The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed annually on May 22 to raise awareness and promote the conservation of biological diversity. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and restore it.
From its creation by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993 until 2000, it was held on December 29 to celebrate the day the Convention on Biological Diversity went into effect. On December 20, 2000, the date was shifted to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on May 22, 1992, at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, and partly to avoid the many other holidays that occur in late December.
The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 was 'From Agreement to Action: Building Back Biodiversity'.
May 21, 2023
National Anti-Terrorism Day
India observes Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21. It was on this day in 1991 that the seventh Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by LTTE terrorists while campaigning for the Congress party at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. The day is marked to spread the message of peace and harmony.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber while he was campaigning for the Congress party in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. After the assassination, the government decided that May 21 will be observed as Anti-Terrorism Day to raise awareness among people about terrorism. Rajiv Gandhi was the youngest Prime Minister of India when he was sworn in at the age of 40.
Under V.P. Singh's government, the Centre decided to observe May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day.
May 20, 2023
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May in the United States.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950, to honor and recognize the service of members of the United States Armed Forces.
President Harry S. Truman was instrumental in establishing Armed Forces Day as a national holiday.
Each year, the Department of Defense chooses a city to host the national Armed Forces Day celebration, which includes a parade and other events to honor military personnel.
Armed Forces Day is different from Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May and is a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the military.
The theme for Armed Forces Day 2023 in the United States is "Stronger Together: Honouring Our Heroes," which recognises the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the military. In 2023 Armed Forces Day in the United States was celebrated on May 20.
May 19, 2023
National Endangered Species Day
National Endangered Species Day is observed annually on the third Friday in May. This year (2023) it was celebrated on May 19. The event aimed to spread awareness on the importance of protecting endangered species, their habitats and the efforts needed to do so.
The day was created and founded by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition in 2006 and since then has continued to be celebrated. The year (2023) marked the 18th edition. On this day, wildlife refuges, zoos, aquariums, gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals hold special programmes or events for people of all ages. People from across the world participate in these activities or others.
The year 2023 also happened to be the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States. The legislation laid the foundation for every nation to commit to the conservation of plants, fish, wildlife and their natural habitats. The Endangered Species Act came into being on December 28, 1973, on orders of then US President Richard Nixon. The law is designed to protect and help conserve endangered species of plants, fish and wildlife that are threatened due to careless economic expansion.
"Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act!" was the theme of this year's National Endangered Species Day.
May 18, 2023
International Museum Day
International Museum Day is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of museums, which are vital institutions for cultural exchange and education. Observed on May 18 every year, this global event aims to raise awareness about the significant role that museums play in preserving and interpreting heritage across the world.
International Museum Day was established in 1977 during the ICOM General Assembly in Moscow, Russia. The resolution aimed to create an annual event that would unite museums and raise global awareness about their activities. It conveyed the message that museums are essential for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people.
The theme for the 2023 International Museum Day is 'Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being.'
World AIDS Vaccine Day
World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed on May 18 every year. Also known as HIV Vaccine Knowledge Day, its objective is to create awareness about the importance of HIV vaccinations in preventing AIDS and HIV infections. Additionally, the day is observed to spread awareness about prevention of HIV through vaccine manufacturing.
The first World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed on May 18, 1998. On 18 May 1997, Former US President Bill Clinton's commencement speech at Morgan State University challenged the world to set new goals in the emerging age of science and technology and develop an AIDS vaccine within the next decade.
Since then, each year communities around the globe hold a variety of activities on World AIDS Vaccine Day to raise awareness for AIDS vaccines, educate communities about HIV prevention and research for an AIDS vaccine and bring attention to the ways in which people can be a part of the international effort to stem this disease.