Emojis have become an essential part of our day-to-day communication. Whether we're using platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, or others, emojis have gained widespread popularity for conveying emotions, enhancing expressions, and adding a touch of playfulness to our messages.
To highlight their importance and celebrate their usage, World Emoji Day is celebrated globally on July 17. This unique observance was established in 2014 by Jeremy Burge, the founder of Emojipedia, a widely-used online resource for emoji-related information.
Burge, who is an emoji enthusiast, recognised the growing influence and significance of emojis in modern communication. As such, he decided to create a dedicated day to honour these digital icons. July 17 was chosen as the date for World Emoji Day because it is the date that appears on the 'calendar' emoji.
World Emoji Day has gained significant traction and recognition over the years. Its popularity reflects the universal appeal and cultural impact of emojis, as well as its ability to bridge gaps and bring people together in the digital age.
World Day for International Justice
World Day for International Justice or International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice is celebrated every year on July 17. The day is observed to commemorate the significant role played by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other organisations in providing justice to victims of injustice, including people affected by war crimes, genocide, terrorism and more.
World Day for International Justice is recognised to highlight the severe cases of human rights abuses and the role of ICC in eradicating them. It is an opportunity to promote the rule of law, observance of human rights, and opposition to impunity. The day also recognises the issues faced by the victims of these atrocities, and the need to preserve their rights and make sure that their voices are heard.
According to the International Criminal Court (ICC), July 17 is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
The theme for World Day for International Justice 2023 was 'Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice'.
Jul 15, 2023
Social Media Giving Day
Social Media Giving Day is observed annually on July 15 across the world. It was started by a non-profit organisation called Givver.com, which has been raising funds via Twitter since 2013. The owner of Giver.com, Chris Sommers, is also the founder of popular American food chain Pi Pizzeria.
Social Media Giving Day was established by Givver.com, and was first celebrated in 2013.
The purpose of Social Media Giving Day is to encourage people to use social media as a platform to donate to their preferred charities and causes they support.
Jul 14, 2023
Bastille Day
In France, Bastille Day is commonly known as 'Fête Nationale,' or the National Celebration. However, the English-speaking world has taken to calling it Bastille Day to honour the moment in 1789 when a mob of French revolutionaries charged into Paris' Bastille, a major point in the French Revolution. The first celebration can be traced back to July 14, 1790, exactly one year after the Bastille fell. Since then, it has continued to grow, and large parties are held all over the world.
Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille in Paris and, later, the monarchy on July 14, 1789. Originally constructed as a medieval fortress, the Bastille was eventually used as a state prison. Prisoners who were directly sent there under orders of the king would get no trial or right of appeal, at times including political prisoners who spoke against the rules and laws set by the ruling king. Detained citizens awaiting trial were also held at the Bastille. Despite plans to demolish the building in the late 18th century, the Bastille had come to represent the Bourbon monarchy and the harsh acts carried out by them.
During the unrest of 1789, on July 14, a mob approached the Bastille to demand the arms and ammunition stored there, and, when the forces guarding the structure resisted, the attackers captured the prison and released the seven prisoners held there. The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancient monarchical régime.
The holiday is known as 'Fête Nationale' in France, and officially became a holiday in 1880.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Emmanuel Macron as the guest of honour for the French National Day in Paris, in 2023.
Jul 12, 2023
International Malala Day
International Malala Day is observed on July 12 each year to honour the bravery and activism of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls' education and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize. International Malala Day 2023 addressed the 10th anniversary of Malala Yousafzai event. This special day was first celebrated in 2013, marking one year since Malala was attacked by the Taliban. She was shot in the head while returning home from school because she had spoken out in support of girls' right to education.
In 2013, TIME Magazine recognized her as one of the world's most influential people. The following year, she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Alongside these prestigious accolades, Malala has also received the United Nations Human Rights Prize and The Liberty Medal.
World Paper Bag Day
World Paper Bag Day is celebrated annually on July 12 to promote the significance of utilizing paper bags instead of plastic. This observance serves as a reminder to prioritize environmentally conscious choices in our everyday lives and encourages individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
World Paper Bag Day holds great importance in advocating for a greener and cleaner world. Plastic bags, being non-biodegradable, pose a significant threat to our planet.
Paper bags are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable, meaning they can be recycled and easily decomposed without causing harm to the environment.
The origins of paper bags can be traced back to the 19th century when Francis Wolle invented the first paper bag machine in 1852. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the production of paper bags, leading to their widespread adoption as a packaging solution.
However, in the 20th century, plastic bags gained popularity due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, the environmental consequences of plastic bags became more apparent over time, prompting a renewed interest in paper bags.
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 12 as International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDSs), aiming to raise awareness about the importance of health, and sustainability. The day is intended to raise awareness about the serious environmental, economic, and social impacts of SDS, and to promote action to mitigate their effects.
Recognising that sand and dust storms and their negative impacts at different scales are issues of international concern, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 12 as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (A/RES/77/294).
The United Nations General Assembly, furthermore, stressed the need for cooperation at the global and regional levels, with a view to preventing, managing and mitigating the effects of sand and dust storms through the enhancement of early warning systems and the sharing of climate and weather information to forecast sand and dust storms.
The commemoration follows a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on June 8, 2023.
Jul 11, 2023
National 7-Eleven Day
National 7-Eleven Day also known as Free Slurpee Day is celebrated in the US on July 11 every year. The day marks the establishment of the largest convenience store chain of the US. To celebrate the day, all 7-Eleven stores in the country hand out their largest selling beverage, 'slurpees' to customers for free. The slurpee is a signature frozen carbonated beverage, available in different flavours at 7-Eleven stores.
The convenience store chain was founded in 1927 as an icehouse storefront and was named Tote'm Stores. After Japanese affiliate Ito-Yokado acquired 70 per cent of Tome'm Eleven in 1991, its name was changed to 7-Eleven. The celebration of National 7-Eleven Day started in 2002, when 7-Eleven started distributing their iconic beverage free of cost to celebrate its 75th birthday.
World Population Day
World Population Day is commemorated annually on July 11 to raise awareness and educate individuals about the challenges and consequences associated with global population growth. The observance of World Population Day aims to promote understanding and encourage collective efforts in tackling the impacts of population growth.
The United Nations Development Programme's Governing Council established World Population Day in 1989, inspired by the Day of Five Billion observed on July 11, 1987. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution 45/216, decided to continue celebrating World Population Day to raise awareness about population issues and their interconnection with the environment and development.
The first World Population Day was observed on July 11, 1990, in more than 90 countries. Since then, numerous organizations, institutions, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country offices, in partnership with governments and civil society, have been marking this day to bring attention to population-related concerns.
According to United Nations, the theme for World Population Day 2023 was 'Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities'.