UNICEF Day is observed on December 11 every year. The organization protects the rights of every child everywhere and works in the toughest places in the world to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents.
UNICEF is one of the world's largest providers of vaccines and supports the health of children, nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill-building, HIV prevention, and treatment for mothers and babies.
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established by the United Nations on December 11, 1946 to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China. The UNICEF mandate was broadened in 1950 to deal with the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. In 1953, it became a permanent part of the United Nations system and the name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund. However, UNICEF retained its original acronym.
International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day is commemorated annually on December 11 worldwide with an aim to raise awareness about mountains and the importance of restoring their ecosystems.
The International Mountain Day originated in 1992, when the United Nations approved Agenda 21 'Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development' from Chapter 13 during its Conference on Environment and Development.
However, it was in 2002 that the UN General Assembly declared the UN International Year of Mountains and announced that December 11 would be celebrated as International Mountain Day from 2003 onwards.
The theme for International Mountain Day 2024 is 'Mountain solutions for a sustainable future—innovation, adaptation and youth.'
Dec 10, 2024
World Human Rights Day 2024
World Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10. It stands as a powerful reminder of the global commitment to uphold equality, freedom, and human dignity.
Human rights are the cornerstone of a fair and just society, acting as a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good. On this day, individuals, communities, and nations across the world come together to reaffirm their dedication to building a better and more equitable future.
Dec 09, 2024
International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day observed on December 9, aims to spread awareness about the corruption practices. Introduced by the United Nations, this day is focused on highlighting the need for collective action from governments and private sectors to eliminate corruption.
The Anti-corruption treaty was signed by 140 countries and brought into force on December 14, 2005 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in October 2003.
Over the years, the day gained importance due to increasing need of spreading awareness about the issue and sharing anti-corruption policies in order to strengthen international cooperation.
International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 theme is 'Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.'
Dec 08, 2024
UNGA Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, co-sponsored by India and supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. This resolution emphasises meditation's role in achieving comprehensive well-being, inner peace, and coping with modern challenges such as stress and anxiety.
December 21, marking the Winter Solstice, is considered an auspicious time in Indian tradition for reflection and spiritual growth. It complements the International Day of Yoga observed on June 21 (Summer Solstice), highlighting India's decade-long leadership in promoting wellness practices globally.
Dec 07, 2024
International Civil Aviation Day
International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated worldwide on December 7 every year. The day honours the Wright brothers' first powered flight and serves as a reminder of how far humanity has come in fostering cross-cultural understanding, advancing economies, and pushing the envelope of human potential.
The first celebration of International Civil Aviation Day was in the year 1994. It was established in the year 1994 as part of ICAO's 50th-anniversary in Chicago. The day is celebrated to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which established rules for aircraft registration, airspace, safety, sustainability and security. In 1996 the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised December 7 as the International Civil Aviation Day in the UN system.
The theme for International Civil Aviation Day 2024 is 'Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years,' as per the United Nations website.
Armed Forces Flag Day
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 in India to honour the brave soldiers, veterans, and martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a day of gratitude, respect, and support for the armed forces personnel who selflessly serve the nation. The day also involves raising funds for the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families.
The decision to commemorate an Armed Forces Flag Day dates back to August 28, 1949, by a committee appointed under the then Defence Minister of India.