World Tourism Day 2024; September 27th.

FORUM: "Tourism and Peace”. World Tourism Day 2024. The pursuit of peace is a continuing endeavour, and progress through tourism is more relevant than ever. Tourism can play a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace and understanding between nations and cultures and in supporting reconciliation processes. Moreover, tourism is clearly linked to the building blocks of peace- such as social justice, human rights, economic equity, sustainable development, and broad-based democracy with the capability of non-violent conflict resolution. Tourism’s biggest strength, besides being an economic powerhouse, brings people together in non-adversarial circumstances. Tourism has the potential to contribute to peace in many ways and these need to be appropriately explored and assessed. Tourism as an instrument for peace needs to be peace-sensitive and needs to be understood from both– the suppliers and consumer´s side- not as an isolated peace strategy, but as part of social transformation towards a culture of peace. A peace-sensitive tourism is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility. It aims to contribute within the limits of the opportunities but aware of the power of alliances to the democratisation of society, of international relations and of the world system as such. Moreover, tourism provides a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging creative solutions and new business models, tourism can drive economic growth and provide unique opportunities for young talent. Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism can lead to sustainable development and create platforms for innovative peacebuilding strategies. The future of tourism lies in the hands of young people. By investing in youth, providing education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active participation in the tourism sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good. The UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #PeaceThroughTourism, #wtd, #wtd2024.

EVENTS: on September 27th to mark the World Tourism Day 2024. Participants will explore the intersection of tourism and peacebuilding, highlighting how travel, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace worldwide. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines, the conference aims to generate innovative ideas, strategies, and collaborations to harness the transformative power of tourism in building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting peace and reconciliation. Get the Information note and the agenda programme!

STATEMENTS: 

 Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Tourism Day 2024.

Tourism brings people together.

On this World Tourism Day, we reflect on the profound connection between tourism and peace.

Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion and strengthening local economies.

By valuing and preserving cultural and natural heritage, it can help reduce tensions and nurture peaceful coexistence.

Tourism can also promote economic interdependence between neighbours, encouraging cooperation and peaceful development.


At the same time, tourism broadens horizons. Every traveller can be an ambassador, engaging respectfully with local populations, recognizing our diversity and shared humanity, and the values that unite us all.

As we celebrate tourism, let us travel responsibly, build bridges, and promote mutual respect among cultures and nations.

Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.

António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement of the UNWTO Secretary-General on World Tourism Day 2024.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

Thursday, 26 September

14:00 – 16:00 - Old Tbilisi sightseeing tours (Departure from Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel)

20:00 – 22:00 - Welcome Reception hosted by the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia (Venue: Ceremonial Palace of Georgia)


Friday, 27 September

Venue: Paragraph Freedom Square, a Luxury Collection Hotel

10:00 - Welcome coffee

11:00 – 11:35 - Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks

- Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister, Georgia
- Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Saudi Arabia
- Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan
- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism

11:35 – 11:50 - Keynote Speech: "Journey to Harmony - Tourism as a Catalyst for Sustainable Peace and a Better Future"

- Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism, Guatemala

11:50 – 13:15 - High-Level Ministerial Dialogue – Building Bridges Through Tourism

Tourism is way more than an economic driver; it is a powerful tool for fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and global peace. In a world increasingly divided by geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and cultural misunderstandings, tourism offers a unique avenue for bridging gaps and building lasting connections. The session aims to bring together government leaders, and policymakers to discuss and strategize on how tourism can be leveraged to promote peace and unity.Moderator: Aradhana Khowala, CEO & Founder, Aptamind Partners

Speakers:

- Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia

- Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister, Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Uzbekistan

- Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone

- Fatema Jaafar, Alsairfafi, Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Bahrain

13:15 – 13:30 - Keynote Address: Fostering Peace and Progress Through Tourism

- Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, Special Envoy for the Chad, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and Minister of Regional Integration, Democratic Republic of the Congo


13:30– 15:00 - Lunch


15:00 – 15:05 - Official hand-over ceremony of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline

- Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
- Levan Davitashvili, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia


15:05 – 15:15 - Presentation of the "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Georgia" guideline

- Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism


15:15 – 15:25 - Presentation: “Georgia Investment Opportunities”

- Mikheil Khidureli, CEO, Enterprise Georgia


15:25 – 16:00 - Private Sector Insights: Tourism as a Driver of Global Peace.

As international travel continues to grow, the private sector's role in promoting peaceful interactions, sustainable development, and economic stability becomes increasingly significant. This dialogue aims to explore the private sector's potential and responsibility and to leverage its strengths and capabilities to promote peace and stability through tourism.

Moderator: Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism
Speakers:

- Jerry Inzerillo, Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Ali Janah, Group Chairman, Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM)
-Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)


16:00– 16:15 - Inspirational speech: Decoding the Future of Tourism Resilience.

- Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica

:
16:15 – 16:45 - Harnessing innovation, cultivating talent for peace.

In today's interconnected world, the potential of tourism to contribute to global peace is immense. However, realizing this potential requires more than traditional approaches; it necessitates innovation, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurship in tourism is a key driver of innovation and economic development. By encouraging entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in emerging destinations and post-conflict areas, we can stimulate local economies and create opportunities for communities to thrive.

Moderator: Antonio Lopez de Avila, Director, Innovation, Education, and Investments, UN Tourism

Speakers:

- Ann Kalembe, Women in Hospitality, Uganda
- Ana Sofia Godoy Alonso, CEO, Étnica, Guatemala
- Li Yang, General Manager of International Affairs, Alibaba Group


16:45 – 17:15 - Tourism for Peace Education Dialogue.

Moderator: Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director, a.i. for Europe, UN Tourism

Speakers:

- Carolina Herrera, Peace Educator, Colombia
- André Mack, Managing Director a.i., EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland

17:15 – 17:30 - World Tourism Day 2025 Handover Malaysia

- Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

17:30 - Closing Remarks

20:00 - Gala dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Georgia (by invitation only)

Saturday, 28 September


12:30 - 18:00 - Technical Visit and Social programme (Venue: Chateau Mukhrani)

CAMPAIGN; Participate to the 2024 campaign and Get the communication materials!

World Tourism Day 2023; September 27th.

FORUM: "Tourism and Green Investments.'' World Tourism Day 2023. The UNWTO has identified investments as one of the key priorities for tourism’s recovery and future growth and development. This year we will highlight the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.

Key topics to be addressed 

•How can governments promote international and private investments; and how can they improve regulations and incentives concerning human capital development? •What steps can the private sector take to address the emerging investment needs of the tourism sector vis-a-vis education? •How to motivate policymakers and investors to support increased investment in greening the tourism sector •How to accelerate climate innovation; how to invest in new technologies, business models, and practices to facilitate the emergence of new climate solutions •What are the financial investment mechanisms and instruments available to support innovation, technology and entrepreneurship? •How to promote ease of doing business, how to better develop investment policies and how to embrace new innovative financial mechanisms and solutions to address emerging and complex challenges •How to close the financing gender gap and accelerate access to capital in both domestic and international markets for women entrepreneurs.

 Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #27September, #WorldTourismDay, #GreenInvestments, #WTD2023.

EVENTS: The celebration of World Tourism Day 2023 will be a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy. This year the country host is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ; The World Tourism Day 2023 will be observed on September 27th and September 28th in Riyadh with the theme “Tourism and Green Investments.”. Green investing consists of investment activities that focus on companies or projects committed to the conservation of natural resources. The WTD2023 observance on September 27th will start at 10:00 AM with a Presentation of UNWTO’s Global Tourism Investment Framework. The Panel Discussions will include the following subjects: THE POWER OF TOURISM: BUILDING BRIDGES., INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE: IS TOURISM GETTING THE RIGHT TALENT?, INVESTING IN OUR DESTINATIONS: THE POTENTIAL OF THE UNDISCOVERED, INVESTING IN OUR PLANET: FLYING TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, INVESTING IN OUR PROSPERITY: BRIDGING THE INNOVATION GAP, INVESTING IN OUR PROSPERITY: POWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, followed by two plenary sessions on September 28th at10:00 AM: “Public Sector Session: A Sustainable Future for Travel & Tourism.” and the ”Public-Private Sector Session: A Seamless End-to-End Travel Experience”.

COMPETIONS: From 16:00 to 16:45 will be held the ‘‘WOMEN IN TECH START-UP COMPETITION FINAL’’, an AWARD CEREMONY and an “HANDING OUT TROPHIES”.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres on World Tourism Day 2023.

Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But in order to deliver its full benefits, this force must be protected and nurtured.


Today, the climate emergency is threatening many travel destinations and the very survival of communities and economies that depend on tourism. And many developing countries that are severely affected by a changing climate are also facing a growing investment deficit and a cost-of-living crisis.


On this World Tourism Day, we recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet.


Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices. Private actors must adopt zero-emission pathways, lower their energy consumption and leverage renewable forms of energy. And everyone must protect the biodiversity and ecological balance of all destinations.


Targeted investments can deliver jobs and support local businesses and industries while mitigating the environmental impacts of tourism, empowering communities, promoting their cultures, and contributing to essential social protection systems.


So let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Statement from the UNWTO Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili on World Tourism Day 2023; September 27th.

Dear Friends,

It is a true pleasure to greet you on this World Tourism Day.

This is a chance to reflect on the importance of our sector.

Tourism is a pillar of our economies. It plays a central role in our societies and in our individual lives.

And it offers solutions to some of our biggest challenges – including the climate emergency and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable economies.

The power of tourism is enormous. But it is not a force that can be taken for granted.

Instead, it must be supported, above all with investment.

This World Tourism Day we recognize the theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

The theme could not be more timely.

2023 was the hottest year on record. And extreme weather events like heat waves could become the new normal.

Tourism needs to adapt. For this, we need to rethink how our sector is financed.

We need to make it easier for investors of all kinds to support tourism projects with the potential to make a difference.

Looking further ahead, we need investments that can empower tourism to build a better and fairer future for all.

Once again, I wish you all a peaceful and inspiring World Tourism Day.

UNWTO Secretary-General.

Concept Note - World Tourism Day 2023

Agenda Programme of the World Tourism Day 2023.

27 - 28 September | Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

General Information Note - World Tourism Day 2023.

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

Celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 by joining the photo filter campaign/

United Nations Secretary General Message on World Tourism Day 2012

 The Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development emphasized that well-designed and well-managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. One of the world’s largest economic sectors, tourism is especially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green growth and our struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy.

 “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development” is the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, selected to advance the goals of the 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Hundreds of millions of people around the world depend for income on this energy-intensive sector. Sustainable energy will allow tourism to continue to expand while mitigating its impact on the environment.

 Many in the tourism industry have already shown leadership in developing and deploying clean energy solutions, cutting energy consumption and carbon emissions in some regions by up to 40 per cent through initiatives such as the Hotel Energy Solutions toolkit developed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. Other concrete advances include the growing use of energy-efficient fuels in air travel, sustainable procurement strategies and increasingly popular carbon offsetting schemes.

 Everyone has a role in sustainable tourism. I commend the tourism community for its growing commitment to sustainable energy. I also thank the tourists who play their part by offsetting their own carbon emissions, choosing ecologically friendly destinations and providers, or simply by postponing having their towels laundered. Every action counts. This year, one billion international tourists will travel to foreign destinations. Imagine what one act multiplied by one billion can do.

 On this World Tourism Day, I appeal to all who work in and enjoy the benefits of this global sector to join in building a more sustainable future for all.

World Tourism Day (WTD) 2012

Theme for 2012: Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development

 

 

World Tourism Day (WTD) 2012 is being held under the theme Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development. Official celebrations will take place in Maspalomas, Spain (September 27).

This year’s theme aims to highlight tourism’s role in a brighter energy future; a future in which the world’s entire population has access to modern, efficient and affordable energy services.
Tourism today is at the forefront of some of the world’s most ambitious and innovative clean energy solutions: the aviation industry is implementing cutting-edge technologies to make aircraft lighter than ever before; commercial flights are beginning to use biofuels in their fuel mix; key card systems and energy saving light bulbs are increasingly being implemented in hotel rooms worldwide; and tour operators are asking for energy efficiency throughout their supply chains.




World Tourism Day 2012 (English) from UNWTO on Vimeo.
The theme is also an opportunity to ensure international tourism continues to play a role in tackling the major energy challenges of our time, being addressed by the 2012 United Nations International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

Get involved in the Green Economy!

Celebrate World Environment Day 2012

And get involved in the Green Economy!

A Green Economy as an economic environment that achieves...

low carbon emissions, reduces pollution, uses natural resources efficiently and improves our well-being, whilst preventing the loss of biodiversity and ecosystems which provide numerous service we need to live for free.
Find out ten ways you can be part of a greener economy…

1 - Energy
Our lifestyles demand energy but mainstream sources of oil, coal and gas are not sustainable and are harmful to our health and environment. You can help us build a Green Economy by being a model of energy efficiency and showing support for clean, sustainable energy sources in your home, business and local community...

• Choose businesses & products which invest in clean, renewable energy
• Invest in greener energy yourself - Find what type is suitable for you www.est.org.uk/generateyourown
• Be more energy efficient - Find tips on how to save energy on our Energy Saving Tips webpage
• Loan an electricity monitor kit from our libraries to find out where you can save energy. We currently have monitors available for residents to loan, and will shortly have kits for businesses and community groups to loan as well.

2 - Water

Billions of people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. More of our rain is falling in heavy downpours and we will see more in winter, less in summer. Resource efficiency is key for a Green Economy and water is one of our most precious and important resources, so we need to use it wisely...

We can get more water wise today:

• Turn off taps when you are not using them, to save 6 litres / min
• Ensure you do full loads for laundry or dishwashing
• Limit shower time; some powershowers use more water than baths!
• Don't water your lawn after it has rained

Be Water Wise and find more ways to save water on our Water Saving Tips webpage

3 - Buildings
Take charge of your buildings to help support a resource-efficient Green Economy

• Design in sustainable features - See the CLG’s Code for Sustainable Homes Case Studies
• Source low-impact construction & landscaping
• Use your building efficiently - Find tips on our Energy Saving Tips webpage and our Water Saving Tips webpage

4 - Transport

When you choose alternative methods of travel, you support a Green Economy whilst reducing environmental impacts & often saving yourself money...

• Walk when you can - Find local walking routes at www.discover-rutland.co.uk
• Cycle - Find cycle routes at www.rutland.gov.uk/traveladvice
• Use public transport - Find local service informaiton at www.rutland.gov.uk/traveladvice
• Car share and use pool cars - Find car sharers to Oakham & Uppingham at www.travel4rutland.co.uk
• Use lower emission vehicles, drive smoothly & check tyre pressures regularly - Find more ideas on how you can save money and carbon emissions our Transport Saving Tips webpage

5 - Waste

By reducing waste going to landfill, you are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, other environmental impact and supporting a resource-efficient Green Economy.

• Reduce waste - You can find tips on reducing your waste at http://www.rutland.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/why_reduce.aspx, including finding ways to use up left-over food from the Love Food, Hate Waste campaign website and information on real nappies and how to borrow a kit from Rutland County Council at http://www.rutland.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/real_nappies.aspx and find tips on composting and buy a subsidised compost bin from as little as £8 from http://www.rutland.getcomposting.com/
• Reuse Items - You can find tips on reusing items to help reduce demand for our natural and man-made materials at http://www.rutland.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/why_reuse.aspx
• Recycle - You can recycle from your doorstep or business and recycle more items including electronic and white goods at our civic amenity sites - Find information on what you can recycle where and when at www.rutland.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling.aspx

6 - Manufacturing & Industry

When you choose a sustainable product or business instead of a 'business-as-usual,' you send the message to industry & manufacturing that it's time to move towards a Green Economy

Be a wiser consumer & buy from businesses with

• Sustainability plans
• Investments in renewables
• Eco-labels - some examples are:

Supporting greener businesses & homes
Superfast broadband will be available from 2013 for our businesses & homes in Rutland, helping you to reduce your travel costs and increase your efficiency, whilst reducing our carbon emissions and other impacts of travel on our environment. Find out more at www.rutland.gov.uk/digital_rutland.aspx
7 - Tourism
You can help your destinations achieve economic growth without sacrificing environmental well-being and social well-being by supporting ecotourism.

• Find out which businesses support ecotourism before you go
• Buy local - Find out about local food producers and markets at the local tourism information office
• Travel with others to save money and carbon on holiday
• Limit water and energy use - Find tips on our webpages
• Find out how you can limit your impact on sensitive habitats by observing any local requirements and advice, and by following the Countryside Code
• Holiday at Home to save time and travel, as well as money and reducing your impact on our environment - Find out about activities available in Rutland at http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/

8 - Forestry

By buying certified sustainable forest products, you help to support sustainable livelihoods and communities as well as a healthly ecosystems. When our forests are managed sustainably, we reduce our damage to the environment, our climate and our wildlife, by preventing unsustainable deforestation. Here are some tips to help protect our forests:

• Use certified sustainable forest timber & paper products - Look for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) logo or the PEFC logo on products
    
Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk and www.fsc.org

• Use electronic files to reduce the need for paper for printing
• Reuse & recycle - See our tips above on managing your waste more sustainably

9 - Agriculture
Send a message of your support for a Green Economy to producers by buying local, organic, and sustainable food products. Here are a few ways you can reduce the impact of your daily or weekly shop:

• Grow your own veggies - Find tips on growing your own vegetables and ideas for tasty recipes at http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Grow-Your-Own and contact your local town or parish council for information on local allotments.
• Eat in-season to have fresh fruit and vegetables which can be grown in our climate
• Shop local farmers’ markets - Find details on local markets at http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/food-and-drink/local-produce
• Follow the Rutland Food Trail in the Eat Drink Rutland Guide to find local producers and places to eat out, find more information at http://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/food-and-drink

10 - Fisheries
Overfishing threatens to deplete our future fish stocks & has impacts on other sea life. We can avoid this by choosing sustainably harvested seafood, sending a message of your support of a Green Economy to producers.

Buy sustainably harvested seafood with the Marine
Stewardship Council label and find sustainable products & suppliers at www.msc.org/where-to-buy

Find out more about World Environment Day, events and activities taking place in the UK and around the world and the Green Economy at www.unep.org/wed

UN Days, Weeks and Years > International Years

Since 1959 the UN has designated International years in order to draw attention to major issues and to encourage international action to address concerns which have global importance and ramifications. There is a concerted effort not to designate every year - for fiscal reasons and to avoid any process of trivialization. The following is the chronological list of years designated to date:

1959/60	World Refugee Year
1965	International Cooperation Year
1967	International Tourism Year
1968	International Year for Human Rights
1970	International Education Year
1971	International Year for Action to Combat Racism & Racial Discrimination
1974	World Population Year
1975	International Women’s Year
1978	International Anti-Apartheid Year
1979	International Year of the Child
1981	International Year of Disabled Persons
1982	International Year of Mobilisation for Sanctions Against South Africa
1983	World Communications Year
1985	International Youth Year
1986	International Year of Peace
1987	International Year of Shelter for the Homeless
1990	International Literacy Year
1992	International Space Year (endorsed, not declared)
1993	International Year for World’s Indigenous People
1994	International Year of the Family; and International Year of Sport & Olympic Ideal
1995	United Nations Year for Tolerance
1996	International Year for the Eradication of Poverty
1998	International Year of the Ocean
1999	International Year of Older Persons; and Centennial of the First International Peace Conference
2000	International Year for the Culture of Peace; and International Year of Thanksgiving
2001	International Year of Volunteers; and United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations; and International Year of Mobilization against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance
2002	International Year of Mountains; and International Year of Culture Heritage; and International Year of Ecotourism (http://www.world-tourism.org/index.htm or http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/ecotourism/iye.htm)
2003	International Year of Freshwater
2004	International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and Its Abolition; and International Year of Rice
2005	International Year of Microcredit; and International Year for Sport and Physical Education
2006	International Year of Deserts and Desertification
2008	International Year of the Potato; and International Year of Planet Earth; and International Year of Sanitation; and International Year of Languages
2009	International Year of Human Rights Learning - from 10 December 2008 (Human Rights Day) to 10 December 2009 International Year of Reconciliation; and International Year of Natural Fibres; and International Year of Astronomy
2010	International Year of Biodiversity; and International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures International Year of Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding - from 12 August 2010 (International Youth Day) to 11 August 2011
2011	International Year of Forests; and International Year of Chemistry; and International Year for People of African Descent
2012	International Year of Cooperatives

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For further information, we suggest you visit the UN's Conferences and Events site. Specifically you should check out "Conferences and Observances" in the "Background Information" section. (As the UN changes the URL of this page at least once a year we choose not to give you a direct link that may soon become dated.)