International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) is an international day that encourages every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations. The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13 as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction as part of its proclamation of International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.
In 2002, by a further resolution, the General Assembly decided to maintain the annual observance as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
In 2009, the UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as the official date for this day, and also changed the name to International Day for Disaster Reduction.
World Sight Day
World Sight Day is observed worldwide every year on the second Thursday of October. This World Health Organization-designated day fell on October 13 this year (in 2022). The purpose of World Sight Day is to increase public awareness about blindness, vision impairment, vision care, and ocular issues.
The Lions Club Foundation, in collaboration with organisations dedicated to preventing blindness worldwide, was the entity that first established World Sight Day. The first celebration was held on 8 October 1984. Later, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP) coordinated and recognised it as VISION 2020, and it became a collaborative programme directed by the WHO and IABP members in which non-government organisations, eye care groups, and eye hospitals may participate and spread awareness about these challenges from anywhere in the globe.
The theme for World Sight Day 2022 is "Love Your Eyes." The Love Your Eyes campaign urges people to put their personal eye health first while fighting for globally accessible, reasonably priced, and readily available eye care.
Oct 12, 2022
World Arthritis Day
Every year since 1996, October 12 is observed as World Arthritis Day (WAD). This day was designed to raise awareness across the globe of the prevailing impact of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, also known as RMDs. Through the many activities conducted around the world, organisations and their advocates will bring forward many voices. The aim is to make everyone recognise the symptoms related to arthritis and lay emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment.
World Arthritis Day (WAD) was established by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) and the first event was observed on 12 October 1996. Since then many global communities like Arthritis Foundation has joined the cause to raise awareness to fight the awareness gap, provide support and access to the communities, advocating for strong policies and supporting the research work.
The World Arthritis Day 2022 theme was "It's in your hands, take action", addressing the world population to join hands for this cause to make this event fruitful for those deprived of the support.
Oct 11, 2022
International Day of the Girl Child
International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 to raise awareness about the gender inequality faced by girls worldwide. On this day, the United Nations and other organisations hold events and talks on issues like child marriage, violence against women, access to education and more. At the same time, this day seeks to inspire with tales of change makers and encourages girls to realise their full potential. International Day of the Girl Child is also known as the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl.
International Day of the Girl Child was first celebrated on October 11, 2012.
The idea for an international day for girls grew out of an NGO's 'Because I am a Girl' campaign. Plan International, the NGO, eventually urged the United Nations to become involved.
Canada was the first country to formally propose a resolution on IDG in front of the UN. On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly voted to pass a resolution adopting October 11, 2012 as the inaugural International Day of Girls.
The theme for the International Day of Girl Child 2022 was 'Our Time Is Now — Our Rights, Our Future.'
Oct 10, 2022
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Day, celebrated on October 10 all over the globe, is a great initiative to spread awareness about issues pertaining to mental health. During a time when the whole world has been facing the bout of the pandemic, apart from physical health, what has been severely impacted is our mental health.
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1948. The then WFMH Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter initiated the first celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 1992. From 1994 onwards, a special theme was selected each year for the global event.
The theme for 2022's celebration of World Mental health Day was "Make mental health & well-being for all a global priority."
Oct 09, 2022
World Postal Day
World Post Day is observed every year on October 9 to mark the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the creation of the revolutionary mode of communication with letters in the everyday lives of the people. Before the age of e-mails, letters used to be handwritten and delivered by post across the world. Even today, postal services hold a significant role in the delivery of parcels globally.
World Post Day is celebrated in remembrance of the foundation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. Celebrated across 151 countries, it was first declared as the World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969.
The theme for 2022 World Post Day was "Post for Planet."