ESG News

World Economic Forum 2025 (WEF)
2025-01-20 08:00 - 2025-01-24 17:00 (America/New_York) | World Economic Forum, DAVOS, Swaziland
The World Economic Forum 2025 (WEF) Annual Meeting takes place from 20-24 January in Davos, Switzerland.
For immediate media partnership inquiries at WEF2025: Matt Bird, CEO of ESG News, matt.bird@esgnews.com Matt Bird Linkedin

Christmas Day
2024-12-25 00:00 - 23:59
A Holiday Message to Our Readers
Dear Valued Readers,
As the year comes to a close, we at ESG News want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our trusted community, for making us your go-to source for ESG insights and sustainability news. Your trust and engagement fuel our mission to inform, inspire, and drive positive change across industries and communities worldwide.
This holiday season, we wish you joy, peace, and a renewed commitment to building a more sustainable future together. Whether you’re reflecting on the progress made or setting new goals for the year ahead, know that ESG News will continue to stand by you as a partner in creating meaningful impact.
Here’s to a season of sustainability and a new year filled with innovation, collaboration, and success.
With gratitude,
The ESG News Team

Watershed’s CSRD Summit
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
CSRD Summit
A conversation on the future of sustainability disclosure
Watershed’s CSRD Summit is taking place virtually on December 10th at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT. We’re bringing together leading minds in policy, finance, and sustainability to help you prepare for sustainability reporting in 2025—when ESG reporting moves from voluntary to mandatory for many companies.
We’ll cover key requirements of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), how it relates to other reporting frameworks, and what companies can do to prepare. Whether you’re already preparing 2025 disclosures or looking ahead to future requirements, this event is a must-attend for finance and sustainability leaders and their teams.
Confirmed as speakers are:

Mark Carney, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance
Amy Lyn, CFO of Operational Sustainability at JPMorganChase
Graeme Pitkethly, former CFO of Unilever and Vice Chair of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
Sylvie Goulard, Professor of Practice at Bocconi School of Management and former Deputy Governor of the Banque de France
Taylor Francis, Co-founder of Watershed
Anna Cerf, Product Policy Lead at Watershed

Register today to join the summit on December 10th! Can’t make it? Be sure to register and receive the recording afterwards.

Building Bridges Summit 2024
2024-12-09 02:00 - 2024-12-12 11:00 | Centre international des conférences, de Genève, 17 rue de Varembé, CH-1202, Geneva, GE, Swaziland
In-person attendance is by invitation only, however, virtual participation is possible via Livestream on the Building Bridges YouTube Channel.
The Building Bridges Summit 2024 is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 12, 2024, at the Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland. This premier event brings together global leaders, innovators, and change-makers to foster collaboration in sustainable finance, innovation, and impact-driven solutions. The summit aims to address critical global challenges, including climate and nature crises, social inequalities, and the mobilization of capital for a just, resilient, and sustainable future.
Speakers:
The summit features an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, including:

Nik Gowing: Founder and Co-Director of Thinking the Unthinkable, serving as the moderator for various sessions.
Mark Gough: Chief Executive Officer of Capitals Coalition, participating in discussions on nature finance and impact investing.
Anja Hannerz: Group Head of Sustainability at Nordea, contributing to panels on transition finance and sustainable future strategies.
Mary Robinson: Chair of The Elders, former President of Ireland, and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, engaging in intergenerational dialogues on planetary guardianship.
Xiye Bastida: Co-Founder & Executive Director of Re-Earth Initiative, participating in intergenerational dialogues on planetary guardianship.
Sir Ronald Cohen: President of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG), sharing insights on pioneering impact investing.
Building Bridges

David Blood: Senior Partner at Generation Investment Management, discussing impact lens investing across asset classes.
Building Bridges

Johan Rockström: Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, providing expert insights on planetary boundaries for humanity and ecosystems.
Building Bridges

André Hoffmann: Vice Chairman of Roche Holding AG and Co-Founder of InTent, focusing on making nature count in portfolios.
Dr. Jan Yves Remy: Director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre at the University of the West Indies, engaging in discussions on the Bridgetown 3.0 Initiative.
Mindy Lubber: CEO & President of Ceres, providing expertise on moving from commitments to impact.
Vanessa Havard-Williams: Transition Finance Market Review Lead for the UK Government, discussing steering towards a sustainable future.

Agenda Highlights:

Opening Session (14:00): Welcome remarks by Nik Gowing, Patrick Odier (Chair of Building Bridges), Delphine Bachmann (State Councillor – Canton of Geneva), and Christina Kitsos (Mayor – City of Geneva).
Sustainable Finance Temperature Read (14:20): Insights by Nik Gowing and Nina Seega (Director – Centre for Sustainable Finance, CISL).
Planetary Guardians: An Intergenerational Dialogue (14:30): Discussion featuring Nik Gowing, Mary Robinson, and Xiye Bastida.
Pioneering Impact Investing (14:40): Expert exchange with Mark Gough and Sir Ronald Cohen.
Impact Lens Investing Across Asset Classes (14:50): Panel discussion with Dimple Sahni, David Blood, Jean-Francis Dusch (CEO & Global Head of Infrastructure, Real Assets & Structured Finance, CIO BRIDGE – Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management), Uche Orji (Non-Executive Director – The Private Infrastructure Development Group), and Yuko Takano (Senior Investment Manager – Pictet Asset Management).
The Planetary Boundaries for Humanity and Ecosystems (15:35): Expert exchange with Nik Gowing and Johan Rockström.
Nature Finance – How to Make Nature Count in Portfolios (15:45): Panel discussion with André Hoffmann, Mark Gough, Lauren Ferstandig (Managing Director, NatureVest – The Nature Conservancy), and Judson Berkey (Lead Advocacy and Nature, Chief Sustainability Office – UBS).
Bridgetown 3.0 Initiative (17:00): Fireside chat with Nik Gowing and Dr. Jan Yves Remy.
Financial Inclusion – Investment in Prosperous and Resilient Societies (17:15): Panel discussion with Ivo Germann (Head – Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate – State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Switzerland), Delilah Rothenberg (Co-Founder & Executive Director – The Predistribution Initiative), James Mwangi (CEO – Equity Group Holdings), Jean Pesme (Global Director, Finance – Finance, Competitiveness & Investment (FCI) Global Practice – The World Bank), Jorge Rubio (Global Head of Social Finance – Citi), and Mia Seppo (Assistant Director-General for Jobs and Social Protection – International Labour Organization).
Moving from Commitments to Impact (18:00): Expert exchange with Nik Gowing and Mindy Lubber.
Transition Finance – Steering Towards a Sustainable Future (18:10): Panel discussion with Vanessa Havard-Williams, Anja Hanner

Learn more about the Building Bridges Summit.

Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2024
2024-12-08 23:00 - 2024-12-12 08:00 | Al Maryah Island ADGM Square Abu Dhab, Island - ADGM Authorities Building, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2024 will convene the world’s most distinguished leaders, market experts and entrepreneurs from over 100 countries to explore the facets and power of financial, human and technological capital as a competitive propellor for economic growth.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

ADFW 2024
Building on the monumental success of previous Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) editions, this year’s ADFW is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and shines the spotlight on the theme ‘Welcome to the Capital of Capital’.

Over the years, Abu Dhabi has solidified its position as a regional and international business hub, supporting the United Arab Emirates’ thriving Falcon Economy. Home to some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, the Emirate has become a propellor of economic growth, one that is driven by financial, human and technological capital.

ADFW 2024 explores the many facets of capital and examines how Abu Dhabi is leading the charge in leveraging the power of capital to contribute to the future prosperity of not only the Falcon Economy but also humanity for generations to come.

Notable Speakers:

The event features a distinguished lineup of global financial leaders, including:

Ray Dalio: Founder and CIO Mentor of Bridgewater Associates.
Larry Fink: Chairman and CEO of BlackRock.
Sergio Ermotti: Group CEO of UBS.
Jane Fraser: CEO of Citigroup.
Hana Al Rostamani: Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Jeremy Allaire: Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle.
Robert Smith: Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners.
Aron Landy: CEO of Brevan Howard.
Bill Huffman: CEO of Nuveen.
David Hunt: President and CEO of PGIM.
Isabelle Scemama: Global Head of AXA IM.
Bill Ford: Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic.
Shayne Nelson: Group CEO of Emirates NBD.
Rajiv Jain: Chairman and CIO of GQG Partners.
Mohammed Alaradhi: Executive Chairman of Investcorp.
H.E. Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi: CEO of Alterra.
Mohamed Abdelbary: CEO of ADIB.

These speakers will share insights on various facets of capital, including economic, human, cultural, environmental, and technological, aligning with the event’s overarching theme.
Agenda Highlights:

Day 1 (December 9): Opening Ceremony and Abu Dhabi Economic Forum, featuring discussions on the Falcon Economy’s current state and future prospects.
Day 2 (December 10): Asset Abu Dhabi and RESOLVE 2024, focusing on asset management and global dispute resolution.
Day 3 (December 11): Fintech Abu Dhabi and the Global Financial Regulators Summit, highlighting innovations in financial technology and regulatory approaches.
Day 4 (December 12): Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum (ADSFF), emphasizing sustainable finance and impact investing.

For More Information on ADFW 2024

ESG News is an official media partner of Abu Dhabi Finance Week

The Scope 3 Innovation Forum USA
2024-12-03 00:00 - 2024-12-04 23:59 | Convene Arlington, 1201 Wilson Blvd 30th floor, Arlington, Virginia, 22209, United States
This two day conference will bring together an expert group of 150+ cross-industry practitioners. The focus throughout will remain on the practical steps business can take to engage key actors, decarbonize supply chains and achieve net zero.

Learn about:
From climate targets to climate action
How leading businesses are translating 2030 and 2050 Scope 3 targets into impactful action in the short, medium, and long-term
Supplier partnerships
Cross-industry insights and leading approaches to engage, incentivize and enable suppliers in emissions reductions
Map, measure, manage
How to use supply chain data to incentivize supplier action, track business performance and determine effective strategy on Scope 3
Embedding Scope 3
How to ensure ownership and accountability within leadership, procurement, finance, operations and the entire business

Middle East ESG Reporting and Data Summit 2024
2024-11-28 00:00 - 23:59 | Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, 5668 20th St - Umm Hurair 2 - Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The much-anticipated 2nd Edition of the Middle East ESG Reporting & Data Summit is set for November 28, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. This prestigious event will convene industry leaders, experts, and practitioners to delve into key trends, challenges, and innovative practices in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, driving sustainable business across the region.
Why Attend? Your participation can shape the dialogue around ESG practices in vital sectors including Government, Banking, Oil & Gas, Technology, Healthcare, Logistics, and more. Be part of a collaborative platform aimed at enhancing sustainable business practices across the Middle East.
Topics to Discussed:

The evolving regulatory landscape for ESG in the Middle East
ESG frameworks and standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD)
Aligning with global reporting standards like UN SDGs and EU Taxonomy
Specialized sessions on ESG for Islamic institutions and financial investments
Finance and sustainability with an industry focus
Inspiring sessions led by women ESG leaders

This summit promises valuable insights and connections for organizations striving to elevate their ESG impact. Don’t miss this chance to lead, learn, and collaborate toward a sustainable future in the Middle East!
Click Here to register: https://me-esgr.com/enquiry-esgnews-meesgreporting/

Fortune Global Forum 2024
2024-11-11 00:00 - 2024-11-12 23:59 | New York, New York
Seismic shifts in the business landscape are forcing CEOs to reimagine how they position their companies to grow. From the disruptive impact of AI and climate change, to the new realities of regulatory shifts and geopolitical risk, the roadmap for success is in flux.
This November, Fortune will bring together CEOs of the world’s largest and most innovative companies, including members of the Fortune Global 500 to discuss critical trends, technologies, and tactics at its flagship annual gathering.
In 2024, one-third of the global population will go to the polls, potentially ushering in epochal changes in policy, with ripple effects across markets and society. Our conversations will be both timely and practical: taking place on the heels of a U.S. presidential election, at the start of COP29, and amidst a great reordering of economic and societal norms.
How should business leaders navigate these unprecedented times? With volatility and uncertainty comes tremendous opportunity—to learn, grow, and scale at the very speed of change.

COP29 BAKU
2024-11-10 08:00 - 2024-11-22 17:00 | baku, Azerbaijan
COP29, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, is scheduled to take place from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This pivotal event will convene global leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and environmental activists to address pressing climate challenges and advance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Key themes include climate finance, energy transition, and the role of international standards in driving effective climate action.
The conference aims to translate ambitious climate commitments into concrete, measurable actions, emphasizing the importance of ESG considerations in achieving sustainable development goals.
COP29 Agenda By Themes
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
UNFCCC
Key Events and Thematic Days at COP29:

November 11: COP29 Opening

Azerbaijan will formally assume the COP Presidency, marking the commencement of the conference.

November 12-13: World Leaders Climate Action Summit

Heads of State and Government will convene to discuss national climate action plans and demonstrate commitment to the Paris Agreement.

November 14: Finance, Investment, and Trade Day

Focused on scaling up climate finance and promoting sustainable trade to support the green transition.

November 15: Energy / Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day

Addressing the role of energy in climate change and exploring the intersection of climate action and peacebuilding.

November 16: Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization Day

Highlighting the role of technological advancements and digital solutions in combating climate change.

November 18: Human Development / Children and Youth / Health / Education Day

Emphasizing the importance of human development sectors in climate resilience and adaptation.

November 19: Food, Water, and Agriculture Day

Discussing the impacts of climate change on food security and water resources, and strategies for sustainable agriculture.

November 20: Urbanization / Transport / Tourism Day

Exploring sustainable urban development, transportation, and tourism in the context of climate action.

November 21: Indigenous Peoples / Gender Equality / Nature and Biodiversity / Oceans and Coastal Zones Day

Focusing on the contributions of indigenous communities, gender perspectives, and the protection of natural ecosystems.

November 22: Final Negotiations

Dedicated to concluding discussions and finalizing agreements.

For a detailed daily program and real-time updates, attendees are encouraged to consult the official COP29 calendar and the IPTV screens available at the venue.
UNFCCC

Certified Sustainability ESG Practitioner Program, Leadership Edition 2024, with Live Zoom Sessions
2024-09-27 10:00 - 2024-10-01 13:30 | Hybrid (Zoom Sessions and In-person), NYC, NY, United States
The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) is pleased to invite you to join the Certified Sustainability ESG Practitioner Program, Leadership Edition 2024. This program, featuring live Zoom sessions on September 26-27 and October 1, 2024, is designed for C-suite executives, Sustainability Directors, and Corporate Responsibility Professionals from leading sectors.
This is the leading program in the field of Sustainability (ESG) and Corporate Responsibility, having certified over 9,500 Sustainability Managers and CSOs, including professionals from 90% of the FT 500 firms globally.
Benefits of Attending:

Become a qualified Sustainability ESG Practitioner
Gain a solid grounding in Sustainability Strategy and implementation
Acquire a globally recognized certification
Access the CSE business network (Fortune 500, Government Representatives, NGOs, Academia)
Learn how to make Sustainability ESG a driver for organizational change, risk management, innovation, and success
Develop a two-year sustainability plan integrating sustainability across your organization’s value chain
Engage in live online sessions (10 hours) with Thought Leaders and Trainers, discussing an agenda that asks and answers the right questions

CSE provides pioneering leadership to Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, leaders, and influencers globally, offering strategic, award-winning ESG and Sustainability research, education, and program direction. Over the past 19 years, CSE has empowered C-suite executives and sustainability professionals to navigate the complexities of ESG and achieve transformative results.
Reach us at marketing@cse-net.org for early bird and group discounts
REGISTER HERE
Training Dates – Live Sessions

Climate Week NYC 2024
2024-09-22 00:00 - 2024-09-29 23:59 | Hybrid
A Climate Week NYC overview
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 600 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online. Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. Climate Group hosts the official program during the week that brings together the most senior international figures from business, government, civil society and the climate sector.
This year, Climate Week NYC is being held from September 22-29, 2024. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York.
REGISTER HERE

The Future of Climate Summit VOL II
2024-09-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Dentons, Midtown, Manhattan
The PDIE (Purpose Driven Innovation Ecosystem) Group known as the No1 Earthshot Prize nominator, and Venionaire Capital, a leading global investment company based in Vienna, Austria, are proud to announce “The Future of Climate Summit VOL II”, a prominent event that will bring together distinguished solution providers, family offices, investors, and global leaders to address the pressing challenges of our climate crisis. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, climate change could be irreversible by 2030. That’s just seven years from today. The time is now to create the change that will affect generations to come.
This event, held in collaboration with the The Earthshot Prize, promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey towards a sustainable future.
Scheduled to take place on September 20, 2024, at the prestigious Dentons Law Firm‘s head office in the convenient location of New York Midtown, The Future of Climate Summit will serve as a dynamic platform for experts, visionaries, and change-makers to share their knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions.
With the theme “Positive Futures enabled by AI” and a focus on key topics such as energy transition, the future of sustainable cities, decarbonization, food and agriculture, and natural capital and biodiversity, this event aims to foster meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts in tackling the climate crisis.

AI for All: Empowering Responsible Investments
2024-08-29 09:00 - 13:00 | Dubai Chambers, 13th floor, Conference Room, Baniyas Road, Port Saeed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dive into sustainable growth, ethical AI, and innovative financial strategies!
Discover how AI for All is revolutionizing Responsible Investments at the DSIG half-day Conference. Don’t miss out on learning how your business can benefit from enhanced decision-making, streamlined operations, and ethical investment opportunities. Start your transformation now and lead the charge in sustainable business practices! Join us on August 29th for transformative insights!
Registration link

World ESG Summit Dubai 2024
2024-08-20 00:00 - 2024-08-21 23:59 | Dusit Thani Dubai Hotel
World ESG Summit Dubai Overview
The World ESG Summit Dubai is thrilled to announce its much-anticipated return for a ground-breaking two days in 2024! Mark your calendars for August 20-21 as Dusit Thani, Dubai, once again becomes the centre stage for crucial conversations about the future of business. Building on the momentum of successful editions in Dubai, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, the 4th World ESG Summit Dubai promises to be a catalyst for change.
This high-level summit is not your average business conference. It is a platform designed to ignite innovation. Distinguished industry leaders and experts from diverse backgrounds will convene to explore cutting-edge approaches for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the very core of business operations.
REGISTER NOW

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
2024-06-17 00:00 - 23:59
Her land. Her rights.
Droughts are among the greatest threats to sustainable development, especially in developing countries, but increasingly so in developed nations too. In fact, forecasts estimate that by 2050 droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population.
The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 percent since 2000, as compared to the two previous decades (WMO 2021). When more than 2.3 billion people already face water stress, this is a huge problem.
Women hold a vital stake in the health of the land, yet they often don’t have control over it.
In all parts of the world, women face significant barriers in securing land rights, limiting their ability to thrive and prosper.
In many regions, they remain subject to discriminatory laws and practices that impede their right to inherit and access to services and resources.
And when land becomes degraded and water is scarce, women are often the worst affected.
This year, the theme of the International Day Against Desertification, and Drought “Her land. Her rights”, emphasizes that investing in women’s equal access to land and associated assets is a direct investment in their future and the future of humanity. It’s time for women and girls to be at the forefront of global land restoration and drought resilience efforts.

Did you know?

Today, nearly half of the global agricultural workforce is female – yet less than one in five landholders worldwide are women.
Women’s rights to inherit their husband’s property continue to be denied in over 100 countries under customary, religious, or traditional laws and practices.
Globally, women already spend a collective 200 million hours every day collecting water. In some countries, a single trip to fetch water can take over an hour.

source: UNCCD

International Day of Family Remittances
2024-06-16 00:00 - 23:59
Background
The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is a universally-recognized observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated every year on 16 June. The Day recognizes the contribution of over 200 million migrants to improve the lives of their 800 million family members back home, and to create a future of hope for their children. Half of these flows go to rural areas, where poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where remittances count the most.
Through this observance, the United Nations aims to bring greater awareness of the impact that these contributions have on millions of households, but also on communities, countries, and entire regions. The Day also calls upon governments, private sector entities, as well as the civil society, to find ways that can maximize the impact of remittances through individual, and/or collective actions.
The IDFR is now fully recognized at the global level, and included as one of the a key initiatives to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Objective 20), also calling for the reduction of remittance transfer costs, and greater financial inclusion through remittances. The Day also promotes achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and furthers the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Remittance flows trends
In 2022, international remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) amounted to US$647 billion. Such average monthly transfers of US$200-US$300 sent by migrant workers support many basic household and prove transformational for both households and local communities, enabling many families to achieve their ‘own’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
However. the cost of transferring US$200 across international boundaries to LMICs is still high —averaging 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mobile providers offer the best rates (4.5%), but less than 1% of transactions are made through digital channels. Remittance services are now much quicker and less expensive thanks to digital technologies.
For further information visit: familyRemittances.org and IFAD.

Digital remittances towards financial inclusion and cost reduction
IFAD, as custodian of the IDFR, aims at ensuring support of the observance and dissemination of resulting actions in the framework of the decennial #FamilyRemittances Campaign 2020‑2030: Support one billion people reach their own SDGs. In that timeframe, through a spotlight on yearly themes aligned to the global development agenda, the campaign aims at strengthening and guiding stakeholders in focusing on the new trends and priorities that make remittances count more.
The IDFR 2023-24 campaign focuses on promoting digital technologies to enhance financial inclusion in LMICs, and to work towards achieving the cost reduction target of 3% as mentioned in SDG 10.c.
The IDFR and the United Nations commend the determination and resilience of the human spirit as evidenced by migrant workers. Further, the UN calls for governments, the private sector, development organizations and the civil society to promote digital and financial solutions for remittances that foster greater social and economic resilience and inclusion.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2024-06-15 00:00 - 23:59
Addressing Elder Abuse
Between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world, and recognizing that greater attention needs to be paid to the specific challenges affecting older persons, including in the field of human rights.
Elder abuse is a problem that exists in both developing and developed countries yet is typically underreported globally. Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries — ranging from 1% to 10%. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious. As such, it demands a global multifaceted response, one which focuses on protecting the rights of older persons.
Approaches to define, detect and address elder abuse need to be placed within a cultural context and considered along side culturally specific risk factors. For example, in some traditional societies, older widows are subjected to forced marriages while in others, isolated older women are accused of witchcraft. From a health and social perspectives, unless both primary health care and social service sectors are well equipped to identify and deal with the problem, elder abuse will continue to be underdiagnosed and overlooked.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Older Age Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses
In the context of last year’s commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the World Health Organization in partnership with Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN WOMEN and with support from the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), published Tackling abuse of older people: five priorities for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030. The resource outlined key priorities to prevent and respond to abuse of older persons and, hence, contribute to improving their health, well-being and dignity. This year, the commemoration will provide an update on the implementation of the priorities.
Ahead of the milestone of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), this year’s commemoration of WEAAD will also connect with the year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary. As the month of June of the campaign will focus on showcasing the UDHR by raising awareness on its legacy, relevance and activism as relates to women’s rights, the theme of the 2023 WEAAD commemoration in the United Nations Headquarters in New York is entitled Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age – Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses.

Did you know?

Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.
Rates of elder abuse are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.
Rates of elder abuse have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
Elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
The global population of people aged 60 years and older will more than double, from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050.

Ageism affects how we think, feel and act towards others and ourselves based on age. It imposes powerful barriers to the development of good policies and programmes for older and younger people, and has profound negative consequences on older adults’ health and well-being. Launched by World Health Organization, the Combatting Ageism Campaign aims to change the narrative around age and ageing and help create a world for all ages.

World Blood Donor Day
2024-06-14 00:00 - 23:59
14 June is World Blood Donor Day

Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year in recognition of the selfless individuals who donate their blood for people unknown to them.

International Albinism Awareness Day
2024-06-13 00:00 - 23:59
What is albinism?
Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth. In almost all types of albinism, both parents must carry the gene for it to be passed on, even if they do not have albinism themselves. The condition is found in both sexes regardless of ethnicity and in all countries of the world. Albinism results in a lack of pigmentation (melanin) in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light. As a result, almost all people with albinism are visually impaired and are prone to developing skin cancer. There is no cure for the absence of melanin that is central to albinism.
While numbers vary, it is estimated that in North America and Europe 1 in every 17,000 to 20,000 people have some form of albinism. The condition is much more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with estimates of 1 in 1,400 people being affected in Tanzania and prevalence as high as 1 in 1,000 reported for select populations in Zimbabwe and for other specific ethnic groups in Southern Africa.

Health challenges of people living with albinism
The lack of melanin means persons with albinism are highly vulnerable to developing skin cancer. In some countries, a majority of persons with albinism die from skin cancer between 30 and 40 years of age. Skin cancer is highly preventable when persons with albinism enjoy their right to health. This includes access to regular health checks, sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. In a significant number of countries, these life-saving means are unavailable or inaccessible to them. Consequently, in the realm of development measures, persons with albinism have been and are among those “left furthest behind.” Therefore, they ought to be targeted for human rights interventions in the manner envisioned by the Sustainable Development Goals.
Due to a lack of melanin in the skin and eyes, persons with albinism often have permanent visual impairment. They also face discrimination due to their skin colour; as such, they are often subject to multiple and intersecting discrimination on the grounds of both disability and colour.

Did you know?

Albinism is a genetic condition inherited from both parents that occurs worldwide, regardless of ethnicity or gender.
The common lack of melanin pigment in the hair, skin and eyes of people with albinism causes vulnerability to sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer and severe visual impairment.
As many as 1 in 5,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa and 1 in 20,000 people in Europe and North America have albinism.
In some countries people with albinism suffer discrimination, poverty, stigma, violence and even killings.
In some countries, women who give birth to children with albinism are repudiated by their husbands, and their children abandoned or the victims of infanticide.
The movie industry has seldom portrayed people with albinism accurately, preferring to depict them as villains, demons or freaks of nature.
Violence against people with albinism is largely met by social silence and indifference, and is seldom followed by investigations or the prosecution of perpetrators.

World Day Against Child Labour
2024-06-12 00:00 - 23:59
Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!
Observed on June 12th, World Day Against Child Labour is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour. Emphasizing the link between social justice and child labour, the slogan for the World Day in 2023 is ‘Social Justice for All. End Child Labour!’.
Our joint experience in tackling child labour over the course of the last three decades has demonstrated that child labour can be eliminated, if the root causes are addressed. More than ever, it is urgent for all of us to contribute to bringing solutions to people’s daily problems, and child labour is – possibly – the most visible of these problems.
We therefore consider the 2023 World Day Against Child Labour to be a moment for all of us who are committed to ending child labour to demonstrate that change can be achieved when will and determination come together and provide a momentum for efforts to be accelerated in a situation of great urgency.
This World Day Against Child Labour, June 12, 2023 we are calling for

Reinvigorated international action to achieve social justice, particularly under the envisaged Global Coalition for Social Justice, with child labour elimination as one of its important elements;
Universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 138 on Minimum Age, which, together with the universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour achieved in 2020, would provide all children with legal protection against all forms of child labour;

Effective implementation of the Durban Call to Action.

Prevalence of child labour
Since 2000, for nearly two decades, the world had been making steady progress in reducing child labour. But over the past few years, conflicts, crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, have plunged more families into poverty – and forced millions more children into child labour. Economic growth has not been sufficient, nor inclusive enough, to relieve the pressure that too many families and communities feel and that makes them resort to child labour. Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That is almost one in ten children worldwide.
Africa ranks highest among regions both in the percentage of children in child labour — one-fifth — and the absolute number of children in child labour — 72 million. Asia and the Pacific ranks second highest in both these measures — 7% of all children and 62 million in absolute terms are in child labour in this region.
The Africa and the Asia and the Pacific regions together account for almost nine out of every ten children in child labour worldwide. The remaining child labour population is divided among the Americas (11 million), Europe and Central Asia (6 million), and the Arab States (1 million). In terms of incidence, 5% of children are in child labour in the Americas, 4% in Europe and Central Asia, and 3% in the Arab States.
While the percentage of children in child labour is highest in low-income countries, their numbers are actually greater in middle-income countries. 9% all children in lower-middle-income countries, and 7% of all children in upper-middle-income countries, are in child labour. Statistics on the absolute number of children in child labour in each national income grouping indicate that 84 million children in child labour, accounting for 56% of all those in child labour, actually live in middle-income countries, and an additional 2 million live in high-income countries.

World Oceans Day
2024-06-08 00:00 - 23:59
Planet Ocean: tides are changing
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.
The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.
With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.
“Planet Ocean: tides are changing”, is the theme for World Oceans Day 2023 – the UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activist to put the ocean first.

Join us and celebrate the value of oceans
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.
The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
This year, the United Nations will host ahybrid celebration of the annual event on 8 June 2023, hosted in-person at the UN Headquarters in New York to be broadcasted live. It will highlight the 2023 theme of “Planet Ocean: tides are changing”.
Hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, in partnership with the non-profit organization Oceanic Global, and supported by Panerai, this year’s annual event will shed light on how we can work together to ensure the ocean’s health and well-being.

Did you know?

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.
The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.
Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

World Food Safety Day
2024-06-07 00:00 - 23:59
Why improving food safety is important
Access to sufficient amounts of safe food is key to sustaining life and promoting good health. Foodborne illnesses are usually infectious or toxic in nature and often invisible to the plain eye, caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances entering the body through contaminated food or water.
Food safety has a critical role in assuring that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain – from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption.
With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, disproportionally affecting vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict, and migrants. An estimated 420 000 people around the world die every year after eating contaminated food and children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 125 000 deaths every year.
World Food Safety Day on 7 June aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of World Food Safety Day, in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organizations. This international day is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we eat is safe, mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of food-borne diseases globally.

Food safety is everyone’s business
Under the slogan “Food safety, everyone’s business”, the action-oriented campaign promotes global food safety awareness and calls upon countries and decision makers, the private sector, civil society, UN organizations and the general public to take action.
The way in which food is produced, stored, handled and consumed affects the safety of our food. Complying with Global food standards, establishing effective regulatory food control systems including emergency preparedness and response, providing access to clean water, applying good agriculture practices (terrestrial, aquatic, livestock, horticulture), strengthening the use of food safety management systems by food business operators, and building capacities of consumers to make healthy food choices are some ways in which governments, international organizations, scientists, the private sector and civil society work to ensure food safety.
Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers and consumers. Everybody has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and will not damage our health. Through World Food Safety Day, WHO and FAO pursue efforts to mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of food-borne diseases globally.
#WorldFoodSafetyDay #FoodSafety #SafeFood

Did you know?

Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases.
Recent estimates indicate that the impact of unsafe food costs low- and middle-income economies around US$ 95 billion in lost productivity each year.
Good hygiene practices in the food and agricultural sectors help to reduce the emergence and spread of food-borne diseases.

Get involved!
Whether you grow, process, transport, store, distribute, sell, prepare, serve or consume food, you have a role to play in keeping it safe. Take part in the celebration!
Check the many events and participate using the World Food Safety Day promotional material.

Russian Language Day
2024-06-06 00:00 - 23:59
Russian Language Day at the UN
June 6, the birthday of the great Russian poet A.S. Pushkin, as part of the program to support and develop multilingualism and cultural diversity, the UN celebrates Russian Language Day. One of the goals of this program is to maintain equal rights for all six official UN languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French.
The decision to hold language days was made by the Department of Public Information (currently the Department of Global Communications) on the eve of International Mother Language Day , celebrated annually on February 21 at the initiative of UNESCO.
The purpose of the UN Language Days is to increase awareness of the history, culture and development of each of the six official UN languages ​​among the staff of the Organization. Each language is given the opportunity to find its own unique approach and develop its own program of events for the day, including the invitation of famous poets and writers and the development of information and thematic materials.
Cultural events, among others, may include the performance of musical and literary works, competitions, exhibitions, lectures, variety shows and performances by cultural figures, national cuisine days and performances by folklore groups, film screenings and express language lessons for those wishing to learn another language. from the official languages ​​of the UN.

UN and multilingualism
Multilingualism , which is an important factor for harmonious communication between peoples, is of particular importance to the United Nations. By promoting tolerance, it also ensures the effective and more active participation of all in the work of the Organization, as well as greater efficiency, better results and wider participation of parties. Multilingualism must be preserved and promoted through various measures taken within the United Nations system for sharing and communication.
Ensuring a balance between the six official languages ​​- English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French (with English and French serving as the languages ​​of everyday professional communication) – has been a constant concern of all secretaries-general. From 1946 to the present day, numerous measures have been taken to promote the use of official languages ​​so that the United Nations, its purposes and actions are understood by the general public.
The official languages ​​of the United Nations are English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French. English and French are also the working languages ​​of the United Nations Secretariat ( resolution 2 (I) of 1 February 1946).
In its resolution 54/64 of 6 December 1999, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Secretariat-wide focal point for multilingualism issues from among the senior staff of the Secretariat.
Issues of multilingualism must be considered from various points of view, in particular from the point of view of internal and external communication. Internal communication occurs within the Organization, whether it is formal interaction between Member States and all parties involved in the work of the United Nations, or between Member States and the United Nations Secretariat. It requires a distinction to be made between working and official languages. External communications aimed at the general public may include languages ​​other than official ones, as well as the media used to disseminate United Nations messages. Finally, to promote all aspects of multilingualism, the issue of human resources must be addressed separately.
The responsibilities of the Department of Global Communications include, inter alia, ensuring awareness and understanding of the ideals and messages of the United Nations throughout the world in order to promote support for the Organization, through the participation of key intermediaries such as the press, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. To achieve this, the widest and most timely dissemination of information and materials must be ensured. In this regard, the Department continually strives to expand the global audience for its information products and outputs, such as television and radio programs, a website, a network of United Nations information centers and tour programs at major offices.

World Environment Day
2024-06-05 00:00 - 23:59
Solutions to plastic pollution
More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, less than 10 per cent is recycled.
An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually. That is approximately the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers all together.
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter – find their way into food, water and air. It is estimated that each person on the planet consumes more than 50,000 plastic particles per year –and many more if inhalation is considered.
Discarded or burnt single-use plastic harms human health and biodiversity and pollutes every ecosystem from mountain tops to the ocean floor.
With available science and solutions to tackle the problem, governments, companies and other stakeholders must scale up and speed actions to solve this crisis.
This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day in mobilizing transformative action from every corner of the world.

Fifty years celebrating World Environment Day
Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. In 2023, it is hosted by Côte D’Ivoire.
Why take part?
Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 per cent within the decade and plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems will nearly triple by 2040.
We need urgent action to address these pressing issues.

Did you know?

Some 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flow annually into oceans. This may triple by 2040.
More than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers.
A shift to a circular economy can reduce the volume of plastics entering oceans by over 80 per cent by 2040; reduce virgin plastic production by 55 per cent; save governments US$70 billion by 2040; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent; and create 700,000 additional jobs – mainly in the global south.

World No Tobacco Day
2024-05-31 00:00 - 23:59
31 May is World No Tobacco Day

This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.
The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be a “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers
2024-05-29 00:00 - 23:59
Peace begins with me
Marking 75 years of UN Peacekeeping
For 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace.
Working alongside local communities, peacekeepers help advance political solutions, prevent conflict, protect civilians, strengthen human rights and the rule of law, and build sustainable peace.
The challenges faced by peacekeepers are greater than ever, with rising global tensions, more complex conflict, and a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, which impedes their work and threatens their safety. Despite these obstacles, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace.
The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that we serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.
This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.

Events
To mark the occasion at the UN Headquarters in New York on 25 May, the UN Secretary-General will lay a wreath in honor of all peacekeepers who have lost their lives over the past 75 years. A ceremony will be held to posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjold medal to peacekeepers who died in 2022. The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award will also be presented.
On display at the Visitor’s Lobby from 1 May to 6 June is a photo exhibit tracing the journey of 75 years of peacekeeping. The exhibit is available virtually at here.
Join us at New York City’s Time Square to take part in an interactive art installation event with “Inside Out“, the platform that helps communities around the world spark global change locally. It was founded by renowned street artist JR in 2011. More information is available here.
Learn more about the commemorative events in New York.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
2024-05-23 00:00 - 23:59
“20 years on – progress but not enough! Act now to end fistula by 2030!”
Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women and girls leaking urine, faeces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Ninety percent of pregnancies involving fistula end in stillbirth.
Health systems and communities are falling short in ending obstetric fistula. Gender discrimination and social marginalization create additional risks, resulting in fistula disproportionately occurring among impoverished, underserved and marginalized women and girls.
Three cost-effective solutions can prevent fistula: timely access to high-quality emergency obstetric and newborn care, trained professionals with midwifery skills at childbirth, and universal access to modern contraception. Health systems can reduce fistula by tracking prevalence, correcting gaps in care and ensuring universal access to a competent health workforce. National health plans must also address gender discrimination and other factors making women and girls more vulnerable to maternal mortality and disease.
Bold political leadership and investment could eradicate fistula. Ambitious partnerships and scaled-up investments are imperative to ending fistula by 2030 – our global target under the Sustainable Development Goals.
UNFPA leads the global Campaign to End Fistula, a drive to transform the lives of vulnerable women and girls. The 20-year-old campaign represents a global commitment to fistula prevention and holistic treatment, including surgical repair and social reintegration and rehabilitation. Despite progress, elimination by 2030 demands accelerated action, starting now. To that end, the theme for the international day this year is “20 years on – progress but not enough! Act now to end fistula by 2030!”

Ending obstetric fistula by 2030
2020 marked the count-down towards the goal of ending the problem of obstetric fistula by 2030, according to the last report of the Secretary General.
Obstetric fistula is preventable; it can largely be avoided by delaying the age of first pregnancy; the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and timely access to obstetric care.
Besides, it is expected that 13 million more child marriages could take place by 2030 than would have otherwise. Families are more likely to marry off daughters to alleviate the perceived burden of caring for them, especially in the anticipated economic fallout of the pandemic.
Due to all these reasons an increase in cases might occur and new strategies will be required in the post-COVID-19 recovery period to address the expected backlog of cases.
With this possible future scenario of preventive measures in danger, now more than ever, it is important to call on the international community to use the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula, as well as urging post-surgery follow-up and tracking of fistula patients.

UNFPA leads the global Campaign to End Fistula, a drive to transform the lives of vulnerable women and girls.
The 20-year-old campaign represents a global commitment to fistula prevention and holistic treatment, including surgical repair and social reintegration and rehabilitation. Despite progress, elimination by 2030 demands accelerated action, starting now.

International Day for Biological Diversity
2024-05-22 00:00 - 23:59
From agreement to action: build back biodiversity
As the global community is called to re-examine our relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few.
This involves respecting, protecting, and repairing our biological wealth.
Undoubtedly, this year is special in terms of biodiversity conservation. We now have a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic agreement signed in December 2022 that sets goals and concrete measures to stop and reverse the loss of nature by 2050.
That is why the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity is from agreement to action: build back biodiversity. The slogan promotes the idea that, now that we have an action plan agreed upon at a global level, we must implement all the measures that the agreement contemplates before 2030. Only in this way will we be able to obtain protected and sustainable biological diversity by 2050. That is the main message from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the key international instrument for sustainable development.

When biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem
Biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, but it also includes genetic differences within each species — for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock — and the variety of ecosystems (lakes, forest, deserts, agricultural landscapes) that host multiple kind of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals).
Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 per cent of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare.
But loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses – diseases transmitted from animals to humans- while, on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.
While there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities. Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the UN decided to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity annually.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
2024-05-17 00:00 - 23:59
Least developed countries need digital investment
Over the past decade, the connectivity challenge has become more complex and demanding. Bringing everyone online is no longer enough. Meaningful connectivity – the possibility to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching, productive and affordable online experience – is the new imperative. For least developed countries (LDCs), this remains a major challenge. The digital divide between LDCs and the rest of the world shows little sign of narrowing. The risk is all too evident. As the world becomes increasingly adept at leveraging the Internet for value creation, LDCs risk falling further behind.
This year, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) focuses on “Empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.” The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) calls on the public and private sectors to make pledges for universal connectivity and digital transformation in these countries through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
Mid-way through the agenda to fulfil the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the least developed countries (LDCs) remain the world’s greatest untapped resource, whose needs must be addressed to achieve the SDGs. Investment in these young, vibrant countries can drive sustainable growth for generations. Together, let’s make 2023 a year of progress for digital transformation in the least developed countries.

Background
The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

History
World Telecommunication Day
World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 as Resolution 46.

Measuring digital development
In 2022, an estimated 407 million people in least developed countries (LDCs) were using the Internet, accounting for 36 per cent of the population, compared to 66 per cent globally. The 720 million people still offline in LDCs account for 27 per cent of the global offline population, even though the LDC population accounts for only 14 per cent of the world’s population.
ITU’s Measuring digital development – Facts and Figures: Focus on Least Developed Countries shows that universal and meaningful connectivity remains a distant prospect for LDCs.

International Day of Light
2024-05-16 00:00 - 23:59
The study of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, lifesaving medical advances in diagnostics technology and treatments, light-speed internet and many other discoveries that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe. These technologies were developed through centuries of fundamental research on the properties of light – starting with Ibn Al-Haytham’s seminal work, Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), published in 1015 and including Einstein’s work at the beginning of the 20th century, which changed the way we think about time and light.

Celebration of the International Day of Light
The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

Without light, our planet would be but a cold and barren place. Indeed, where there is light, there is often an abundance of life. Yet light represents even more for humanity. Light goes hand in hand with knowledge; it is a lens through which to see and understand the world.

The International Day of Light celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The celebration will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – building the foundation for peaceful societies.
