World No-Tobacco Day 2023, May 31th.

 FORUM: “GROW FOOD NOT TOBACCO’’ World No-Tobacco Day 2023. A record 349 million people across 79 countries are facing acute food insecurity, many are in low and middle-income countries, including over 30 countries on the African continent. Many of these countries use large areas of fertile land to grow tobacco rather than healthy food. Tobacco growing countries often face a negative economic impact due to the adverse health, environmental and social impacts of growing tobacco. In many cases, foreign exchange earned from tobacco exports is used to import food. Growing tobacco causes ill health among farmers and farm workers and irreversible environmental loss of precious resources such as water sources, forests, plants and animal species. Tobacco growing harms our health, the health of farmers and the planet’s health. The tobacco industry interferes with attempts to substitute tobacco growing, contributing to the global food crisis. Learn about the Top tobacco growing economies by WHO region, by hectare and follow the conversation with the hahstags: #WorldNoTobaccoDay; #31May; #GrowfoodNoTobacco.

EVENTS: The World No-Tobacco Day 2023 will be observed during a plenary session at WHO Headquaters in Geneva, Switzerland on May 31st. The WHO encourages governments and policy makers to end tobacco growing subsidies and use the savings to support farmers to switch to more sustainable crops that improve food security and nutrition.

All along 2023, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the global public health treaty that serves as the world’s front-line defence against the tobacco epidemic. Adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2003, it became one of the most rapidly embraced treaties in United Nations history – now with 182 Parties, representing more than 90% of the world’s population. The Convention was the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), and in 2018 its first protocol – the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products – was adopted, further strengthening tobacco control.

International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers 2023; May 29th.

FORUM: “Peace begins with me.” International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers 2023. Today, peacekeeping is more challenging than ever amidst rising global political tensions. Conflicts are more complex and prolonged, peacekeepers face terrorists, armed groups and their allies who have access to powerful modern weapons and technology. Misinformation and disinformation are fueling violence against our personnel and partners. During the celebrations we will honor the invaluable contribution of uniformed and civilian peacekeepers to the United Nations and the communities that they serve. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #PKday , #Peacekeeping, #29May, #Peacebegins, #PK75, #WomenInPeacekeeping.

Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers 2023, May 29th.

United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world. For 75 years, they have supported people and communities rocked by conflict and upheaval across the globe.

Today, on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we honour their extraordinary contributions to international peace and security.

Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

They are also critical to the protection of civilians caught up in the chaos of these deadly conflicts, providing a lifeline of hope and help in some of the most dangerous contexts imaginable.

In carrying out this essential work, many peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price. More than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving under the UN flag. We stand in sympathy and solidarity with their families, friends and colleagues, and will forever be inspired by their selfless devotion to the cause of peace.

Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries serve in 12 operations. They face rising global tensions and divides, stagnating peace processes, and more complex conflicts.

Despite these obstacles, and working with a wide range of partners, peacekeepers persevere.

To people living under the shadow of conflict, our teams of Blue Helmets represent hope.

As peacekeepers support humanity, let us always support and recognize them.


António Guterres

EVENTS: For 75 years, the United Nations peacekeeping missions have made a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people caught up in catastrophic conflict. Peacekeepers are ordinary people, working in dangerous and strenuous conditions to achieve extraordinary outcomes. They help prevent conflict, protect civilians, advance political solutions, and support democratic processes. Despite the challenges, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace. Join us on May 29th to observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2023 and to Pay Tribute to the fallen. A Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at the North Lawn building of the UNHQ with the United Nations Peacekeeping.

Medal recipients: At the meeting, by resolution 1121 (1997), the U.N. Security Council established the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Medal as a posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations "as a tribute to the sacrifice of those who have lost their life as a result of service in peacekeeping operations under the operational control and authority of the United Nations".

Award: The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises the dedication and effort of an individual peacekeeper in promoting the principles within the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. It was first given out in 2016.

Wreath Laying Ceremony: The commemorations are held at the U.N. Headquarters, United Nations offices and at different U.N. Peacekeeping missions Here is the List of Personnel to be Posthumously Awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.

TIME SQUARE EXHIBIT: Peace begins with me, with you and with all of us. May 26, 2023. 11 AM Duffy Square. Join us for an inside out action to celebrate peace together.

International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

FORUM: “From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity.” International Day For Biological Diversity 2023. This year’s global celebrations bring with it a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15. To mark this incredible and historic achievement, the proposal for this year’s theme; This theme builds on the results of COP 15. Now that the world has the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (agreement), the focus must quickly shift to its implementation (action). Follow the conversation with the hashtag #BiodiversityDay, #22May, #biodiversity, :#BuildBackBiodiversity, #AgreementToAction, #KMGBF, #HarmonyWithNature, #30by30, #ForNature, #ActionDecade #post2020.

EVENTS: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Biodiversity, the IPBeS, the UNESCO Man and the biosphere (MAB) programme, the UN Environment, the UNDP, the UNCCD, the UNFCCC, the UNEP/CMS, the CITES Secretariat, the FAO, the Ramsar secretary and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) along with the United Nations Member States, governments, indigenous peoples,ocal communities, non-governmental organizations and concerned individuals are pleased to invite you to debate on the theme: “From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity” during the celebration of the International Day For Biological Diversity 2023, on May 22nd at United Nations Headquaters. Register to participate and get the IDB2023 Agenda programme.

 

STATEMENTS

Statement by H.E. Mr. António Guterrez, Secretary-General United Nations on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

On the International Day for Biological Diversity, we reflect on our relationship with humanity’s life-support system. From the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the energy that fuels us and the medicines that heal us, our lives are wholly dependent on healthy ecosystems. Yet our actions are devastating every corner of the planet. One million species are at risk of extinction -- the result of habitat degradation, skyrocketing pollution, and the worsening climate crisis. We must end this war on nature. Last year’s agreement on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework marked an important step – but now is the time to move from agreement to action. This means ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns. Redirecting subsidies from nature-destroying activities towards green solutions. Recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, the strongest guardians of our world’s biodiversity. And pushing governments and businesses to take stronger and faster action against biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Let us work together across governments, civil society, and the private sector to secure a sustainable future for all.

U.N. Secretary-General.

Statement by Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of th Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

H.E. Huang Runqiu, COP 15 President and Minister of Ecology and Environment of China on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

H.E. Akihiro Nishimura, Minister of the Environment Government of Japan on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

H.E. Steffi Lemke, Minister of Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Federal Government of Germany on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

H.E. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

H.E. Christianne van der Wal, Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy, Government of the Netherlands on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

WRITTEN STATEMENTS
Small island developing states (SIDS) Coalition for Nature on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

EVENT PROGRAMME

Video Message from Mr. David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary; Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mrs. Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mrs. Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mrs. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR) International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility (GEF) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement from Shen Xiaomeng, United Nations University (UNU) Vice-Rector in Europe & Director of UNU's Institute for Environment & Human Security (UNU-EHS) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.

Statement by Mrs.Valerie Hickey, The World Bank, Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources, and the Blue Economy (ENB) on International Day of Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd.ACTIONS

22 ACTIONS TO OBSERVE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2023
[For Biodiversity] [By Individuals] [By Cities] [By Businesses] [International Organizations]

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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Peace and Development 2023; May 21st.

FORUM: "Preserving the values of cultural diversity, dialogue and development across our globe." World Day for Cultural Diversity for Peace and Development 2023. Culture is who we are and what shapes our identity. No development can be sustainable without including culture. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an occasion to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change. It represents an opportunity to celebrate culture’s manifold forms, from the tangible and intangible, to creative industries, to the diversity of cultural expressions, and to reflect on how these contribute to dialogue, mutual understanding, and the social, environmental and economic vectors of sustainable development.Today, as we mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the UNAOC celebrates cultural diversity as a driving force for achieving sustainable peace and development. Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#OneHumanity, #WorldDiversityDay, #WorldDayforculturalDiversity, #21May, #CulturalHeritage.

Press Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High Representative for UNAOC on the Occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2023; May 21st. 

Today, as the international community marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (A/RES/57/249), the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) celebrates cultural diversity as a driving force for achieving sustainable peace and development.

More than ever, amid escalating conflicts and volatile identity-based tensions, UNAOC underscores that diversity is the reality that enriches human life. Recognizing the pluralism of civilizations, UNAOC upholds its motto “Many Cultures, One Humanity” by building bridges of dialogue between multiple cultures and faiths.

Indeed, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a special day for UNAOC. Since its inception in 2005, UNAOC has fostered intercultural dialogue by promoting the humanistic values of respect, understanding, social inclusion, and living together in solidarity as #OneHumanity.

Despite our efforts, radicalization, racism, and xenophobia have continued to persist, driving a wedge between cultures and making sustainable peace an unattainable goal. However, cultural diversity should be viewed not as a source of division, but rather as the connective tissue that binds our increasingly multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual world. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and imperative to achieve peace and stability.

On this day and every day, UNAOC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds between cultures, faiths, and communities, and deepening humanity’s understanding of the value of cultural diversity as a richness rather than a threat.

 Spokesperson of the High Representative for UNAOC.

EVENTS: The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Peace and Development 2023 will be held on May 21st at UNESCO Headquaters in Paris. All are invited to join in, and promote the values of cultural diversity, dialogue and development across our globe. On May 25, 2023, a Cultural performance representing the General History of Africa : Global Launch of the "Mansa World Project". On May 26, 2023, a Colloquium on the challenges of the restoration of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on the 4th anniversary of the fire will be held at UNESCO.

EXHIBITS: From 15 March 2023 - 15 July 2023 ,a Photo Exhibition entitled 'Silk Roads: Routes of dialogue, exchange, and creativity' will be open for the public at UNESCO Headquarters.

International Tea Day 2023; May 21st.

FORUM: “Bringing people together over a cup of tea.” International Tea Day 2023. This year, the observance will focus on smallholder tea producers. The Day aims to raise awareness of the deep cultural, heritage and economic significance of tea around the globe. This year’s celebration will be an occasion to reaffirm the commitment of all stakeholders to support smallholder tea producers and help them overcome the challenges they are facing. The Day will also provide governments and other actors at global, regional and national level an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss collective actions for a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tea sector, to the benefit of both producers and consumers. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #InternationalTeaDay; #tea, #21May.

EVENTS: The 74th Session of the General Assembly decided to designate 21 May as the International Tea Day. As an important economic crop, tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty eradication and food security around the world. 

At the United Nations Headquarters to mark the day, a thematic event will be held on May19th, 2023 from 16.30 to 18:00 (EDT), Conference Room 6.

On the commemoration of the International Tea Day 2023, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and the FAO Liaison Office in New York co-host this thematic event entitled "A magic Leaf: Tea for Green Development.". The event will provide us with a good opportunity to promote international cooperation in tea industry and exchange of tea culture, so as to contribute to global green development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

HYBRID EVENT: At FAO Headquaters, for the Internationak Tea Day 2023, a webinar will be held on the theme "Bringing People together over a cup of tea."

World Bee Day 2023, May 20th.

FORUM: “Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production.”. World Bee Day 2023. Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. However, intensive monoculture production and improper use of pesticides pose serious threats to pollinators by reducing their access to food and nesting sites, exposing them to harmful chemicals, and weakening their immune systems. Under this year theme, we call for global action to support pollinator-friendly agricultural production and to highlight the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators, particularly through evidence-based agricultural production practices. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldbeeday, #20May, #SavetheBees.

EVENTS: Join us online on May 20th to celebrate World Bee Day 2023.The global World Bee Day ceremony, which will be held at the FAO headquarters on Friday, 19 May, 10.00 - 11.30 CEST will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of adopting pollinator-friendly agricultural production practices to protect bees and other pollinators, while contributing to the resilience, sustainability and efficiency of agrifood systems. Register to participate and watch the livestream!

Bees and Other Pollinators: Building Resilience, Supporting Communities - Observance of World Bee Day 2023.

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World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023; May 17th.

FORUM: ‘‘Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.’’ World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023. The focus of this year is to raise awareness about ICT’s for the least developed countries. The ITU calls on the public and private sectors to address a pledge for universal connectivity and digital transformation in these countries through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. In line with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition fosters meaningful connectivity and digital transformation globally, with a focus on but not limited to hardest- to-connect communities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Mid-way through the agenda to fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, those countries face daunting challenges. Please share your pledges, success stories, good practices, solutions, publications, and policies designed to meet present and future challenges of LDCs. Follow the conversations wih the hashtags #wtisd, #17May, #InformationSocietyDay, #TelecommunicationDay, #DigitalTransformation and #MeaningfulConnectivty.

EVENT: The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023 will be observed on May 17th at ITU in Geneva. The Fifth Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar, has set out an ambitious new United Nations programme of action to deliver on sustainable development for all by 2030. A high-level panel to mark the day will start at 14:30 (CEST). The WTISD 2023’s theme is a unique opportunity to showcase the work ITU does, together with its members and partners, to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Learn about the Partners to Connect Coalition (P2C) session during the observance.

Check out the programme and Register here to participate to the WTISD-23 and join us on this important day as we discuss the digital progress of #LDCs through three mini panels focused on #access, #affordability and #DigitalSkills. Together, let's shape our #DigitalFutureForAll.


Get the calendar of upcoming events at ITU.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023, May 17th. 

On this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we highlight the power of technology to advance sustainable development in Least Developed Countries. The digital revolution is a defining force of our era. The opportunities are tremendous: from transforming education and health care, to accelerating climate action and the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals. But to realize the promise of technology, we must confront its perils: The lack of ethical guardrails and robust governance frameworks. The proliferation of hate speech and disinformation. The amplification of social divides and economic inequalities. And the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence, from deep fakes to biased decisions by neural networks that no human can fully explain. Technology must be an instrument to reduce divides – not deepen them. As the internet becomes ever more central to value creation and innovation, Least Developed Countries risk falling further behind. We must dramatically improve accessibility and inclusivity and eliminate the digital divide. We must support the creation of digital public goods: open-source software, open data, and open content. We must invest in the capacities of public institutions so that they have the skills and resources to understand, oversee, shape, and engage with Artificial Intelligence and other transformative technologies. And we must come together around a Global Digital Compact – to avoid fragmentation, safeguard human rights, and ensure technology is a force for human wellbeing, solidarity, and progress. I commend the International Telecommunication Union for working to accelerate global connectivity for all by 2030. Let us all do our part in closing the digital divide and securing a more equitable and sustainable future everywhere.

 United Nations Secretary-General.

OTHER STATEMENTS
Tomorrow is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day and also ITU's birthday! This year's theme is empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies. ITU Secreatry-General on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2023.

Discover the latest on global digital transformation and cooperation.

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