World Tourism Day 2025; September 27th.

FORUM: "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation." World Tourism Day 2025. The theme highlights tourism’s transformative potential as an agent of positive change. Realizing this potential, however, demands more than growth alone. Tourism is often highlighted for its role in economic development. But it is more than that. It is a catalyst for social progress, delivering education, employment and creating new opportunities for all. However, the sector demands more than growth alone. To unlock these benefits, a deliberate and inclusive approach is essential, one that places sustainability, resilience and social equity at the core of tourism development and decision-making.

The Key points to consider for a more sustainable world are:

• Effective governance and people-centric planning: Investment in education and skills, especially for youth, women, and communities at risk of exclusion is crucial.
• Innovation and responsible entrepreneurship: Digitalization and innovative business models present immense opportunities. Thus, supporting MSMEs and startups, can significantly contribute to inclusive prosperity and sustainable economic diversification.
• Prioritize sustainable investments: It includes long-term community benefits, resilience building and climate action. Responsible stewardship of natural resources is another core element. Tourism stakeholders must work on reducing emissions, conserving biodiversity and investing in resilient infrastructure to safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems and ensure resource availability for future generations.

When tourism prioritizes education, equity, and environmental responsibility, it becomes a tool for meaningful progress. Let’s build a tourism sector that leads with purpose and delivers impact for generations to come. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #SustainableTransformation, #Tourism, #WTD2025, #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #wtd, #TourismAndSustainableTransformation, #Tourism.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General World Tourism Day 2025; September 27th.

Tourism is a powerful driver of transformation

It creates jobs, fuels local economies, supports infrastructure and contributes to development far beyond GDP.

Tourism strengthens bonds between people and places. It builds bridges across cultures, preserves traditions and restores cultural heritage. It reminds us of our shared humanity – and the richness of diversity.

Yet tourism can also damage the very places and communities it celebrates.

As the world faces climate breakdown and rising inequalities, we need bold, urgent, and sustainable action that puts people and planet first.

This year’s theme – “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” – calls us to action.

That means investing in education and skills, especially for women, youth, and marginalized communities; supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; and advancing climate action by reducing emissions across the tourism sector, conserving biodiversity, and protecting fragile ecosystems.

Today, and every day, let’s harness the power of tourism as a force for transformation, resilience, sustainability, and shared progress for all.

António Guterres.

EVENTS: On September 27th, Melaka city in Malaysia will host the World Tourism Day 2025 celebration. Tourism has the power to drive sustainable transformation across communities, economies, and ecosystems. The global tourism community gathers in Melaka to explore how travel can regenerate societies and support inclusive growth. This World Tourism Day, we highlight how responsible planning, inclusive policies, and innovation can create long-term value for people and the planet. Register to participate!

 On September 25th, the 2025 UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook (19th Edition) was held. Organized by UN Tourism and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in collaboration with the Guilin Municipal People's Government and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum welcomed over 230 participants from 30 countries, showcasing the potential of this annual regional event to become an international platform to learn from the latest global tourism trends and outlook.

UN Tourism set the scene by presenting its latest data on tourism trends, destinations and source markets from its World Tourism Barometer. The year 2024 saw international tourism achieve full recovery of pre-pandemic levels and projections for 2025 point to continued growth. Following a period of rapid growth, Asia and the Pacific suffered the deepest impact on its tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the region's recovery for international tourism arrivals is catching up with the rest of the world thanks to relaxed visa policies and improved air connectivity. Asia and the Pacific exceeded the world average in the first half of 2025, with an 11% increase in international tourist arrivals over the same period in 2024, though still 8% below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led the recovery in the region with 20% tourism growth in January-June 2025 (compared with 2024), hinting at the important influence of China as the world's largest tourism source market.

For its 19th edition, the Forum focused on the power of data to build a smart and sustainable tourism ecosystem, and the possible synergies across tourisms sectors to bring that ecosystem to life. The technical sessions brought together governmental representatives and tourism industry experts from Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Spain, Republic of Korea and Vietnam to explore governance and policies backed by innovative data and intelligence systems, as well as the role of awareness raising, collaboration and engagement with all relevant stakeholders at the local and governmental level.

The importance of capitalisation on young talent educated on the importance of data and research was presented by renowned Chinese academia and industry representatives, while lessons for the MICE sector from China, Greece and the Republic of Korea highlighted untapped opportunities in investing in market intelligence practices to identify the most suitable innovative technological resources and potential cross-border partnerships.

The concept of Smart Destinations and Platforms were explored by Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea and Spain, offering a unique gateway to assess opportunities and challenges of the complex processes that led these destinations to embrace digitalization for enhanced visitor experience, tackle pressing challenges, reinforce collaboration among tourism stakeholders and contribute to the well-being of local communities. The Forum was further enriched by keynote speeches from Fliggy and TUI, respectively UN Tourism partner and Affiliate Member, who provided more insights from their own company's data on European markets to Asia and the Pacific, and on Chinese tourism trends and the rise of digitalisation in the Chinese tourism sector.

Next year, UN Tourism, PATA, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Guilin Municipal People's Government will be collaborating for the 20th edition of the Forum.

To learn more about the 2025 UN Tourism/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook (19th Edition); Download News Release.

PUBLICATION: The World Tourism Barometer is a publication of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) that monitors shortterm tourism trends on a regular basis to provide global tourism stakeholders with up-to-date analysis oninternational tourism. The information is updated several times a year and includes an analysis of the latest data on tourism destinations (inbound tourism) and source markets (outbound tourism). The Barometer also includes three times a year a Confidence Index based on the UN Tourism Panel of Experts survey, which provides an evaluation of recent performance and short-term prospects on international tourism. Data collection for this issue was closed mid-May 2025. The next issue of the World Tourism Barometer with more comprehensive results is scheduled to be published in September 2025. Data was compiled from the Tourism Market Intelligence Database and the Tourism Statistics Database based on official country sources

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: The UN World Tourism Organization has prepared a website that includes digital materials and a world map where you can share your event. You can use the communication material prepared by UN Tourism. It includes social media cards, key messages, videos, customizable cards, and more branded material. Get the Poster of the World Tourism Day 2025!

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2025; September 26th.

 

FORUM: "Reflecting on the elimination of atomic weapons and all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction." International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2025. September 26th; It's an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to global nuclear disarmament as a priority. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #nuclearweaponfreeworld, #26September, #NuclearWeapons, #Armament, #campaign,#nucleardisarmament.

STATEMENTS: Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on behalf the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2025; September 26th.

Nuclear weapons deliver no security — only the promise of annihilation.

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons calls on us to remember this central lesson of the Cold War, when humanity gambled with its very survival across decades.

Sadly, the shadow of nuclear annihilation is still with us and spreading fast, fueled by divisions and mistrust, along with rising military spending, growing stockpiles, and countries rattling the nuclear saber as a means of coercion.

Humanity is headed in the wrong direction. It’s time to chart a new course for lasting peace through disarmament.

In last September’s Pact for the Future, Member States recommitted to the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Countries must place dialogue over division and disarmament over destruction — not through words, but through action.

On this important day, I call on states that possess nuclear weapons to lift this shadow hanging over humanity. Honour your disarmament obligations and commit to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

António Guterres.

OTHER STATEMENTS: The UN Messenger of Peace, Mr. Michael Kirk Douglas spreads the message on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons that, "a nuclear war can never be won and can never be fought.". We need disarmament now. #IDTENW

EXHIBITS: " The Impact of Nukes'' Photo gallery.

EVENTS: This Day provides an occasion for the world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament as a priority. It provides an opportunity to educate the public - and their leaders - about the real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them. 

Commemorating this Day at the United Nations is especially important, given its universal membership and its long experience in grappling with nuclear disarmament issues. It is the right place to address one of humanity's greatest challenges; achieving the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

(Opening & Plenary) High-level Meeting on International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons - General Assembly, 80th session.

 

• Plenary segment (continued).
• Closing segment.

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations. It was the subject of the General Assembly's first resolution in 1946, which established the Atomic Energy Commission (dissolved in 1952), with a mandate to make specific proposals for the control of nuclear energy and the elimination of atomic weapons and all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction.

 

Related Documents: The official website of the United Nations & Programme.

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS:

World Maritime Day 2025; September 25th.

FORUM: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” World Maritime Day 2025. This year’s theme highlights how the world’s oceans sustain life, enable trade, and shape our climate. The multi-faceted threat to oceans demands coordinated global action, mobilizing international cooperation and digital innovation to address maritime environmental challenges. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #worldMaritimeDay, #25September, #ouroceanourobligationouropportunity, #maritime.

 

EVENTS: On September 25th the IMO and the global maritime community marks the annual World Maritime Day. This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” highlights how the world’s oceans sustain life, enable trade, and shape our climate. During the event, we will reflect on how IMO and the global shipping industry are working together to protect our ocean and underscore the shared responsibility of nations and ocean users to harness that potential sustainably. Register to participate!

Statement of the IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on World Maritime Day 2025; September 25th.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Share how IMO and the shipping sector works to protect the ocean: Download digital cards. Join the 2025 campaign “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”; Get the Poster!

International Day of Sign Languages 2025; September 23rd.

 

International Day of Peace 2025; September 21st.

FORUM: "Act now for a Peaceful World". International Day of Peace 2025. The Day has always been a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires. But it now must also be a time for people to see each other’s humanity. Our survival as a global community depends on that. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Peaceday, #sustainingpeace, #InternationalDayofPeace, #21September.

EVENT: On September 21st will held at United Nations Headquarters, a ceremony to observe the International Day of Peace. The ideas of peace, the culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education, across countries and generations. Several events will be held throughout the world to observe the Day. Register to participate!

Statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the International Day of Peace 2025; September 21st.

 "Our warring world is crying out for peace. This year’s International Day of Peace urges each of us to give voice to that call. Around the world lives are being ripped apart, childhoods extinguished, and basic human dignity discarded, amidst the cruelty and degradations of war. We are seeing an explosion of conflict. International law flouted. And record numbers of people fleeing their homes. All they want is peace. Peace is everyone’s business. The impacts of war ripple around the world. We must silence the guns. End the suffering. Build bridges. And create stability and prosperity. Sustainable development supports peace – nine of the 10 countries struggling most with development are suffering conflict. And we must quell the racism, dehumanisation and misinformation that throw fuel on the fires of conflict. Instead, we must speak the language of respect, open our hearts to others. And use our influence to push for peace. Where we have peace, we have hope. Families unite, communities rebuild, children learn and play. Peace cannot wait – our work starts now".

António Guterres,United Nations Secretary-General.

World Cleanup Day 2025; September 20th.

FORUM: “Strive for Five!.” World Cleanup Day 2025, the day will focus on the issue of textile and fashion waste, emphasizing its environmental impact and the need for systemic change. World Cleanup Day has always been about uniting communities to safeguard their environment and to heal, both socially and ecologically, through collective action. Poor waste management is intrinsically linked to the triple planetary crisis: pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. Combined, the world is greatly accelerating an accumulation of waste and pollution in all ecosystems and threatening ecosystems' balances and health. Promoting clean-ups in the lead up to and through the international Day is crucial for contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldcleanupday, #cleanup, #civicaction, #cleaningupwaste, #againsttrash, #cleanenvironments.

EVENTS: On September 20th to mark the World Cleanup Day 2025 and the 8th annual World Cleanup Day. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) invite all member states, organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector and academia to the world’s largest single-day cleanup event. Please register to the event or direct any inquiries to wastewisecities@un.org.

EARTHDAY.ORG, the global organizer of Earth Day itself, supports Let’s Do It World, the creator and organizer of World Cleanup Day, on their 2025 theme “Strive for Five!.” This is a science-backed approach to environmental transformation that calls for 5% of the global population to participate in cleanups this September, knowing that once this critical threshold is reached, it can trigger sweeping behavioral changes worldwide on plastic pollution.

ACTIVITIES: Millions of people in over 190 countries participate, demonstrating global unity for environmental action. Volunteers, organizations, businesses, and communities will come together to remove litter and mismanaged waste from various environments, including beaches, rivers, and streets.

Join EARTHDAY.ORG and Let’s Do It World this World Cleanup Day on September 20th by finding a cleanup near you on The Global Cleanup Map. No event near you? Create your own cleanup event using our Clean Up Toolkit and do your part in ending plastics by signing EARTHDAY.ORG’s petition for a binding and meaningful Global Plastics Treaty.

International Equal Pay Day 2025, September 18th.

FORUM: ''Equal pay – a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development and gender equality.'' International Equal Pay Day 2025. cross all regions, women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 20% globally.Celebrated on September 18th, the observance r epresents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations' commitment to human rights and against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls. During the day, we celebrate achievements and discuss the challenges on the way to achieve equal pay and make a new equal pay pledge. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #EqualPayDay, #GenerationEquality, #SDG5, #EqualPay and #18September.

EVENT: On September 18th, a High-Level Pledging Event to mark International Equal Pay Day 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) was held. Register to participate!

Statement of the UN Women statement for International Equal Pay Day, 18 September 2025.

On International Equal Pay Day, UN Women stands in solidarity with women workers across the globe in the ongoing effort to close the gender pay gap and achieve equal pay for work of equal value.

Three decades ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action committed governments to legislate and enforce equal pay for work of equal value—a pledge reaffirmed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Yet, deep-rooted and systemic inequalities persist. Women still earn on average 20 per cent less than men worldwide, with even wider gaps for women from racial and ethnic minorities, women with disabilities, and migrant women. This discriminatory gap erodes women’s rights, undermines income security, and holds back inclusive, sustainable economic growth.

With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, UN Women underscores the urgency of coordinated action to close the gender pay gap. As a co-lead of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) alongside ILO and OECD, we continue to advance this agenda in partnership with governments, employers, workers’ organizations, international institutions, and research bodies. Governments must set the legal and policy frameworks for wage equity and decent work; employers must embed them through transparent pay practices, equity audits, and gender-responsive workplaces; and workers’ organizations must drive social dialogue and collective bargaining. With evidence and technical support from international institutions and research bodies, and the active engagement of the private sector, civil society, and academia, we can eliminate the pay gap and realize women’s full economic empowerment.

As the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, we reaffirm the UN Charter’s call for international cooperation and respect for human rights. Equal pay for work of equal value, enshrined in ILO Convention 100, is both a fundamental right and a cornerstone of sustainable development and gender equality. We call on all stakeholders to renew their commitment, join EPIC, and step up collective action to close the gender pay gap once and for all.

LIVESTREAM: 10 Años de Lucha - Honoring 10 Years of the Latina Equal Pay Campaign | PVBLIC Foundation.

October 8, 2025 is Latina Equal Pay Day, and this year is the 10th anniversary of the Latina Equal Pay campaign. For the last decade it has marked the day we call attention to the pay gap that Latinas face in the United States and across the world.

For all Latinas with reported earnings, the pay gap is, on average 54 cents for every dollar made by white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. This number is much lower for immigrant Latinas. The pay gap for Latinas persists across borders, with factors such as gender-based violence and discrimination being central contributors to this lack of economic security.

Fireside Chat: Mónica Ramírez and Alicia Menendez
Movement Reflections: Representative Jessica Gonzáles Rojas, Vannessa Vasquez, Ivana de Maria, Liz Shuler
Recognition of Champions of Change - Presented by Mónica Ramírez
- Catherine Hinshaw
- Ana Flores
- Fatima Goss Graves
- Jessica González-Rojas
- Xochitl Oseguera
- Ariane Hegewisch
- Kelley Bruner
- Liliana Gil Valleta
- Vannessa Vasquez
- Ivana de Maria
- Deb Vagins
- Diana Maria Riva
- Lisa Vidal
- Karla Pineda
- Charlotte Castillo
- Jocelyn Frye
- Maya Raghu
- Noreen Farrell
- Rosa Raquel Cavazos accepting on behalf of MANA
- Liz Schuler
- Janet Murguia
- Yvette Peña
- Jennylee Ramos Familia, accepting on behalf of ALPFA

Watch the 10 Años de Lucha - Honoring 10 Years of the Latina Equal Pay Campaign | PVBLIC Foundation!

Side Events

CAMPAIGN: Join the global campaign Equal Pay Work for Equal Value!

World Suicide Prevention Day 2025; September 10th.

 

International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025; September 9th.

FORUM: "Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action." International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025. In 2025, six years after the first commemoration of International Day to Protect Education from Attack, armed conflict continues to escalate globally and attacks on education remain pervasive. Between 2022 and 2023, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack reported approximately 6,000 attacks on students, educators, schools, and higher education institutions. This period also saw a 20% increase in the use of educational facilities for military purposes by parties to conflict. Over 10,000 students were killed, abducted, arrested, or otherwise harmed during this time. According to the 2025 UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, there was a 44% increase in attacks against schools in 2024 compared to the previous year. Attacks on education can have serious, long-term physical and psychological repercussions for students and teachers. Attacks can suspend teaching and learning, lead to a significant increase in dropout rates and prevent students from accessing their right to quality education. We must build on the international consensus on child protection and rally behind the instruments that have already been agreed upon widely as well as the respect of international law. Over 14,500 reports of attacks on education or military use of educational facilities were recorded worldwide between 2017 and 2022, according to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA). More than 28,000 students, teachers, and academics were injured, killed, or harmed in such attacks carried out in situations of armed conflict or insecurity. The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is an occasion to raise awareness about the pressing issue of attacks on schools, students, education personnel and teachers worldwide. It serves as a reminder that children and youth continue to face conflict, violence and disruption to their education, undermining their right to learn and thrive in a peaceful and nurturing environment. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #9september, #AttacksonEducation, #ProtectEducationfromattack.

EVENTS: High-level event for the Sixth commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

On September 9th, at UN Geneva, a high-level event held by the UNESCO and partners will mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025, You are invited to join the debate on the theme: ‘Challenging narratives, reshaping action.’ This year, we mark the sixth United Nations International Day to Protect Education from Attack, with several commemorative events being held in the days before and after, in Geneva and elsewhere. These include a dedicated exhibition by Education Above All, entitled “Reshaping Action”, and a Youth Hub Debate, hosted by Qatar Debates, which will both take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from 11 am onwards. The event will be moderated by: Ms. Jenifer Vaughan (Fenton) Spokesperson for the UN Special Envoy for Syria Opening High Level Remarks: H.E. Ms. Maryam Al Attiyah Chairperson of the Qatar National Human Rights Committee H.E. Ms. Nada Al-Nashif OHCHR Deputy High Commissioner Youth Dialogue: Ahmad Al Naimi QatarDebate Youth Ambassador Noor Al Thani Qatar Debate Youth Ambassador and EAA Youth Advocate Manveer Singh Sandhu EAA-OHCHR Youth Rights Academy Participant Randa Al-Dawoudi EAA's Al Fakhoora Scholar; The Closing Remarks will be held by Mr. Abdulrahman I. Al-Subaie Programs Director, QatarDebat. Explore the full programme!

On September 9th, at UNHQ, a webinar to mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025; The United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UNHCR, the OHCHR, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG), the United Nations Peackeeping will held. This year's main High-Level Observance of the fifth International Day is co-organized by the UNESCO, the Permanent mission of Slovenia to the UN, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, the UNICEF, and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event is part of a week-long commemoration dedicated to galvanizing action to safeguard education. The event will gather global leaders, stakeholders, teachers and victims of attacks on education to focus on the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and to renew the international political commitment aimed at protecting education in conflict situations. The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission will organize a special event focusing on education’s role in building peace within the framework of the ongoing revision of UNESCO’s 1974 recommendation concerning education for international understanding, co-operation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms. Please Register to participate!

PUBLICATION: The version of the Education under attack 2024 Report have demonstrated that attacks on education and military use of schools and universities are increasing across the globe.The overall goal of the launch event is to galvanise support by Member States and other relevant stakeholders towards key findings and recommendations in the Education under Attack report, and to inform the Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict. Specific objectives: 1. To disseminate and build support and partnerships towards key findings and recommendations of Education under Attack 2024, in particular those related to the increase in attacks involving the use of explosive weapons, climate change and gender; 2. To increase the political support to the Safe Schools Declaration within the Security Council in the lead up to the 2024 International Day on Protecting Education from Attack; 3. To stress the need for an intersectional and cross-sectoral approach towards attacks on education, including multi-stakeholder and multi-level coordination around different fora, including the Security Council, the 79th session of the UN General Assembly and the Summit of the Future, the 2024 Humanitarian Affairs Segment and the 2024 High-Level Political Forum. Audience: Members States, in particular members of the UN Security Council, UN experts and entities, civil society organisations, academia, donors, NY-based press. The Key findings of the Education under attack 2024 report include: • Attacks on education are increasing; over 10,000 students, teachers, and academics were harmed, injured, or killed in these attacks, which occurred in armed conflicts across the globe. • Attacks on schools were the most prevalent form of attack on education; • There has been a general increase in the use of educational facilities for military purposes and attacks involving the use of explosive weapons; • Students with disabilities were uniquely impacted by attacks on education; • Women and girls were targeted because of their gender in attacks on education in certain contexts; • Spreading violence from the Central Sahel into neighbouring West African countries began impacting access to education in affected countries; • Initial connections between climate change and attacks on education are emerging, such as in contexts of climate-change induced food insecurity. Read more!

Statement from the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025, September 9th.

 No child should risk death to learn.

Yet this year, as violence against children in armed conflict continues to climb to unprecedented levels, education is once again caught in the crossfire.

The past 12 months saw a staggering 44 percent surge in attacks on schools, resulting in the death, abduction and trauma of thousands of teachers and students. Each violation carries profound consequences — not only for teachers and young learners, but for the future of entire communities and countries.

The United Nations is working tirelessly to stop this scourge and ensure every child can access their basic right to education, even in the most dangerous contexts. But we cannot do it alone.

Countries must invest in education systems that can reach every child and fully endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration.

I also call on all parties to conflict to meet their obligations under international law, respect schools as places of safety and hold accountable those responsible for attacks.

The pen, the book and the classroom are all mightier than the sword.

Let’s keep it that way and protect the fundamental right of every child to learn in safety and peace.

 United Nations Secretary-General.

LIVESTREAM: Public matters.

International Literacy Day 2025; September 8th.

FORUM: ‘’Promoting literacy in the digital era.” International Literacy Day 2025. The ILD2025 will be an opportunity for critical reflection on what literacy is and how literacy teaching and learning, programmes and policies are designed, managed and monitored in this digital era. In addition, ILD2025 will spotlight effective policies and interventions to promote literacy as a common good and a right, and as a lever for empowerment and transformation to build more inclusive, just and sustainable societies. It will also provide a space for collective discussion on the futures of literacy. The ILD 2025 Objectives aim at: • Celebrating literacy achievements and raising awareness of the need to address remaining and emerging challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscapes. • Reflecting on the transformative power of literacy as a key factor for improving education and lifelong learning in the digital era. • Exploring both potential and risks of digitalization for literacy teaching and learning, programmes, policies and lifelong learning ecosystems. • Identifying effective strategies and programmes for developing literacy and digital skills • Identifying digital programmes and initiatives that effectively support the development of literacy skills of diverse learners and target groups • Fostering multistakeholder dialogue and partnerships in support of enhanced literacy efforts. The increasing integration of AI into education presents both transformative opportunities and complex challenges, reshaping pedagogies, curricula and education governance while raising critical questions about equity, ethics and human agency. As debates swirl over AI's disruptive potential — ranging from hyperbolic promises to more cautionary approaches — education systems must navigate dilemmas, including the implications of digital surveillance, systemic biases and the potential erosion of human accountability in education decision-making to recalibrate positive new directions for education futures. Under the theme "AI and the future of education: Disruptions, dilemmas and directions", The UNESCO's 2025 Digital Learning Week will assist in charting pathways for equitable, ethical and human-driven AI integration in education, ensuring technology serves as a force for inclusive progress.. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #LiteracyDay; #LiteracyLearningSpaces; #8september.

EVENTS: On and around September 8th, 2025; The ILD will be celebrated across the world at global, regional, country, community levels in person and online. At the global level, a global conference will be organized by UNESCO at its Headquarters in Paris, France, on 8 September 2025. Several national governments are planning national celebrations, while many events are being organized by other partners. To participate in the Global celebration of the International Literacy Day 2025. Read the agenda programme and Register to participate. For further information please visit the webpages of International Literacy Day 2025 and the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. For specific inquiries, please contact: • International Literacy Day and the global celebration: ILD2025 Secretariat (Section of Youth, Literacy and Skills Development, Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems) at literacy@unesco.org • International Literacy Prizes 2025: ILP Secretariat (Section of Youth, Literacy and Skills Development, Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems) at literacyprizes@unesco.org.

On September 9th, 2025; In the context of the global International Literacy Day celebration at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) will host the Annual General Meeting of the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) and the Action Research on Measuring Literacy Learning and Educational Alternatives (RAMAED) online. Aligned with the objectives of the Marrakech Framework for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, the meeting will promote literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and emphasize its importance as a policy priority. Participants will share updates and identify national priorities in GAL and RAMAED countries. The meeting will also reflect on key findings from the evaluation of the GAL Strategy and engage members in discussions to identify lessons learned, gaps, and areas for improvement. A strategic dialogue will be facilitated to address the governance and future direction of the Global Alliance for Literacy, laying the groundwork for the development of the GAL Strategy 2030. Representatives of GAL and RAMAED countries, GAL Associate Members, GEC members, invited speakers, and other interested partners will participate in this invitation-only event. The meeting will be conducted in English, French, and Arabic with simultaneous interpretation. Learn more about this event.

From September 2nd to 5th, 2025; The Third edition of Digital Learning Week will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in the Room IX and Room II. The UNESCO's Digital Learning Week presents a unique opportunity to participate in dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, dialogue and the sharing of groundbreaking ideas, and to foster meaningful co-creation and collaborative efforts to advance the digital transformation of education and to “reimagine our futures together.”The event aims to foster critical reflection, peer learning and policy dialogue, addressing today’s pressing challenges while shaping the future of education in an era of rapid technological change. It is expected to gather up to 1,000 participants, including 30 Ministers of Education, alongside digital education leaders, policy-makers, researchers and practitioners from various organizations, including UN agencies, governments, academia, NGOs and the private sector. Discussions will explore whether and how AI is disrupting education, navigate the complex dilemmas it presents, and identify strategic directions to harness its potential responsibly. The Digital Learning Week 2025 event spans four engaging days, including:

• Ministerial panels, multistakeholder dialogues and public lectures from global opinion leaders
• Parallel sessions, foresight workshops and open ideas labs for knowledge exchange and co-creation
• Launch of UNESCO-led knowledge products and tools, including think pieces on AI and learning futures
• Exhibition of digital learning solutions and innovations
• Networking opportunities with policy-makers, educators and innovators driving change

The Digital Learning Week 2025 will take place in person at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. All plenary sessions will be livestreamed in English and French to a global audience. Register to participate, explore the Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 Photos of the event and get Access the webcast for plenary sessions!

WEBINARS: These one-hour online professional learning events organized by the International Literacy Association (ILA) deliver insight and practical resources from experts in the field of literacy. You'll gain dependable, research-supported ideas you can apply in your classroom, school, and district. Explore the ILA digital events!

PUBLICATIONS: AI and the future of education. Disruptions, dilemmas and directions; This new UNESCO publication explores the philosophical, ethical and pedagogical dilemmas posed by disruptive influence of AI in education. Read the full publication.

REPORTS: AI and education: protecting the rights of learners; This report argues for a human-centred, rights-based approach that ensures innovations strengthen learning opportunities for all. Read the full report.

STATEMENTS: Statement from the UNESCO Director-General on International Literacy Day 2025; September 8th.

The global celebration of International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025, organized by UNESCO under the theme ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era’, will take place on 8 September 2025 at its Headquarters in Paris, France. The in-person event will also be livestreamed to a global audience. The celebration will include the award ceremony of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. Interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish. 

The main objectives of the global conference are:

• To reflect on both the potential and risks of digitalization for literacy.
• To explore how lifelong learning ecosystems can be enhanced to promote literacy in the digital era.
• To identify effective digitally empowered literacy programmes and practices.
• To reflect on the futures of literacy in a world where digitalization is increasingly transforming our life, work and learning.
• To celebrate the achievements of the six laureates of the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

Participants In-person participation in the global event is by invitation. Participants will include representatives of governments and partners in charge of education and digitalization, staff and experts from ministries, multilateral organizations, civil society organizations, NGOs, the private sector and foundations, learners and educators, research institutions and universities. 

AGENDA PROGRAMME

Registration & informal discussions and Opening session 

Master of Ceremony: 

• Mr Marco Horanieh, Presenter and actor, France
• Ms Farida Shaheed, UN Special rapporteur on the right to education 

Keynote speech Introduction:

• Mr Borhene Chakroun, Director, Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, Education Sector, UNESCO 
• Ms Kate Arthur, British-Canadian entrepreneur

High-level panel – Literacy in the digital era.

This session intends to explore the potential of digital technologies to improve the way in which literacy is promoted at the system, programme and practice levels. It also aims to reflect on the challenges and potential risks posed by rapidly evolving digital landscapes, which must be addressed to ensure that everyone can achieve relevant and functional literacy skills as a right and a foundation for inclusive, just and sustainable societies. 

Session 1: Enhancing lifelong learning ecosystems.

A lifelong learning ecosystem encompasses systems, institutions, structures, policies, frameworks, and governance. Creating an enabling ecosystem is essential for promoting literacy as a lifelong pursuit across both physical and virtual spaces, and within formal, non-formal and informal learning settings, such as schools, training institutions, online courses, workplaces, community learning centres and home. This session will explore ways to strengthen lifelong learning ecosystems, with attention to human rights principles, democratic values, digital inclusion, privacy, and diversity in cultures, languages and knowledge systems

Session 2: Promoting effective literacy programmes and practices in the digital era.

Digitalization is transforming literacy programmes and practices broadly in two aspects: responding to evolving skill demands – particularly the need for higher levels of literacy skills as a basis for lifelong learning, alongside digital skills, which are increasingly integral to literacy itself; and leveraging digital technologies to improve design, content, management and monitoring of literacy programmes. This session will explore the key factors that can make literacy programmes in the digital era more inclusive, effective and sustainable

Session 3: Envisioning the futures of literacy in the digital era and ways forward.

This session aims to reflect on the futures of literacy in a world where digital technologies are increasingly permeating many spheres of life, transforming how we learn, live, work, interact and socialize, while also impacting the well-being of our planet. What kind of global literacy landscapes do we aspire to shape by 2050? What should be continued, discontinued or transformed in the way we design and manage literacy policies, programmes and practices? 

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: ‘’Promoting literacy in the digital era.” These challenges highlight the importance of developing more solid and higher levels of literacy skills, while ensuring linguistic, cultural, and epistemic diversity, through enhancing holistic lifelong learning ecosystems, and embracing policies, programmes, practices, monitoring, governance, financing and partnerships.The Ideas generated through ILD2025 discussions to address issues in these areas are expected to chart future actions at the global, system, programme and practice levels. join the campaign, Get the ILD2025 Poster and other communication materials!