International Day of Forests 2026; March 21st.

FORUM: ‘‘Forests and Economies" International Day of Forests 2026. The FAO is highlighting the profound inter-linkages between forests and water and their importance for healthy economies and gender equality. The theme will focus on the essential roles of forests in driving economic prosperity. These roles go well beyond income and jobs from forest production and the trade of renewable raw materials and foods: forests also sustain family and community agriculture, enhance agricultural productivity, and safeguard healthy watersheds. With many countries seeking to move toward a sustainable bio-economy, forest products offer nature-based solutions as replacements for carbon-intensive materials while generating new economic opportunities. Forests are indispensable for healthy economies – today and for future generations. From vital ecosystem services associated with water, climate and soils, to ecotourism, energy supply and raw materials, forests contribute trillions to the global economy and support millions of jobs worldwide. Forest landscapes reduce the cost of producing clean water and, by storing carbon and moderating temperatures, help protect economies from climate-related disasters that can cost billions. An estimated USD 44 trillion – more than half of world gross domestic product – depends on nature, including forests. The emerging bioeconomy has sustainably managed forests at its heart. Sustainably produced wood and bamboo can be used as renewable replacements for carbon-intensive materials such as steel, concrete and plastics. Demand for forest products is at an all-time high, with about 4 billion cubic meters of wood produced per year. Based on current trends, this volume is projected to rise by as much as 1 billion cubic meters of industrial round-wood by 2050 as the population grows and the world seeks to replace carbon-intensive products with renewables – adding to the imperative of ensuring sustainable forest management. Non-wood forest products, including foods, medicines, resins, ornamental plants and fodder, are worth at least USD 9.41 billion per year globally and have enormous potential to grow. Up to 5.8 billion people worldwide use non-wood forest products to support their livelihoods and well-being. Fuelwood and charcoal provide essential energy for cooking and heating to more than 2 billion people worldwide and support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions more. Healthy forests mean healthy communities. Forests are the economic backbone of many rural communities by supplying foods, medicines, fuel and income, as well as benefits such as cooling effects, clean water and soil stabilization. Investing in forest conservation, restoration and sustainable use pays off. Forest loss is expensive, leading to soil erosion, flooding, costly climate impacts and productivity loss that often far outweigh short-term economic gains. Learn more about FAO's work in forestry and make sure to catch FAO's key messages to mark the day. Follow the conversations #IntlForestDay, #SustainingForests, #21March, #Forestsandeconomies.

EVENTS: AT UNHQ in New York; On Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 starting at 15:00 PM EST, The IDF 2026 observance will highlight the need to better recognize forests as engines of inclusive growth and well-being, and to scale up policies, partnerships and investments that place forests at the heart of resilient and sustainable economies.Forests are fundamental to sustainable and inclusive economies. They support livelihoods, generate employment, reduce poverty and strengthen food systems for billions of people worldwide. For many rural and forest-dependent communities, forests are a primary source of income, nutrition, energy and resilience in times of crisis. Beyond jobs and livelihoods, forests function as economic infrastructure. They provide essential ecosystem services — including climate regulation, water security, soil protection and disaster risk reduction — that underpin productivity across agriculture, energy, industry and cities. These benefits sustain economic growth while safeguarding natural capital for future generations. Yet, despite their central role, forests remain widely undervalued and under-financed. Investment in forests falls far short of what is needed to unlock their full economic, social and environmental potential. Closing this gap is critical to advancing poverty eradication, food security and sustainable development. The General Assembly requested the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to facilitate the implementation of the International Day of Forests. Watch the livestream!

AT UNHQ in New York; On March 21st; The DESA's UN Forum on Forests Secretariat will organize a webinar to inform participants on the upcoming special event to celebrate the International Day of forests 2026. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, civil society, Indigenous leaders, youth, and major international organizations to discuss innovative and traditional ways forests contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture. The programme includes high-level opening remarks, a panel discussion featuring global experts, and statements from member states and stakeholders. Through this observance, we aim to raise awareness, promote sustainable forest management, and encourage actionto protect the crucial relationship between forests and food systems. Learn more about the iFD206 high-level event and Register to participate!

At FAO HQ In Rome, Italy, Both FAO’s events are online in six languages.


AT FAO HQ; on Friday, March 19th, from 11:00–12:40 (UTC+1) will be held the High-level hybrid joint event which will celebrate the International Day of Forests and World Water Day 2026: The high-level event will be opened by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu at 11.00 (UTC+1). Special guest, singer, songwriter and record producer Elisa, will speak about “when forests and water become music”.

Agenda Programme

11:00– 11:10 - Opening video message
QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO
11:10 – 11:25 “Where forests and water become music”
Elisa, singer, songwriter and record producer
11:25 – 11:40 - Keynote speech, “An optimist’s guide to trees and water”
- Douglas Sheil, Professor, Forest Ecology and Forest Management, Wageningen University;
Senior Research Associate, CIFOR-ICRAF
Video, “Forests and water”
11:40 – 12:10 Country experiences

- Her Excellency Inés Manzano, Minister of Environment and Energy, Ecuador
- Her Excellency, Ambassador Julianne Cowley, Head of Mission for Australia
- His Excellency, Ambassador Junimart Girsang, Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy
- Mr Staffan Norin, Director General of the Swedish Forest Agency
12:10 – 12:15 - World Water Council
- Mr Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council
12:15 – 12:25 Perspectives from women farmers
- Ms Nadia Savino, farmer, Chief Executive Officer of BiAzienda Agricola BioLu, and member, Slow Food Italy
12:25 – 12:30 Closing remarks
- Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director-General, FAO
12:30 – 12:40 - Musical performance
- Maestro Antonio Cortesi, cellist

AT FAO HQ; on Friday, March 19th, 14:15–16:00 (UTC+1) will be held the Hybrid technical session on forests and economies - sustainable production and bio-economy pathways Co-organized by FAO and the Group of Friends on Bio-economy for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, the event will bring together representatives of the public and private sectors, including producer associations, to highlight the diversity of sustainable forest production and the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy. 

Agenda programme

14:15 – 14:30 - Opening

- Mr Zhimin Wu, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Forestry Division, FAO
- Mr Kaveh Zahedi, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, FAO
Co-Chairs of Group of Friends of the Bioeconomy:
- H.E. Ms Carla Barroso Carneiro, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Brazil to FAO, IFAD and WFP
- H.E. Mr Martin Selmayr, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Holy See, the Sovereign Order of Malta, the UN Organizations in Rome and the Republic of San Marino

14:30 – 14:45 - Understanding forest economies and bioeconomy opportunities
- Mr Sven Walter, Senior Forestry Officer, FAO Forestry Division
- Ms Silvia Melegari, Secretary General, European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI Bois) and Vice Chair of FAO’s Advisory Committee on Sustainable Forest-based Industries (ACSFI) (online)

14:45 – 15:20 - Country, regional and global experiences (TBC)

- H.E. Ms Jhenifer María Mojica Flórez, Ambassador Permanent Representative of Colombia to the FAO, Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations Organizations in Rome
- Mr. Günter Walkner, Minister Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of the Republic of Austria to FAO
- Mr Mitsuaki Shindo, Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture in Rome
- Ms. Inez Varoto Correa, General-Coordinator for Environmental Negotiations, Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, Brazil
- Mr Gregory Smith, Director, Economic Analysis Division, Trade, Economics and Industry Branch, Canadian Forest Service - Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada (online)
- Mr Damian Sulumo, Mviwaarusha – Network of farmers and pastoralists from Arusha Region, Tanzania
- Ms Elisabeth Hidén, Swedish Farmers’ Youth Chapter and European Council of Young Farmers, Sweden

15:20 – 15:40 - Interactive session: What are the key actions needed or underway to advance the forest bioeconomy in your area? Led by moderator

15:40 – 15:45 - Closing remarks
Mr Pierre Taty, COFO Chair, the Congo (online)

At UNHQ in New York, on May 11-15th, 2026 will be held the 21st Session of the UN Forum on Forests. The United Nations Forum on Forests is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with universal membership. Since its establishment in 2000, the Forum has set many milestones including the first United Nations Forest Instrument in 2007, the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN) in 2015, and adoption of the first United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 and its six Global Forest Goals in 2017. Learn more about the upcoming 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21).

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Today, we highlight the need to recognize forests as engines of inclusive growth and well-being — and to scale up policies, partnerships and investments that place forests at the heart of resilient economies. It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources. Participate to the 2026 Campaign "Forests and economies" by raising awareness about forests.logo and banners are available in multiple languages. Check out the International Day of Forest social media kit for more resources.

PUBLICATION: Forests, trees and wild species in agri-food systems - Optimizing benefits for biodiversity, climate and health.

LIVESTREAM: High-level event to mark the International Day of Forests 2026.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026; March 21st.

FORUM: "Everyone on the Side of Racial Justice and Equality" International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026. Racist behavior involves prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone based on their race or ethnicity, often stemming from notions of superiority. It includes overt acts like slurs, violence, and harassment, alongside subtle actions such as stereotyping, microaggressions, and systemic exclusion, which devalue individuals based on skin color or culture. It's time to rethink about the real and lasting impacts of racism, and our shared responsibility to stand against discrimination in all its forms and give an answer to the thematic discussions on What is racism related OCD? - People with obsessive-compulsive disorder can develop unwanted thoughts, images, or urges dealing with race, or fears of being a racist or being perceived as racist by others. These obsessions lead people to experience intense distress and uncertainty about what these thoughts mean about them. Racism OCD can involve fears of having an offensive thought about someone of another race, of doing or saying something racist without being aware of it, or of fear of being perceived racist. These obsessions often lead to anxiety, guilt, and shame. OCD tends to attack a person’s core values and identity; these types of obsessions are particularly distressing to someone who cares a lot about fighting against racism, treating people fairly, and being respectful of others. OCD often convinces people that their thoughts are tied to their true beliefs and self-worth, causing doubt and distress. Individuals suffering with OCD also engage in various compulsions to relieve the distress caused by obsessions or to prevent a feared outcome. However, compulsions provide only temporary relief, and in the long term fuel obsessions, increase anxiety, and become burdensome. What are the common obsessions of the cases of Racism OCD? - The Fear of losing control and using a racial slur or making an offensive comment; The Obsessive concerns about not being able to tell if one’s own behavior might be racist; The Worries about accidentally or purposefully causing emotional harm to someone of another race; The Doubts about whether or not something one did or said was racist and some Concerns that one may only be pretending not to be a hateful person. What are the common triggers -  People with fear of being racist may be triggered by situations involving interactions with a minority friends or coworkers. Hearing about other people’s experiences with racism can lead to questions about one’s own behavior and intentions. Even habitual daily interactions can lead to doubts about whether or not one’s actions were racist. For example, passing a black woman on the street could trigger intrusive thoughts about racial slurs or questions like “Am I racist because I didn’t smile at the person I passed on the street? Could my eye contact have been seen as intrusive or racially motivated? What about my lack of eye contact?” Reading about systemic or institutionalized racism, talks about diversity and inclusion, and seeing racial protests in the news could all be potential triggers. How can I tell if it’s racism OCD, and not racism? - Everyone likely has implicit racial biases about groups of people that exist at an unconscious level. While these biases impact the way that we interact with people, they are not the same thing as racism. Racism involves conscious prejudice and discrimination against members of a particular racial group, or a lack of concern about inadvertent prejudice. Individuals who choose to participate in racist actions will falsely deny, reflexively defend, or be prideful about their actions. Someone who is dealing with Racist OCD, on the other hand, will worry extensively about whether or not they are racist, may reflexively blame themselves, or be intensely concerned about inadvertent offense or prejudice. OCD causes repetitive thoughts and doubts in your mind and attempts to convince you that you are morally wrong for having these thoughts and doubts. While it is important for people to examine their implicit racial biases, it is unproductive to experience unrelenting fear and anxiety about whether or not you are racist there is a key difference. The Common compulsions performed mentally or physically by people with OCD fear of being racist include: Asking loved ones for reassurance that one isn’t racist; Repetitively conducting research about racism or how to be anti-racist; Mentally reviewing past actions or conversations to make sure they aren’t racist; Researching news stories about racially motivated crimes;  Speculating and comparing one’s actions with other people’s actions; Being overly gentle, speaking more, or interacting more with members of a racial group in an attempt to convince oneself that they aren’t racist Avoiding members of a racial group to avoid intrusive thoughts and doubts, or in an attempt to avoid causing them offense or discomfort. How to treat fear of being racist? - Racism OCD can be debilitating for people who struggle with it, but it is highly treatable. Doing exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy with an ERP trained therapist can bring relief from the unending doubt and anxiety that OCD causes. Individuals in need of treatment for Racism OCD can face several obstacles. It is important to be able to work with a therapist who understands obsessive-compulsive disorder, is trained to treat it using ERP, and is comfortable talking about race. ERP involves facing obsessive fears with exposures that will allow for the experience of anxiety without doing a compulsion to relieve it. Compulsions reinforce the OCD cycle. By choosing not to engage in compulsions, individuals are able to learn to respond to triggers in a new way and will likely experience a gradual reduction of anxiety over time. An therapist will be able to assist you with working through challenging feelings and barriers to treatment. They can assist with developing exposures that feel manageable and help to establish a new and healthier response to obsessive thoughts. To participate to the forum follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Racism, #Racialbehaviour,  #21March, #DíaContraElRacismo, #RacialJustice, #Discrimination, #Racialequality, #Racialattitude, #fightracism.

EVENTS: Mobilizing political will: 60 years of commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

On March 23rd, 2026 at the UNHQ, the Commemorative meeting on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026 will be held. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Mobilizing political will: 60 years of commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination”.The item discussed are Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Watch the livestream!

On March 21st. a webinar will be held to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026 ; Register to participate!

Statement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026; March 21st.

The ancient poison of racism is alive and kicking in every community, society, country and region of the world.

It lives on in the legacies of colonialism, enslavement and oppression, which drive so many of the problems we face today — from economic, social and political inequality, to discriminatory policies and practices, to outright conflicts. And it spreads via new digital tools and technologies that inundate us with hate speech, perpetuating lies and harmful stereotypes that often spill over into real-world violence and abuse.

The antidote is unity and action. All governments, institutions, businesses and communities must work together to address racism and safeguard the dignity, justice, equality and human rights that belong to every person.

This means universal ratification and full implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

And it means living up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, now marking its 25th year, which includes concrete steps to end racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Today, and every day, we must take a stand. We must fight for the dignity, rights and belonging of every person on earth, and erase the stain of racism from our world.

António Guterres.

Letter from the President of the General Assembly on the convening of Commemorative Meeting of the General Assembly on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026.

Excellency, I have the honour to inform you that, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 80/193, I will convene a commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday, 23 March 2026, at 10 a.m. in the General Assembly Hall. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Mobilizing political will: 60 years of commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination”. Kindly note that, in keeping with General Assembly decision 80/504 of 12 September 2025 regarding the format of such commemorative meetings, regional groups are invited to deliver statements during this meeting. In line with my letter of 6 January 2026, group statements should be limited to five minutes. Further details will be circulated in due course. For any additional information, your office may contact Ms. Karolina Janiak, Senior Advisor on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in my Office, by e-mail at Karolina.Janiak@un.org. Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

 Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly.

Statement by the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2026; March 21st.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we honour those who fought – and continue fighting – for racial justice, equality, and freedom.

Their resistance has shown the incredible power of solidarity to change our world for the better.

From the adoption of global frameworks to combat racism, to national anti-discrimination laws, and the acknowledgement of historical injustices – we have made progress on the long road towards a more just society.

But we are approaching a checkpoint – a moment when this progress is being questioned, delayed, and even reversed.

This checkpoint was set up by those who thrive on division and polarization. It is reinforced by discriminatory structures and sustained by the corrosive logic of dehumanization.

Because while we may no longer segregate people on buses, too often, we still do so in our thinking and our ways of life.

Race remains the most common ground for discrimination globally, causing real pain to millions of people.

Across the world, people of African and Asian descent, Jews, Muslims, Indigenous Peoples, and other ethnic, religious, and cultural minorities continue to be denied their basic rights.

Hate speech is spreading unchecked, including against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

Biased media coverage shapes the geography of our attention. Some countries and regions – some lives – are deemed more worthy of our interest than others.

Those who propagate hatred have clearly succeeded in sowing distrust and chaos in our societies, and this may be good news for them.

But I also have some bad news for these people: humanity’s quest for justice and dignity is unshakeable. It is intrinsic to who we are, and it will always prevail over delusional supremacist ideas.

Today, we owe all those who gave their lives for equality and human rights nothing less than an all-out effort to safeguard this progress.

And this starts with political will.

The will to fight racial discrimination through laws, empathy, and accountability.

The will to work together with civil society and affected communities to find lasting solutions.

The will to regulate business activities and make online spaces safer.

The will to reform outdated political and economic systems still based on colonialism and exploitation.

The will to match racial justice with climate justice for communities who contributed least to climate change but are paying the heaviest price.

Racism is not only unjust and unlawful; it is morally and intellectually bankrupt.

By questioning our assumptions, verifying facts, and learning about history and human rights, we can see through the tactics of distraction and recognize our shared humanity.

Together, let’s confront, call out, and act against racism, every time.

Volker Türk.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Get the poster!

LIVESTREAM: Commemorative event from the UNHQ in New York.

  

World Down Syndrome Day 2026; March 21st

FORUM: "Together Against Loneliness." World Down Syndrome Day 2026. What Everyone Needs to Feel Connected and Belong; Why do we need to talk about loneliness? Everyone feels lonely sometimes. But for many people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, loneliness is a more common and painful experience. Their families can feel lonely too, and feel cut off from support. Loneliness can feel like different things: – Not having a group of friends or a community to belong to. – Not having a close, special person to share your feelings with. Loneliness is a serious problem. Loneliness is not just a sad feeling. It is bad for our health and happiness. It can make people feel anxious or depressed. It can also harm physical health. A study found that loneliness can be as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is not a choice. Loneliness happens when people are not supported to build and maintain connections with other people. Sometimes, people with Down syndrome can be in the same room as others but still feel lonely. Being present is not the same as being included. People can feel lonely even when surrounded by others if they are not truly connected. Loneliness is also caused by stigma and discrimination. Loneliness happens when people are left out of schools, workplaces, and community life. A study found that 39% of people with intellectual disabilities often feel lonely, compared to 14% of people without disabilities. Another study reported that people with an intellectual disability were 7 times more likely to be lonely than the general public. But we know the answer… The answer is real inclusion;  It’s about having good friendships and relationships. It’s the feeling of being valued and knowing you belong. This is a problem we can solve, and ‘Together Against Loneliness’ is our call to action. We want to talk about the problem of loneliness and how we help people feel connected and that they belong. To stop loneliness, every person needs. 

Real inclusion need to be truly included in schools, jobs, and community life. Not just “being there,” but taking part.

Welcoming Spaces are important to feel welcome and valued, to be invited to join in, and to be safe from stigma.

Meaningful Relationships are important to have strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships with friends, family, and partners. Loneliness is a human rights issue;The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is about being connected to other people and belonging. Fighting for these rights is a key way we stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’. – Living in the community – Getting married, having relationships and being part of a family – Going to an inclusive school – Having an inclusive job – Taking part in cultural life, sport, and play. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #TogetherAgainstLoneliness.

EVENTS: At the United Nations; the events include the World Down Syndrome Day Conference 2026 at the United Nations in New York. Our events give self-advocates the chance to share their expert experience with key decision makers on a global stages Learn more. The High-level event entitled ''We are Together Against Loneliness" to mark the Word Down Syndrome Day 2026 on March 23rd at UNHQ. Watch the PART I - WDSD 2026 Conference and the PART II - WDSD 2026 Conference. Register to participate!

ACTIVITIES: The global community can Connect with the Down syndrome community in your part of the world and learn how you can support local activities. Learn more.

ACTIONS: How We Can All Help; We all have a responsibility to take action against loneliness together. Everyone can Become the person who creates a welcoming space. Invite someone to join a conversation, a game, or a group. And challenge exclusion when you see it. The voices of Self-Advocates must  are the most important. Share your opinions on what you need to feel connected and belong. Families must Talk to your loved one about their feelings. Support them to speak up for themselves. And connect with other families to build a strong community and advocate for better services. Organisations must Create opportunities for connection, like events and groups. Lead advocacy campaigns and give self-advocates and families a platform to speak up. Communities, Schools & Employers may Run inclusive clubs, sports, and groups that help people make connections. Actively change your policies to remove the barriers that stop people from joining in. We demand that Governments & Leaders turn the CRPD from words into action. Create policies and provide funding to end segregation, stop discrimination, and build a truly inclusive society.

Ways to get involved: The Resource hub is packed full of ideas and resources to help you make a difference on World Down Syndrome Day to Make your voice count!
The important messages that we need to share and Helpful information about the condition to help you better understand. A social media toolkit with graphics and hashtag guides are available. Together we can make a difference. Let’s stand ‘Together Against Loneliness’.

LIVESTREAM: High-level event entitled ''We are Together Against Loneliness" to mark the Word Down Syndrome Day 2026 Conference on March 23rd at UNHQ.

Watch the PART I - WDSD 2026 Conference.

   

 Watch the PART II - WDSD 2026 Conference.

 

International Day of Happiness 2026; March 20th.

FORUM: “Well-being in the digital age.” International Day of Happiness 2026. Did you ever wonder what makes a society happy? Is a happy society full of citizens who focus on their own happiness, people whose happiness then spills-over to others around them? Or, maybe, a happy society is composed of citizens who are sensitive to people around them, thereby making other people happy. Be among the first to read this year’s insights, centered around the theme of happiness for the young, the old, and everyone in between. The interest in happiness is, of course, global. In North America and Western Europe, young people are much less happy than 15 years ago. Over the same period, social media use has greatly increased. Many people blame social media for this fall in happiness, but does this hypothesis stand the test of rigorous scientific analysis? Social media use in the Middle East and North Africa is among the highest in the world, although considerable differences appear among countries. Heavy use is more common than in other regions: between 20% and 40% of users reported more than five hours of use in 2023–2024. Social media use is heavier among certain social groups. Gen Z, men, single individuals, less religious and more affluent respondents, as well as those with higher education, are much more likely to be heavy users. On average, heavy social media use (more than five hours per day) is associated with lower wellbeing. Heavy users are significantly more likely to report higher stress and depressive symptoms, and believe they are worse off than their parents, compared with non- or moderate users. The impact of heavy social media use on wellbeing depends on how it is used. Engaging with multiple platforms, relying on social media as a primary news source, and following influencers are associated with higher stress, increased depressive symptoms, and more negative comparisons with parents’ quality of life. The relationship between social media and happiness is contingent upon both platform design and the broader cultural and social context in which social media use takes place. So where do digital media products fall on this spectrum? Are they more like bicycles or guns?, Selecting high-quality evidence is only part of the challenge. “Good evidence” must be paired with the “good governance of evidence”.Among girls worldwide, non-users and light users of social media were more satisfied with their lives than heavy users. The key point is that many social media users wish the platform they use did not exist and would even be willing to pay to put it out of existence. Creating more equitable digital environments will require regulating platforms, as well as strengthening the social resources that help adolescents navigate a highly digitalized and unequal world. Younger adolescents appear more vulnerable to the negative wellbeing consequences of problematic digital engagement. Specifically, we ask: do internet and social media use affect subjective wellbeing not only directly, but also indirectly by altering levels of societal trust and social connection?. Most studies on the relationship between social media use and wellbeing have been carried out in Western, high-income settings, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western Europe. Although valuable, these insights cannot be generalised. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #HappinessDay, #20March, #InternationalDayofHappiness.

EVENTS: At United Nations HQ in New York, On Saturday; March 20th, a webinar will be held to find the ways to help countries to craft policies aimed at achieving happier societies. Register to participate!

In Washington D.C; On Friday; March 19th,  Global launch of The report on the State of Happiness in the world and celebration of International Day of Happiness 2026. 

THEMATIC DISCUSSIONS.

The report.

On Thursday, March 19th, from 08:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. EDT in Washington D.C. The 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report will be launched. with the latest global happiness rankings powered by data examines the striking differences in how young people have fared over time across countries and regions. Examining the association between social media use and wellbeing across age groups and cultures, and drawing on interdisciplinary contributions from leading experts, the 2026 Edition seeks to clarify what societies should consider as they navigate a rapidly evolving digital age. In partnership with Gallup, Semafor will convene to explore the latest report insights and what the research reveals about generational change, loneliness and social connection. Leaders across research, policy, media, and technology will examine how institutions and communities might cultivate solutions that prioritize connection over distraction. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the World Happiness Report, during the occasion we will analyze the state of happiness in 2026 and will present how people evaluate their own lives in more than 150 countries around the world. Register to participate and Watch the launch ceremony!

EXHIBITS: The UN photographers capture people smiling, celebrating, playing, and laughing in this special collection for the International Day of Happiness.

PUBLICATION: Since it was first published, the World Happiness Report has been based on two key ideas: that happiness or life evaluation can be measured through opinion surveys, and that we can identify key determinants of well-being and thereby explain the patterns of life evaluation across countries. This information, in turn, can help countries to craft policies aimed at achieving happier societies. To learn more Download the World Happiness Report 2026!

What makes people happy? and How do we measure happiness?

French Language Day 2026; March 20th.

FORUM: "Qui est le Français?" Journée Internationale de la Langue Française 2026. Les Journées des langues aux Nations Unies ont été introduites en 2010 pour célébrer le multilingualisme et la diversité culturelle. L’ONU célèbre chaque année six « Journées de la langue », consacrées aux six langues officielles des Nations Unies, qui sont l’arabe, le chinois, l’anglais, le français, le russe et l’espagnol. Ces journées sont l'occasion de sensibiliser la communauté internationale à l'histoire, à la culture et à l'usage de chacune de ces langues. Suivez les conversations on utilisant le hashtags: #JournéedelalangueFrançaise, #Mon 20Mars.

On Friday; March 20th, under the theme ‘‘Qui est le Français?’’ the whole world will celebrate the French Language Day 2026 by showcasing the diversity and richness of French language; Whether you’re born French, a passionate learner or simply a lover of French, this day is for you. It’s an occasion to celebrate our common language, diverse traditions, and our unwavering bond that transcends borders. Share with us what Francophonie represents. Together, let's continue to make Francophone shine around the world! follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Francophoniedelavenir, #JournéedelaFrancophonie, #GénérationPaix, #20March, #FrenchLanguageDay.

EVENTS: Au Siège des Nations Unies à New York pour marquer le 20 mars, la “ UN Chamber Music Society du United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) présentera un concert virtuel en partenariat avec la Mission permanente de la France auprès des Nations Unies et l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) et également le mois de la Francophonie. Retrouvez tous les événements dans le monde qui célèbre la diversité linguistique et culturelle de l'humanité, notamment à travers la langue et la musique françaises. Inscription pour Participer à lévènement!

Au siège des Nations Unies à Genève, là journée sera célébré par diverses activitées. Vous êtes invité à regarder l’événement en ligne.

At the UNESCO in Paris, France; The date of March 20th, will be the opportunity to launch this rich theme which will then be rolled out throughout the year.

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie 2026, l’OIF a donné la parole à des jeunes lors d’un panel organisé à son siège. Avec pour thème « Génération Paix ? Contributions de la jeunesse pour un monde plus apaisé », ce panel a mis en lumière le rôle de la jeunesse dans la promotion de la #paix et à réfléchir aux moyens de renforcer son engagement dans les processus démocratiques et de gouvernance.

Lancement du Rapport 2026 sur l'état de la langue française dans le monde. Publié tous les quatre ans, le rapport sur La langue française dans le monde est un outil essentiel pour tous ceux et celles qui s’intéressent à la situation précise du français sur la planète comme dans chaque pays. L’Observatoire de la langue française de l'OIF recueille et analyse des données sur la situation du français par pays, par secteur d’activité et dans les organisations internationales afin de pouvoir disposer de statistiques fiables sur la place et les usages de cette langue dans le monde.

PUBLICATION: Découvrez les conclusions du nouveau rapport quadriennal de l’Observatoire de la langue française de l’OIF. Cette édition 2026 dresse un état des lieux complet et actualisé de la vitalité de notre langue commune sur les cinq continents. Découvrez le rapport!

CAMPAIGN:  L'avenir de la langue française dans le monde (2026).

International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026; March 15th.

 

  FORUM: "Collective effort to eradicate Islamophobia is a key for creating peace." International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026. We stand in solidarity with those that have suffered intolerance, discrimination, violations and violence, purely on account of being Muslims. Nobody should suffer fear for having or manifesting their religion or belief. Everyone should feel safe and benefit from the equal protection of their human rights, which must be guaranteed by all States. Yet today, hate entrepreneurs, political parties, armed groups, religious leaders and even State actors around the world, are trampling on respect for diversity of religions and beliefs, discriminating, violating human rights, and overlooking or even attempting to justify these violations. Acts of harassment, intimidation, violence and incitement based on religion or belief have risen sharply across the world last year, reaching alarming levels, shocking our conscience and creating a climate of fear and deep distrust. Let’s Reject bigotry and discrimination. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Faith4Rights, #cultureofpeace, #antitIslamophobiaday, #15March.

EVENT: Join Webinar to commemorate the International Day to combat Islamophobia 2026 on March 15th. Many Governments have taken steps to combat Islamophobia by establishing anti-hate-crime legislation and measures to prevent and prosecute hate crimes and by conducting public awareness campaigns about Muslims and Islam designed to dispel negative myths and misconceptions. Register to participate!

On March 16th, 2026; at the UNHQ; Starting at 03:00 PM. EST a high-level event hosted by the United General Assembly will bring together United Nations Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations, international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, private sector and faith-based organizations, to observe the International Day in an appropriate manner, as mandated by the aforementioned resolution. Read the concept note and Watch the livestream!

On March 16th, 2026; at the UNHQ; Starting at 08:00 PM. EST at UNHQ; a High-level event entitled "Addressing Islamophobia and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief -- the Nexus to Human Rights" will be held in commemoration of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Watch the Livestream!

Statement of U.N. Secretary-General on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia 2026; March 15th.

The world’s 2 billion Muslims hail from all corners of the globe, reflecting the vast diversity of humanity itself.

Yet they often face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies, and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

These worrying trends are fuelled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and outright hate, which can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship.

Governments must take concrete steps to address hate speech, protect religious freedom and combat discrimination, including by ensuring full compliance with international human rights law.

Online platforms must work to wipe out hate speech and harassment against people based on their religion or belief.

And all people need to speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it.

That’s why I appointed in May 2025 the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia to enhance our collective response.

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let’s re-commit to the equality, human rights and dignity of every person, no matter their faith.

Let’s eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.

United Nations Secretary-General.

INTERVIEW: Rising Islamophobia is a serious global concern that requires a collective international response focused on education and combating misinformation about Islam, says the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

Speaking to UN News ahead of the International Day to counter the scourge marked on 15 March, Miguel Moratinos warned that incidents are increasing in several regions, particularly in Europe, but also in Asia, Africa and the Sahel. The trend, he said, reflects growing polarisation and the politicisation of Muslim communities in some countries. Mr. Moratinos – who also serves as High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations – told UN News’s Khaled Mohamed that respecting religious diversity and combating discrimination are essential to fostering peaceful coexistence.

LIVESTREAM: Commemorative event to mark the Intl' Day to combay Islamophobia  2026 at UNHQ.

 

 The high-level event entitled "From Norms to Action: Addressing Islamophobia and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief -- the Nexus to Human Rights" aims to provide a balanced and inclusive platform for dialogue among Member States, the United Nations system, and non-State stakeholders, grounded in existing international human rights norms and standards.

 

International Day of Women Judges 2026; March 10th.

FORUM: "Women Judges Holding the Line.” International Day of Women Judges 2026. The representation of women in the judiciary is significant for many reasons. In addition to ensuring that the legal system is developed with all of society in mind, it also inspires the next generation of female judges and motivates them to achieve their goals. Women in the criminal justice system can act as agents of change and contribute to greater accountability. Women judges bring different perspectives and experiences, strengthening judicial systems. Women in leadership roles help disrupt networks of collusion, striking a blow against corruption. Women’s representation in law enforcement and judicial institutions has been linked to more effective, victim-centered responses to crime. By investing in women’s advancement and women justice leaders, we can help ensure that justice is better served and that women and all members of our societies are met with fairness and equality before the law, for the benefit of all. Only through the active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making, we’ll be able to achieve sustainable development, peace and democracy. Let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #10March, #IAWJ, #WomenJudges, #WomenJudgesofEmpathy, #IDWJ2026, #WomenInJustice, #WomenForJustice.

EVENTS: On March 10th at UNHQ; The International Day of Women Judges 2026 will be held to celebrate progress and commemorate the pioneers who paved the way for women in the judiciary. While strides have been made, the fight for equal representation continues. Register to participate!

On March 12th, starting at 9:00 AM EST/3:00 PM CET and WAT/ 5:00 PM EAT, the International Association of Women Judges, UNDP and UN Women will held an event entitled “Women Judges Holding the Line” by the International Association of Women judges (IAWJ). The event will bring together women judges and gender equality experts to examine strategies for expanding women’s leadership in justice systems worldwide. The event will also explore how the Gender Justice Platform — the partnership framework between UNDP and UN Women — supports women’s leadership in justice through institutional reforms, regional judicial networks, and data-driven accountability mechanisms Register here!

CAMPAIGN: To achieve justice, we need more women in the justice system.