientificinnovations, #16September, #Globalsouth, #Tech4SDGs, #tech, #innovation, #STIForum.

EVENT: On September 16th, a high-level event will be held to mark the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South 2026, the United Nations General Assembly invites member states, specialized agencies, international organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to observe this International Day. It encourages them to present "initiatives, including cooperation projects in the areas of science, technology and innovation that contribute to the development of developing countries in those fields."The celebration represents an important step in reaffirming our commitment of leaving no one behind. It underscores that advancing science, technology, and innovation is essential not only for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also creating a fairer, more participatory, and inclusive world. Register to participate!

PUBLICATIONS: Mapping South-South Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation for Theory and Practice. Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are key to economic and social development, yet the capacity for scientific innovation remains unequally distributed across the globe. Working from the perspective of access, equity and inclusion (AEI), the present study analyses the state of STI in the Global South and the potential challenges associated with creating an effective linkage between STI and South-South Cooperation (SSC). Our objectives are to assess the state of STI in the Global South from an analytical perspective, determine its importance, identify the challenges and issues faced by stakeholders as they strengthen their STI architecture, and generate a template for a database and inventory of SSC-STI linkage initiatives so as to track STI collaboration through SSC. This study offers insights into the nature of the gap that exists in STI infrastructure between the industrialized and the developing worlds, particularly in countries considered as the least developed, through the analysis of a number of the standardized indicators used to quantify achievement in knowledge and technology. It further considers a number of instances of cooperation between countries in the Global South through sharing technology and attempts to identify the existing cooperation patterns. The patterns thus identified form the basis for a template that may be used to document the kinds and variations in technology sharing among partner countries in the Global South that can serve as reference points for further collaboration and sharing. The template will also help to create an inventory of technologies that could potentially be improved or modified to meet the specific requirements of interested partners. The document offers policy recommendations that may enhance STI architecture in the Global South through SSC. To read the full publication; Download the South-South Ideas Paper.

Driving change in a shifting landscape - OECD Science; Technology and Innovation Outlook 2025.

According to a recent analysis of science and technology policy trends, OECD member countries are experiencing changes in the science, technology, and innovation environment, with R&D investment as a percentage of GDP stagnating at around 2.7%. The share of the energy sector in national government R&D budgets was found to have significantly expanded, increasing approximately 2.3-fold compared to 2015. The growth in the share of international co-authored papers from the United States and the European Union (EU) has slowed since 2018, while the number of countries introducing research security-related systems has increased to over 40. The OECD diagnosed the recent trend as "a situation of increasing policy complexity due to intensifying technological competition and expanding geopolitical fragmentation," emphasizing that countries must secure policy efficiency and agility even with limited resources. It stated that in a rapidly changing environment, countries must create synergy between conflicting science and technology policies and enhance efficiency by strengthening linkages between them. The OECD observed that the convergence of advanced technologies such as synthetic biology, neurotechnology, quantum technology, and space-based Earth observation is fundamentally changing the innovation process and policy demands. It predicted that technological convergence will be a key factor in future global competitiveness. The report presented a three-pronged policy framework of "promote, protect, and project" and three principles of "proportionality, partnership, and precision" to balance scientific openness and economic security.

Science, technology and innovation: cooperation, integration and regional challenges published by ECLAC (Studies and Research Papers)

GET INVOLVED! Promote SSC and STI in developing countries and the least developed countries '

The future of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in ASEAN just took a big leap forward. Officially adopted at the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) in Indonesia, the APASTI 2026-2035 charts a shared vision for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient ASEAN. The document was developed through a consultative process with all ASEAN Member States and partners. The APASTI 2026–2035 will guide ASEAN’s STI cooperation over the next decade, strengthening regional capacity to innovate, collaborate, and respond to emerging global challenges.

The ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035 is here! 

 

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer 2026; September 16th.

FORUM: “Global action for a cooler planet” International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer 2026. This year's theme celebrates the Montreal Protocol and the transformative impact of its Kigali Amendment ten years after adoption. The Montreal Protocol has demonstrated that science based policy, universal participation, strong compliance, dedicated financing, and effective partnerships can deliver real and measurable results. Through these elements, the treaty has not only protected the ozone layer but also enabled countries and industries to transition to safer, more sustainable alternatives while supporting economic development. Building on this legacy, the Kigali Amendment has expanded the Protocol’s impact by driving the global phase down of HFCs—potent greenhouse gases—and accelerating the transition toward more efficient and sustainable cooling solutions. Over the past decade, Kigali has shown how development priorities can be achieved by promoting energy efficient technologies, strengthening industrial capacity, and supporting innovation across the cooling sector. Together, the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment demonstrate that cooling the planet is not only possible, but achievable when countries act collectively, industries innovate responsibly, and international partnerships turn commitments into action—delivering benefits for the climate, economies, and people worldwide. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #16September, #OzoneDay, #MontrealProtocol, #HFCs, #KigaliAmendment, #Ozonelayer, #climatechange.

EVENTS: On September 16th, the UNEP Ozone Action and its partners will mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2026. On this thirty-ninth anniversary, we will remember how the Montreal Protocol ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity: the depletion of the ozone layer. This observance marks the 10th anniversary of the Kigali amendment. Participants will look to the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. Deeper and faster for the ozone layer but above all, for people, for climate and for the planet. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

                   

 Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on the occasion of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer 2026; September 16th.

Ten years ago, the world added a new chapter to one of its greatest environmental success stories. Building on the Montreal Protocol, which put the ozone layer on the path to recovery, nations adopted the Kigali Amendment to tackle a new threat: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – potent greenhouse gases used for cooling. This year’s theme, “Global action for a cooler planet”, highlights a defining climate challenge. As temperatures rise and extreme heat becomes more common, access to efficient cooling saves lives. We must meet that need fairly and sustainably. Fully implemented, the Kigali Amendment alone could avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of the century – and twice as much when paired with energy-efficient cooling. This is essential for health, food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. On this World Ozone Day, I urge all countries to ratify and implement the Kigali Amendment, accelerate the shift to sustainable cooling, and protect people and planet.

Statement from the UNEP Executive-Director on the World Ozone Day 2026.

As climate change drives global temperature rise towards exceeding 1.5 degrees C target of the Paris Agreement, the world is seeking solutions that deliver real results. So on World Ozone Day, we celebrate one such solution, the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. This agreement has put the ozone layer on a path to recovery, protecting millions of lives and vital ecosystems from harmful ultraviolet radiation. But the Montreal Protocol is doing much more than that. This year we mark the 10th anniversary of the protocol's Kgalli amendment. Under this amendment, countries are phasing down hydrofluorocarbons, powerful greenhouse gases widely used in cooling. If fully implemented, this could avoid up to half a degree Celsius of global warming by the end of the century. And if we combine this transition with energy efficient cooling, we could double these gains. So achieving these gains is crucial. Deadly and disruptive extreme heat is rising while billions of people lack access to safe and effective cooling. So we must close the cooling gap while keeping emissions down. This is why this year's theme, global action for a cooler planet, is so important. Sustainable cooling is not a luxury. It is essential for health, for development, and for climate stability. The amendment strives to extend access to sustainable cooling for every human being. But to unlock the full potential of the Kgalli amendment, we need universal ratification and full implementation. So on this World Ozone Day, I call on all countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Kaggali amendment without delay. And I call on all governments to accelerate its implementation. And I do call on industry to invest in climatefriendly energy efficient cooling solution because every fraction of a degree of global warming avoided matters and the Kegali amendment, if fully implemented, can deliver.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

International Day of Democracy 2026; September 15th.

FORUM: "Raising Hands and Voices" International Day of Democracy 2026. This year celebration will highlight how deliberative democracy can foster greater agency and ownership by bringing diverse voices into decision-making.The strength of democracy lies in its ability to embrace and balance differences to serve society as a whole. Diversity is a source of resilience, adaptability and creativity. But it can also be exploited for political gain by polarising opinion and deepening divides. Socio-economic, gender, ethnic, generational and other inequalities fuel divisive rhetoric and trigger electoral choices which make democracies increasingly fragile. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofDemocracy, #15September, #DemocracyDay.

 

EVENTS: On September 15th, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, a special event hosted by the UN Democracy Fund and the UN Partnerships will be held to mark the International Day of Democracy 2026 under the theme ''Raising Hands and Voices''. The event will reflect on experiences from citizens’ assemblies across the globe and explore how participation, dialogue and inclusion can strengthen trust and contribute to more responsive, accountable and effective governance. at The Goals Lounge, UNHQ, New York. Watch Live on UN Web TV and Register to participate!

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day of Democracy 2026; September 15th.

Today, on the International Day of Democracy, we face a world of deepening division. Conflicts are multiplying, trust is eroding, and the social contract between citizens and their governments is being undermined.

Democracy is more than elections. Democracy is a daily practice of ensuring human rights, the rule of law, and the meaningful participation of all people across civic and political life. It thrives through dialogue, collaboration, and working to understand different points of view — including civil society.

This year’s focus on deliberative democratic processes reminds us of the importance of bringing together people from across societies to enrich decision making, foster trust, and build more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.

Having personally faced the challenges of restoring democracy in my own country, I know it must never be taken for granted. Each time we choose dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation, we strengthen democracy.

Today and every day, let us recommit to ensuring every voice counts, and that democracy delivers the peace, dignity and inclusion that every society needs and deserves.

António Guterres, Secretary-General.

 

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