FORUM: “Honouring people and advancing human fraternity and solidarity around the world.” International Day of Human Fraternity 2025. The Celebration of human fraternity and the values it embodies such as mutual respect, diversity of cultures and religions, and the advancement of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue reminds us of the common values that we share as one humanity. This spirit is particularly needed at a time when many communities are divided across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. Growing religious hatred, stigma, and manifestations of various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities including minorities are an affront to human rights and United Nations values. Such vile acts risk undermining global efforts to recover and rebuild better in a post-pandemic era. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #4February, #HumanFraternityDay, #peace.
EVENT: On Tuesday, 4 February 2025 to mark the International Day of Human Fraternity 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00 PM EST (New York time); The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, are organizing a virtual event for Member States, religious leaders, faith actors, and civil society representatives. The upcoming virtual event will provide an opportunity to highlight the principles and values included in the Document of Human Fraternity and renew our joint commitment to promoting mutual respect, religious and cultural diversity, and advancing dialogue. Congratulations to 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Honorees.
LIVESTREAM: The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent and international award recognizing individuals or entities across the world who lead by example, collaborating selflessly and tirelessly to bridge divides and create real human connection, often at great personal sacrifice. Honorees receive a USD$1 million prize. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2025 Ceremony will be streamed live. Watch the livestream!
On this International Day of Human Fraternity, we celebrate the values of equality, unity and mutual respect.
Yet today, all over the world, we see a surge of discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance driving people apart and tearing at the fabric of societies.
It is the duty of all of us, including religious leaders, to seek dialogue over division, and confront hatred wherever we find it, before it takes hold and spreads.
The Declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” – co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Teyeb – is a blueprint for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is a powerful reminder that our shared commitment to human rights and dignity is the foundation of a better future for all.
Inspired by this Declaration, let us recognize that we are one human family — rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, and united in solidarity.
Together, we can pave the way for a more peaceful, inclusive and just world for all people.
Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.
FORUM: "United by Unique" World Cancer Day 2025. The day will highlight the importance of person-centred cancer care. Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient. The UICC’s Campaign recognizes that every experience with cancer is unique, and every individual has unique needs, perspectives, and stories. The organization underscored that individuals affected by cancer are united in a shared ambition to see governments implement policies to improve cancer prevention and deliver health systems that treat patients with cancer effectively and successfully—resulting in greater survival rates and longer lives after cancer. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #cancercare, #CancerResearch, #cancer, #4February, #WorldCancerDay, #UnitedbyUnique.
EVENTS: Join the WHO/PAHO on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Washington DC, or EST) to observe World Cancer Day at the webinar entitled ’’ Timely and quality access to medicines and supplies for cancer prevention and control.’’. This event will bring together experts and representatives from key organizations to address the challenges and opportunities in the fight against cancer, sharing progress, experiences, and establishing commitments to improve access to medicines in the region. Register to participate!
Objectives of the event:
Analyze the barriers and solutions to improve access to oncological medicines in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Present Argentina's experience with the use of vaccines and Ecuador as a pilot country in the implementation of the Global Platform for Access to Medicines in Childhood Cancer.
Explore the impact of global coalitions and platforms in improving access to essential cancer treatments.
Promote collaboration between key actors in the region to strengthen policies for access to oncological medicines.
Promote the use of the PAHO Strategic Fund for the centralized purchase of oncological medicines by countries in the region.
On February 4th, for the World Cancer Day 2025 various activities will take place globally, including the "5k Challenge" by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, hiking or walking to symbolize closing the gap in care. Additionally, there will be "21-day challenges" for individuals to create new healthy habits, raise awareness about cervical cancer, and educate themselves about inequalities in accessing cancer services. View the map of activities!
CAMPAIGN: Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story - stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes. The "United by Unique" campaign will begin its journey by inviting individuals from all walks of life to share their personal cancer stories. Much like people-centred care aims to see the individual behind the disease, the campaign intends to showcase real stories with unique perspectives. Whether it’s someone living with cancer, a family member, a caregiver, a medical professional, an advocate, or an ally, every person’s experience with cancer, the diverse challenges each faces, and how people-centred care could respond to their unique situation. By bringing these stories together into one place, the campaign aims to build a rich collection of voices that serves as a striking illustration of what is meant by “United by Unique”: every person is one of a kind, but no one is alone in the aim to take meaningful and lasting action against cancer. This year is all about recognizing and validating each unique experience, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among those affected by cancer;This World Cancer Day, let's come together to rewrite the future of cancer care - one where the needs of people and communities come first. Join the campaign!
Each year 4 February is commemorated as World Cancer Day. Today marks twenty-five years of signing the Charter of Paris Against Cancer at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium. On this year’s World Cancer Day themed United by Unique, which is a reminder of the collective commitment against cancer, WHO acknowledges every patient’s unique experiences and the value of people-centered care delivered jointly by healthcare providers, families, friends and community.
WHO South-East Asia Region had 2.4 million new cases of cancer in 2022, including 56,000 children, and 1.5 million deaths. Among all the WHO regions, our Region had the highest number of cancers of lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 85% increase in the number of new cases and deaths in the Region.
In the last few years, countries in the Region have made notable progress in cancer control. Six countries have dedicated national plans for cancer control, and two countries have included cancer as part of national NCD plan to strategically guide the cancer prevention and control activities. Bhutan successfully completed the Health Flagship project in 2020, where more than 90% of the target populations were screened for gastric, cervical, and breast cancer each, with screened positives being linked to diagnosis and treatment. The country is currently integrating the model into mainstream health services. Through the Cancer Anywhere program, Thailand has adopted universal health coverage approach to cancer management. Eight countries have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination. Global initiative for childhood cancer is being implemented in ten countries through a regional network of institutions. Seven countries have operational population-based cancer registries. In ten countries, tertiary level cancer care is generally available, reaching 50 percent or more patients in need. The Region has seen the fastest rate of decline in tobacco use which is a major risk factor for several high burden cancers. WHO has worked closely with all the Member States supporting these efforts.
There are, however, persistent challenges. The response to cancer control is not uniform among countries. National cancer control programmes and plans are not fully aligned with evidence or best practices resulting in their ineffective implementation. Policies and guidance on control of cancer-causing agents prevalent in the Region, such as areca nut, is lacking. Existing cancer prevention policies and programmes are not fully implemented, leading to millions of avoidable cases. Cancer services are included in health benefit packages in only six countries. Screening for specific cancers is low. For example, cervical cancer screening has less than fifty percent coverage in seven countries, which is much below the target of seventy percent required for elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Late diagnosis, when treatment is generally less effective and costlier, is common. National capacities remain inadequate to manage the increasing cancer burden. Not all countries of the Region have functioning population-based cancer registries or national surveillance systems that include cancer indicators for routine reporting. Only three percent of patients in need of palliative care are estimated to be receiving the care.
To overcome challenges through a contextualized, evidence-based approach, WHO worked with Member States and partners in co-creating the WHO South-East Asia Regional Strategy for comprehensive cancer prevention and management 2024-2030, implementation of which was approved at the seventy-seventh Regional Committee. The strategy highlights the importance of a people-centred approach, placing individuals and communities at the heart of health systems, including cancer care. WHO will continue to work with countries in their efforts to reduce the care gap in collaboration with other UN agencies and development partners. Additionally, partnership will be strengthened with communities, civil societies, private sector and other stakeholders. It is only with joint effort led by governments, supported by WHO and partners, and through collaboration that we will be better equipped to tackle the rising cancer burden.
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.
FORUM: "Protecting wetlands for our common future." World Wetlands Day 2025. Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, and more than 35% of wetlands have been degraded or lost since 1970. This year, we will underscore the need for collaboration and foresight as we build a future wherein all people, everywhere, can continue to benefit from the life-sustaining services that wetlands provide. By valuing and protecting wetlands today – and by inspiring one another in this united effort – we better ensure our common future and wellbeing. Three key messages inform this year’s campaign. We encourage you to reflect on how they apply to wetlands in your area and to tailor them as you drive participation in World Wetlands Day 2025. • Protecting the world’s wetlands is in our common interest – it safeguards us all. • The future of humanity depends on bold action today to protect and restore these indispensable ecosystems. • COP15 unites us in the global effort to promote wetland conservation and ensure the continuity of their benefits. Healthy wetlands are critical for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and human health. Yet, unsustainable development, pollution and climate change continue to threaten these essential ecosystems. Protecting wetlands for our common future requires collaboration on policies, regulations and community initiatives that spur effective conservation and sustainable wise use. Ensuring the health of the world’s wetlands will allow future generations to enjoy their ecological, economic and cultural benefits – and foster a sustainable, prosperous future for all. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world. It runs from 2021 to 2030. By conserving the world’s wetlands, we safeguard biodiversity, enhance climate resilience and secure critical ecosystem services that support human health, economic wellbeing and cultural heritage. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #WorldWetlandsDay, #wetlandrestoration, #2February ,#ReviveAndRestore, #wetlands.
On Feburary 2nd will be held the World Wetlands Day 2025, the celebrations are open to everyone — from international organizations, governments, wetland practitioners, to children, youth, media, community groups, decision-makers, to all individuals — as these ecosystems are important for us all. Get the list of upcoming events.
