World Meditation Day 2025; December 21st.

FORUM: ''Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony'' World Meditation Day 2025. In an era characterized by unprecedented technological development and information flows, humanity finds itself increasingly distant from inner peace and mental well-being. World Meditation Day is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of meditation in navigating the complexities of contemporary life. Practice of meditation is a holistic approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness. At its core, it represents a deliberate technique to enable practitioners to achieve a mentally harmonious and emotionally calm state of being. In today's high-stress environment, where anxiety, and mental health challenges have become pervasive, meditation offers a crucial sanctuary of inner calm and introspection. Scientifically validated research demonstrates its profound impact on neuroplasticity, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive functioning. The declaration of World Meditation Day comes at a time, when various regions of the world are witnessing conflicts and growing tensions. Meditation is rooted in ancient practices and stands out as an effective tool to achieve inner transformation and peace in the modern day. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Meditation, #WorldMeditationDay, #21December.

EVENT: On Decembet 19th, from 10:00am - 12:00pm (EST) at the Trusteeship Council, UNHQ New York, an event entitled ''Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony'' will be held to mark the World Meditation Day 2025. In this context, the Permanent Mission of India along with members of the core group invites Member States to commemorate the 2nd World Meditation Day. The event features reflections from internationally recognized experts on well-being, followed by a guided meditation session led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Get the concept note, the Invitation and register to participate!

LIVESTREAM

Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 July 18th.

FORUM: "It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity." Nelson Mandela International Day 2024. Madiba encouraged every individual to take responsibility and be the change they want to see. One area we can bring about positive change is through our fight against climate change which is impacting numerous areas of life including food security. Today and every day, Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision; Let us honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by taking action: By speaking out against hate and standing up for human rights. By embracing our common humanity – rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity and by making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #MandelaDay, #Itisinyourhands, #18july.

EVENTS: At UNHQ NYC, on July 15th, from 17:00 p.m to 21:00 p.m. EDT; The United Nations General Assembly will mark the Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 with an informal plenary meeting at the United Nations Trusteeship Council Chamber. The speakers are H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly; H. E. Ms. Amina J Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Richard Allen Stengel, Editor, Author and Former United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and Mrs. Sabrina Elba, Philanthropist & IFAD Goodwill Ambassador. Read the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!

At the Randall’s Island in NYC on July 18th, the annual volunteer event in honour of Nelson Mandela will take place on Randall’s Island. Volunteers will remove invasive plants and introduce new native plantings. The volunteer activity was a collaboration co-organized by the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, the United Nations Department for Global Communications, the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations. In partnership with Randall’s Park Alliance. Get the flyer to Learn more about the ‘‘Volunteering for #MandelaDay’’ activities.

Statement by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Nelson Mandela International Day 2024; July 18th.

Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.

And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.

Our world is unequal and divided.

Hunger and poverty are rife.

The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.

These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.

We can choose to eradicate poverty.

We can choose to end inequality.

We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.

We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.

Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.

I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.

Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024; June 24th.

FORUM:"Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy." International Day of Women In Diplomacy 2024. In its resolution 76/269 of 20 June 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 June of each year as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This significant day aims to celebrate the contributions of women to diplomacy and highlight challenges that prevent the equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making. It provides an opportunity for Member States, the UN system, other international and regional organizations, civil society, academic institutions, associations of women diplomats and other stakeholders to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of diplomacy through education and awareness-raising activities. Despite their undeniable contributions, women continue to face barriers and inequalities in leadership and decision-making spaces, including in diplomacy. The representation of women in key diplomatic roles, such as negotiators and mediators in peace processes, remains low. The International Day of Women in Diplomacy seeks to address those challenges and to emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in political decision-making processes. The second annual commemorative event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will bring together high-level government officials, diplomats, senior representatives of the UN system and other stakeholders. The event aims to facilitate interactive discussions and exchanges on the contributions, challenges and opportunities for women in diplomacy to catalyze change and transformation in multilateral affairs. Building on last year’s commemoration, the event will feature an informal discussion on ways to strengthen women’s leadership in multilateral organizations. Over the past year, women took the helm for the first time of several organizations in the UN system (IOM, ITU, WMO). At the same time, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions in all fields of diplomacy. According to a recent report published by GWL Voices, women lead only one third of multilateral organizations. Over the past 78 years, only 4 women served as Presidents of the General Assembly and only one out of Main Committee chairs is a woman during the current session of the Assembly. Furthermore, no woman has ever been appointed as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Against this background, the discussion will explore challenges and opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership in the multilateral arena.

EVENTS: On Monday, June 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York, the commemorative eventto mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024 under the theme ''Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy'' will be held. Wacth the livestream!

International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023; June 24th.

FORUM: “Women in diplomacy: A force for peace.“ International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023. Historically, diplomacy has been the preserve of men. Women have played a critical role in diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. It's time to recognize and celebrate the ways in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. In 2014, 143 countries guaranteed equality between men and women in their constitutions; another 52 countries have yet to make this important commitment. The IDWID inaugural Forum entitled ‘‘Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.’’ will feature '4 high-level conversations with distinguished women ambassadors.

• The 1st conversation will Tackle success stories of women ambassadors in a Ted-Like format. As well as the main challenges and obstacles that these experts experience in their diplomatic journey.

• The 2nd conversation: will feature women in diplomacy for sustainable development goals, with special focus on SDG 6 reviewed at the HLPF to be held in July 2023, and in line with the water summit 2023 midterm review. This conversation will be discussing how water impacts peace and multilateralism, and their future vision.

• The 3rd conversation: Breaking Barriers in Diplomacy. This conversation highlights the inclusion of disabled diplomats by showcasing how they overcome the stereotype of physical disabilities. RASIT Female blind scientists will moderate the conversation.

• The 4th Conversation will focus on science diplomacy for peace and sustainable development.

• Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #womendiplomats, #24June, #Diplomacy, #WomeninDiplomacy.

EVENTS: At the UNHQ in New York on June 24th, to observe the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2023, a high level event co-organized at the United Nations Trusteeship Council chamber by Permanent Missions of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, El Salvador, Eritrea, Grenada, Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Republic of Latvia, Republic of Malta, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Maldives, Republic of Kenya, Republic of South Africa, Saint Lucia, and the State of Qatar, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly and UN Women will be held. the event will highlight the critical role of diplomacy in decision-making by focusing on the importance of expert and professional women in diplomatic negotiations. The plenary session more specifically will - Address the challenges and obstacles experienced by women in diplomacy, especially by young women, to highlight the most relevant solutions for future leaders. - Zoom in on women in diplomacy and discussing building capacity. - Recognize the interplay and interdependency between science, technology, and diplomacy; - Identify conditions and propose tools to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of diplomacy. - Showcase the need to integrate understanding of social aspects and cultural dimensions in diplomacy especially with capacity development. Read the 2023 IDWID Concept Note.

In Geneva and Vienna, several panel discussions and workshops will be held. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women in diplomacy, we look forward to your participation in meaningful discussions on our common journey forward in the promotion of leadership and advancement of women in decision-making.