International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

FORUM:“Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and EmergingTechnologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and EmpoweringFuture Generations” International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/243, designating 12 February as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive toTerrorism in December 2022. This resolution underscores the importance of raising awareness about the threats linked to violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism and fostering international cooperation in this regard. It reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group, reflecting commitment to human rights and inclusivity. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the primary responsibility of Member States and their national institutions in countering terrorism, in full compliance with their obligations under international human rights law, while acknowledging the critical role of intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders, and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12february, #extremists, #violentextremism, #counterterrorism, #PVEDay.

EVENTS: On February 12th, from 10:00am–11:30am, Conference Room 5 (TBC) at the United Nations Headquarters, New York will be heald the observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conduciveto Terrorism 2026  which will provide an opportunity for the international community to come together and reaffirm the importance of prevention.Digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, algorithmic systems, evolving social media ecosystems, and emerging online spaces, is reshaping how communities connect, communicate and form identities. While new and emerging technologies hold tremendous promises for advancing human development and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, they also generate significant risks Terrorist actors have quickly recognized the potential of these technologies and increasingly exploit them to recruit and radicalize, spread harmful narratives, and mobilize for violence1 . New forms of technologically facilitated violent extremism, such as leaderless networks, gamified radicalization to violence , and AI-generated disinformation and misinformation, are creating an increasingly complex prevention landscape. In this rapidly evolving context, the special event to mark the 2026 International Day for the Preventionof Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism will seek to discuss and showcase the solutions, partnerships, and programmatic efforts that are being put in place to translate global commitments into concrete prevention outcomes. Against the backdrop of the UN80 initiative, which underscores the imperative for a more integrated, agile and results-oriented United Nations system, the 2026 observance will also serve as a strategic moment in the lead-up to the 9th Review of the United Nations GlobalCounter-Terrorism Strategy, scheduled for mid-2026. Building on the 8 th review of the Strategy, which expressed concern over the potential use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and reaffirmed the need for Governments and the international community to enhance cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism in a coordinated, inclusive, transparent and human rights-based, gender-responsive manner, this year’s observance offers a timely opportunity to deepen this discussion. With the Strategy approaching its twentieth anniversary and the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism having recently marked its tenth anniversary, the International PVE Day will offer an opportunity for Member States and the United Nations system to assess progress, reaffirm collective commitments, and identify priority actions to strengthen prevention efforts and build resilient, peaceful and cohesive societies for present and future generations. Register to participae!

LIVESTREAM:

Special Commemoration Event for International PVE Day – "Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and Emerging Technologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and Empowering Future Generations"

 

 From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

Today, we reaffirm our shared resolve to prevent violent extremism and shield communities from the scourge of terrorism.

Terrorist groups routinely exploit instability, runaway technologies, and socio-economic fragility to target and intimidate vulnerable groups. Young people, including children, are increasingly susceptible to radicalization through online social media platforms and unregulated gaming environments.

Both the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is marking its twentieth anniversary this year, and the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, which is marking its tenth anniversary, remind us that stronger security measures alone are not enough.

We must get at the source of the problem, through renewed efforts to address grievances and the conditions conducive to terrorism by strengthening education systems, expanding civic space, and fostering dialogue and trust among and within communities.

It also means working with all stakeholders, including the private sector and technology companies, to build guardrails that can prevent violent extremism.

All these efforts must be rooted in human rights and the rule of law, so every person has a voice in shaping their society’s future.

Together, let’s build resilient and inclusive communities where violent extremism finds no foothold, and peace prevails for all.

António Guterres.

World Braille Day 2026; January 4th.

FORUM: "Honoring the Louis Braille Legacy." World Braille Day 2026. Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and numerical symbols using six dots to represent each letter and number, and even musical, mathematical and scientific symbols. Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially sighted people to read the same books and periodicals as those printed in a visual font. Over the years, technology has enhanced Braille accessibility with innovations like electronic Braille displays and devices. Braille is more than a way to read because it can empower individuals with visual disabilities to help pursue education, participate in their communities, and achieve their goals. Businesses can make a big difference by adding Braille to their spaces. Things like Braille signs, menus, and product labels help customers with visual disabilities feel welcome. Let’s celebrate braille and keep braillists informed with up-to-the-minute braille tools. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Worldbrailleday, #LouisBraille, #braille, #4January, #Braillecode.

EVENTS: On Sunday, January 4th, for World Braille Day 2026; The United Nations Department of Global Communications, the UNESCO, the DGACM and United Nations Regional Information Centres will host a webinar to mark the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. Classes, workshops, and consultations give you all the support you’ll need to understand and adapt to vision loss. Find offerings for children, youth, adults, and everyone in between. All Offerings. Register to participate!

WORKSHOPS: Join the upcoming workshops!

2026 New Year Message from the United Nations Secretary-General.

As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads.
Chaos and uncertainty surround us.
Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law.
A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family.
People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act.
As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words:
Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10%.
That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II.
On this new year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight.
A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail.
It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice.
In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain.
And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part.
Our future depends on our collective courage to act.
This new year, let’s rise together:
For justice. For humanity. For peace.

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres.

 

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime 2025; December 9th.

FORUM:"Minute of Silence." International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime 2025. Commemoration and memorialization initiatives are inextricably linked to the two obligations set forth by the Genocide Convention, namely, the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. By promoting truth-telling and healing, fostering a culture of peace education, social cohesion and respect for diversity, keeping a record of the past and collecting testimonies of victims and survivors, establishing and maintaining archives, and contributing to reducing instances of genocide denial and glorification of war criminals, such efforts significantly contribute to the implementation of these two key obligations. The need to invest in genocide prevention, as envisaged by the Genocide Convention drafters 77 years ago remains as relevant as ever. This year's mark the 77th anniversary of the Genocide Convention, the day seeks to highlight achievements that emanate from the Convention, to showcase its legacy, and also reflect on the challenges that remain for its effective implementation. Around the world, populations remain at risk of this crime. The need to invest in prevention as envisaged by the Convention drafters 77 years ago remains as relevant as ever. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #GenocidePreventionDay, #9december, #genocide, #VictimsofGenocide, #PreventGenocide.

EVENT: On December 9th starting at 16:00, a High-Meeting to mark the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime will be held by the United Nations General Assembly at UNHQ. Register to participate and watch the event PART I and PART II !

High-level of the 77th International Day of Commemoration and Genocide Convention on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime.

Related Sites and Documents: Letter from the PGA &International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

PART I - High-level meeting on the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime - General Assembly, 80th session

Live


General Assembly

Prevention of This Crime

High-level of the 77th International Day of Commemoration and Genocide Convention on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime.

Related Sites and Documents: Letter from the PGA &International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

PART II -H igh-level meeting on the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime - General Assembly, 80th session. Live from the General Assembly.

STATEMENTS:

Statement of the UN Secretary-General on behalf the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime 2025; December 9th.


Genocide is an abomination. It is a horrendous crime. And it is the solemn duty of all States to prevent and punish it.

This is the pledge the world made with the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a pledge to ensure that no group risks eradication due to their nationality, ethnicity, race or religion.

We promised ‘never again’. Yet that vow is perilously close to being broken in too many places. Violent conflicts, lack of accountability, and digital technologies that amplify hate and misinformation all make it easier for the spectre of genocide to rear its head.

States bear the primary obligation for preventing and punishing genocide, and I call on governments that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention. I also urge all governments to fully implement the Convention and hold perpetrators to account.

But prevention is a shared responsibility. It requires educating new generations about the factors that lead to genocide, including hate speech, inequality and mis- and disinformation. It also means doing everything possible to identify early warning signs and sound the alarm. Community leaders, civil society, and the media – including social media platforms – all have a moral duty to act.

By standing united against this heinous crime, we honour its victims and survivors, and uphold the most fundamental promise of our international community: the right of all people to live in safety, dignity, and peace.

States bear the primary obligation for preventing and punishing genocide[...] I also urge all governments to fully implement the Convention and hold perpetrators to account."

António Guterres.

Letter from the President of the General Assembly on Invitation International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime 2025.

Excellency, Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/328, I have the honour to inform you that I will convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly to mark the Tenth anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at 10 a.m. in the General Assembly Hall. The high-level meeting will provide an opportunity to galvanize accelerated efforts on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide and will consist of an opening segment, which will feature an address by the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, and a plenary segment. The programme of the meeting will be circulated in due course. Delegations wishing to deliver statements at the plenary segment are invited to inscribe in the list of speakers through e-deleGATE portal, which will open on Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 10 a.m. The time limits for statements will be five minutes for individual delegations and seven minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. The time limit will be strictly enforced by means of automatic microphone cut-off. For any additional information, your Office may contact Ms. Anne Havn, Senior Advisor in my Office by email at anne.havn@un.org. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. 

Annalena Baerbock.

All Permanent Representatives and Permanent Observers to the United Nations New York