EVENTS: At UNESCO Headquarters; On april 23rd, to mark the World Book and Copyright Day 2025; A symposium will be hold. The UNESCO World Book Capital for 2025 is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The designation was announced by the UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay. The year of celebrations will start on April 23rd, on World Book and Copyright Day 2025 with the opening of the World Book Capital. The city will host the Unesco "World Book Capital" label, awarded each year to a city that is committed to promoting books and reading in all its forms. UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee commended Rio de Janeiro’s demonstration of the importance of its literary heritage alongside a clearly defined vision and action plan to promote literature, sustainable publishing and reading among young people tapping into digital technologies. This is the first time that a Portuguese-speaking city has been designated World Book Capital. In line with priorities expressed in the World Book Capital Charter, Rio de Janeiro conceives its project as having the ability to affect social change – through, for example, literacy, education and poverty eradication – and bring sustainable economic benefit linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Register to Participate!
ACTIVITIES: Join the community of readers for the World Book Day bookfaceChallenge! In such circumstances, we invite students, teachers, readers from around the world as well as the book industry and library services to testify and express their love for reading by participating to this challenge. Register to participate to the event.
WEBINARS: The right technology can remove barriers to knowledge. For example the Technology from Sage is a curated suite of library technologies that advance teaching, learning and research - from managing reading lists to discovering online resources and reference management. Request a demo!
Librarian Futures Part I: Reading and authoring
Give library patrons an easy and intuitive way to discover, read, annotate, write and share research with an award-winning online reference management tool. With intuitive and customizable features that enable collaboration, Sciwheel is where research comes together.
Librarian Futures Part II: The Knowledge Gap Between Librarians and Students.
Read the new report in our Librarian Futures series that shares research findings about contrasting librarian and student perspectives on the undergraduate workflow.
Librarian Futures Part III: The Librarian Skills Landscape.
Read the latest report in our Librarian Futures series which explores insights from over 2,000 academic library professionals on actionable strategies for skills and career development.
STATEMENTS: ‘‘After all, behind every book there is an entire chain of know-how and skills which has led to its creation. On this day, UNESCO invites you not only to celebrate reading and culture, but also to make a commitment to their support. ‘‘ Read the message of the UNESCO Director-General, on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day 2025, April 23rd in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese.
FORUM: “Promote the use of English.” English language Day 2025; William Shakespeare played a major role in the transformation of the English language. Many words and phrases were first written down in his plays. 'Elbow room' (King John), 'heart of gold' (Henry V), 'tower of strength' (Richard III) and 'Wild-goose chase' (Romeo and Juliet) - just a handful of the many well-known English phrases that we've learnt from Shakespeare and use in our day to day lives more than 400 years later. Follow the conversation with the hashtags, #EnglishLanguageDay; #23April; #WilliamShakespeare.
On saturday April 20th, The Shakespeare Birthday Luncheon will be held. Pragnell is delighted to announce that the Shakespeare Birthday Lunch and presentation of the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award will take place on Saturday April 20th, 2025 as part of the annual Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Hosted by actor and presenter Alexander Armstrong, attendees will enjoy a three-course lunch with wine pairing and the event will feature performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award, which will be given at the lunch, celebrates individuals who have significantly furthered society’s understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Bard’s work. The illustrious roster of winners includes Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh. Pragnell is pleased to reveal that this year’s winner of the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award is globally renowned actor Dame Vanessa Redgrave DBE. Book ticket!
CONCERT: The United Nations Singers are a recreational choir formed in 1947 under the UN Staff Recreation Council to spread the message of harmony and understanding through music. As a microcosm of the world, the group is composed largely of present and former staff of the UN and its agencies and permanent missions. An exploration of how the timeless works of Shakespeare, in reflecting the human experience, can resonate with the core values of the United Nations, such as promoting understanding of humanity and strengthening global connections. The UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will present the 2nd Annual “Shakespeare at the UN”– an exploration of how the timeless works of Shakespeare, in reflecting the human experience, can resonate with the core values of the UN, such as promoting understanding of humanity and strengthening global connections. Shakespeare’s literature is more than mere words on a page. It is a mirror held up to the values and aspirations of our shared humanity, echoing the very essence of the United Nations. It resonates across languages and cultures. Shakespeare can connect us all: therefore, the excerpts will be performed through a multilingual and multicultural lens - featuring performances in some of the UN's official languages (including Mandarin Chinese). The programme will include monologues about peace and war. It will also delve into the UN theme of climate action, and showcase O ruined piece of nature – penned by Michelle Terry, the Artistic Director of The Globe, featuring artists including Stephen Fry, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Helen Schlesinger, Shubham Saraf, Paul Ready, Rosalie Craig, Hadley Fraser, Philip Cumbus, and Tanika Yearwood. London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama will present monologues focused on sustainable development and the spirit – and how they affect the world. The program delves further into the UN's work through Shakespeare, showcasing themes including human rights. We will be treated to a special contribution from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Dame Barbara Woodward, DCMG, OBE, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations. On this occasion, messages will be delivered Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, Principal and CEO of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe, and Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute. English Language Day at the UN is celebrated annually April 23rd, the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of William Shakespeare. As well as being the most famous playwright, who wrote in English, Shakespeare also had a huge impact on modern-day English. Today, every one in four people in the world uses English. At the United Nations, English is one of the six official languages of the Organization. As we embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Shakespeare’s timeless wisdom, the performances in “Shakespeare at the UN” aims to spark reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to the noble ideals that bind us together as nations under the banner of the United Nations. Founded at the United Nations Headquarters, the UN Movie Society is committed to championing the goals and values of the United Nations through the universal language of motion pictures. Watch Shakespeare at the UN – In Celebration of English Language Day 2025.
Reunión: El 23 de abril se celebra el "Día del Idioma Español en las Naciones Unidas" para concienciar al personal de la Organización, y al mundo en general, acerca de la historia, la cultura y el uso del español como idioma oficial. La elección del día atiende al aniversario de la muerte del gran genio de las letras españolas, Miguel de Cervantes. Casualmente, la fecha de su fallecimiento coincide con la del más prestigioso dramaturgo inglés, William Shakespeare. De ahí que ambas lenguas compartan el día.
FORUM: “Our Power, Our Planet.” International Mother Earth Day 2025. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Earth Day movement. With climate variability impacting us all, there’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet. Everyone can make a difference in showcasing actions for the planet. For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in educating and mobilizing the public to take action to address critically important environmental issues. We are global advocates for the health of the planet, calling for the protection of our air, oceans, soil, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Grassroots people-power has always been at the heart of Earth Day. It is the catalyst for paradigm-shifting change because when individuals unite with a common purpose, they can overcome even the most entrenched systems and industries. As we approach this milestone, we celebrate a transformative reality: the solutions we need to create clean, inexpensive, and unlimited energy for the entire planet through renewable solar, wind and other technologies are within our reach. This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now
TRIPLE RENEWABLE GENERATION BY 2030
We are calling for renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030. The production and use of renewable energy transcends economic systems, political borders and political parties, demonstrating a universal appeal.
CONSIDER THESE REMARKABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY FACTS.
In 2023, the U.S. produced more solar power than ever before with California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona leading the solar revolution. They are helping to produce the cheapest electricity in history. In the United States, Texas—long associated with oil production—now leads the nation in wind energy generation. The U.S. has used its existing drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy. California and Florida, polar opposites politically, are both at the forefront of the solar power boom; Across the U.S., solar capacity has grown over ten-fold in the last decade, and is poised to become the 2nd largest source of the U.S.’s generating capacity in the next few years. China and the U.S. (largely through the Inflation Reduction Act) are both making massive investments in renewable energy. China is currently leading the world in both wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world combined in 2024. Uruguay has transformed its energy sector, moving from being dependent on oil imports to generating 98% of its electricity from renewable sources; India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. Kenya is a leader in Africa, with geothermal power accounting for nearly half of its electricity generation. Geothermal can be beneficial for the electrical grid, as it puts less strain on it and can help mitigate blackouts. Geothermal also emits 97% less acid rain-causing compounds and 99% less carbon dioxide. A third of all homes in Australia use solar power. In Brazil hydro-electric accounted for nearly 68% of its total electricity generation in 2023. In Italy hydro-electric accounts for 23% of the total electricity generation and is growing, and in Netherlands it accounts for 16%. In Denmark, over 50% of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines and by 2026, wind energy will power 30% of the electricity needs of Spain, 17% of the electricity needs of the Netherlands, and 23% of the electricity needs of Germany.
RENEWABLE ENERGY COSTS ARE PLUMMETING.
Over the past decade, the cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically, making them into one of the most affordable, and often the cheapest, form of electricity. Solar module prices fell by up to 93% between 2010 and 2020. During the same period, the global weighted-average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV projects fell by 85%.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF OPTING FOR CLEAN ENERGY.
Renewable energy can spark a humanitarian revolution – for the first time in history, we have a pathway to providing virtually unlimited, low-cost energy to everyone. The per capita electricity usage of 3.8 billion people does not reach the Modern Energy Minimum (MEM), meaning such usage is under 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh)––the threshold for mitigating poverty. Renewable energy can transform this situation, thus improving living standards and enhancing health outcomes. Reducing air pollution caused from the burning of fossil fuels can significantly lower the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. Women are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution and water contamination with these threats linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian diseases, and complications with maternal health. Decreased greenhouse gas emissions help mitigate the risks associated with climate change, such as heatwaves, floods, and the spread of infectious diseases. Mental health can be improved by reducing the stress and anxiety linked to pollution, climate change, noise pollution, and environmental disasters. Reducing water pollution and improving water quality can significantly lower the risk of waterborne diseases. Lowering the health care costs associated with pollution-related diseases can ease the strain put on healthcare systems and reduce medical expenses
THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF EXPANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY.
This profound and fast-moving transition to renewable energy isn’t just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic revolution. It will drive innovation across industry, transportation, and agriculture, spurring more technological advancements and creating millions of new jobs and opportunities, globally. According to the 13th National Solar Jobs Census released in 2022, there are 263,883 solar energy workers across the U.S, working to manufacture, install, distribute, and carry out maintenance, marking a 3.5% growth in solar jobs compared to 2021. Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity and will create 14 million new jobs globally. In 2023, renewable energy, worldwide, was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. Investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act can collectively save U.S families $27-$38 billion, between 2022 and 2030.
RENEWABLE ENERGY REDUCES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.
“Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gasses or pollutants into the air.”
Switching to renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions because renewables generate electricity without producing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. In contrast, fossil fuels are major emitters of greenhouse gases and thus are primary contributors to global warming. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration in 2023, petroleum accounted for roughly 38% of U.S. energy consumption and was responsible for 47% of U.S energy-related CO2 emissions. Natural gas accounted for 36% of energy use and contributed to 37% of these emissions. Coal accounted for around 9% of energy consumption and 16% of energy-related CO2 emissions.
THE POWER OF EARTH DAY MOVEMENT IS UNSTOPPABLE.
The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. It’s the collective voice of concerned citizens that pushes governments and corporations to make bold commitments and take decisive action. By engaging in community initiatives, participating in local and national elections with renewable energy in mind, and making sustainable choices in daily life, individuals are the catalysts for change. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all. This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for us all. Support and adopt the rapid transition to renewable energy sources now, be it solar, wind, hydro-electric, tidal or geothermal. From Governments, to global industry and local businesses, from unions, to schools, religious leaders, to civil society, families and individuals. Whether you are a town mayor, a trade union boss, a CEO, a banker, an artist, farmer, fisherman, teacher, or firefighter – the true power of this revolution lies in the hands of individuals like you. People power is the driving force behind this transformation. In 2025, as Earth Day movement turns 55, join us as we embrace a powerful, renewable future. It’s Our Power, it’s Our Planet.
EVENTS: April 22nd will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The theme of Earth Day this year is focusing on renewable energy and climate action.192 countries and over one billion people around the globe are expected to participate, demonstrating the longstanding convening power of Earth Day to bring people from all walks of life to work together for a better future. Navigate the Earth Day 2025 Network Global Event Map to effortlessly discover nearby initiatives – simply input your location and explore a world of impactful opportunities. Explore the map of events and Register to Participate!
On Thursday, March 6; 2025; Starting at 11:15 AM CST. We will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth”.
On Sunday, March 9, at 2 PM CST, in Houston will be lead a Climate Revival concert.
On Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM CST. You are invited to participate in the March for Future Generations.
On April 19th, at 10:00 AM; You are invited to join the massive beach cleanup in Santa Monica, in collaboration, with Heal the Bay, EARTHDAY.ORG partners. Volunteers will cleanup washed up trash. At 2:00 PM. The Earth Day 2025 ambassador will hold a speech to motivate participant in cleanup effort.
On April 22nd for Earth Day, Ms.Antonique Smithwill perform “Love Song to the Earth” live in Times Square, NYC, at 12:00 PM EST, in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG partners, OMMM and the Good News Planet.
ACTIVITIES: As we prepare for Earth Day 2025, here’s how we’re mobilizing communities, organizations, and individuals worldwide to:
Drive local climate action.
Mobilize students for Earth Action Day.
Integrate Climate Education into schools curricula to empower future generations.
Participate to the Great Global Cleanup.
Plant trees
Share your Earth Action on social media, and encourage others to get involved.
Every year, we look for new ways to activate and empower people to join the Earth Day movement,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “This year, we’re excited to have Antonique Smith as official Earth Day Ambassador. Her passion and platform will inspire and motivate individuals to take action—no matter how big or small. Together, we will send a clear message to our elected leaders that we love Earth and will protect it.
Today is International Mother Earth Day: an opportunity to reflect on nature and the many ways in which it is perceived and celebrated by people around the world. Mother Earth is life-giving, nurturing, complex and beautiful. Indigenous peoples and local communities, including youth, women and children, have lived in harmony with Mother Earth for millennia. But today they are among those most affected by the environmental crises afflicting the planet. The practices and innovations of indigenous peoples and local communities constitute a wealth of traditional knowledge that is crucial for global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to address climate change. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—the KMGBF, adopted at COP 15 in Montreal in December 2022— acknowledges indigenous peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. The KMGBF has four overarching goals: protect and restore nature, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature. At the recently concluded COP 16, La COP de la gente, the Parties adopted a new subsidiary body on Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and other provisions that will elevate the role and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities to new heights. COP 16 also adopted a new and ambitious Programme of Work aligned with the KMGBF with the aim of advancing the implementation of Article 8(j) and related provisions of the Convention. The full implementation of the 23 action targets of the KMGBF by 2030, through a global mosaic of national and local whole-of-government, whole-of-society endeavors, will take the world closer to living in harmony with nature. We owe this to nature and to all people on Earth. Today and every day, let us reflect on and act for Mother Earth: humanity's precious common home and the foundation of our common future.
Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Act now — make smart energy choices for your family and demand rapid renewable energy deployment from your governments, industries, and businesses. Let's unite this April 22nd! Every action counts.
COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:There’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet. Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise; Get the Poster!
FORUM: “Harness the full potential of creative and entrepreneurial talents to build a brighter future for all.” World Creativity and Innovation Day 2025. The day will provide an opportunity to embrace the idea that innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of each country and that, innovation, creativity, and mass entrepreneurship can provide new momentum for economic growth and job creation. As a result, expanding opportunities for everyone, including women and youth. The creative economy – which includes audiovisual products, design, new media, performing arts, publishing and visual arts– is a highly transformative sector of the world economy in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings. Culture is an essential component of sustainable development and represents a source of identity, innovation and creativity for the individual and community. At the same time, creativity and culture have a significant non-monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development, to dialogue and understanding between peoples. As the world commemorates the day, it is critical to recognize the transformative power of creativity and innovation in driving sustainable development. By investing in entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and nurturing creative industries, we can unlock new pathways to economic prosperity, social inclusion and national development. Through strategic partnerships, policy interventions, and targeted investments, we can harness the full potential of its creative and entrepreneurial talents to build a brighter future for all. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #21April, #WCID; #WorldCreativityandInnovationDay; #InnovationDay.
At UN Geneva; The Opening Ceremony of the UN Chinese Language Day 2025 Celebration entitled "Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance". includes opening remarks, a poetry recital, and live performance, which will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the aesthetic appeal and distinctive rhythm of the language. Watch the livestream!
Around the World; In addition, the United Nations offices in Geneva, Vienna, as well as the Economic Commission for Africa and UN peacekeeping missions will host exhibitions, lectures, online campaigns to mark the day.
CONCERT: The United Nations Singers are a recreational choir formed in 1947 under the UN Staff Recreation Council to spread the message of harmony and understanding through music.
FORUM: "DNA- Do No Algorithm." World Art Day 2025. " It’s a time to promote art and its vital role in society. The observance recognizes the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, a symbol of artistic excellence and global collaboration. “The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it's to imagine what is possible" – Bell Hooks. Art has long played an integral role in conveying messages of evolution, revolution, freedom and creativity, and a messenger to the masses of global issues. Art has the transformational power of taking macro ideas of worldwide transformation and communicating them in a digestible manner for society. The opportunities it presents highlight possibilities for change, and bring to the forefront the urgency of working towards accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Like everyone in society, Artists also have a responsibility for using the work they put out into the world for a greater purpose. Art is not just a pretty painting, it is the pulse of society, the heart of the change they want to see in their local and global communities.On this an occasion; we invite you to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldArtDay, #15April, #Arts.
EVENTS: A webinar to mark World Art Day 2025 will be organized by the UNESCO. The challenges we face today can only be met through far-reaching cultural policies aimed at helping creative communities overcome this crisis and protecting and improving the status of artists. The UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025) edition will be held in Barcelona. During this ministerial forum, UNESCO will present the first-ever global report on the state of culture, the fruit of three years' work. MONDIACULT 2025 will be an opportunity to develop common solutions to ensure that the use of AI is fully respectful of artists rights, both in terms of intellectual property and compensation. In early 2025, UNESCO will launch a call for projects dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on culture. The winners will present their innovative solutions for artists at MONDIACULT 2025. The conference brought together the world’s culture ministers 40 years after the first MONDIACULT in 1980. It ensure that the voices of artists and civil society are fully heard as countries set the agenda for culture for the years to come. To date, thousands of artists and professionals have participated in more than 300 debates around the world.
The International Association of Arts theme for World Art Day 2025 "DNA- Do No Algorithm," will celebrate the irreplaceable essence of human creativity, presenting works crafted by human artists as a counterpoint to the rise of AI-generated creations. We are establishing a boundary where using AI (not as a tool but as an originator of an artwork), does not have a place in the creation of original artwork where an artist can generate an idea and print it out.
