World Water Week is a global event which is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute every year. In 2023 the event was held from August 20 to 24 at the Waterfront Congress Centre.
World Water Week is an annual event that has been held every year since 1991. It is organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), a non-profit organization that promotes water solutions for a sustainable world.
The first World Water Week was held in 1991 in Stockholm, Sweden. The theme of the event was "Water: A Looming Crisis." The event brought together water experts from around the world to discuss the challenges of water scarcity and pollution.
Since then, World Water Week has been held every year in Stockholm.
The theme for World Water Week 2023 is 'Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World'.
Aug 23, 2023
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed on August 23 every year to memorialise the deplorable practice of transatlantic slave trade. The day, designated by UNESCO, was first observed on August 23, 1998.
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated on August 23 as it marks the start of the uprising in Haiti that eventually led to the abolition of transatlantic slave trade in the territories under European colonial powers.
On the night of August 22 to 23, 1791, an uprising started in the island of Saint Domingue, which is now home to Dominican Republic and Haiti. In the 18th century, Saint Domingue was a colonial settlement of France.
The uprising in Saint Domingue inspired the Haitian Revolution against the colonial powers, which was led by the Blacks and mixed-race people.
It was against this background that the day is observed on August 23. It was first commemorated in Haiti and a number of countries in 1998.
Aug 22, 2023
Madras Day
Madras Day August 22 is an annual celebration of the city of Chennai.
The history of Madras Day goes all the way back to August 22, 1639. Back then, a piece of land was acquired by the British East India Company to establish a settlement. This day marks the birth of the city of Madras.
Madras Day was initiated by a group of enthusiastic individuals who wanted to celebrate the rich history of the city. The first celebration took place in 2004.
Madras was renamed Chennai in 1996.
Aug 21, 2023
World Senior Citizen Day
World Senior Citizen Day is celebrated on August 21 every year to raise awareness of the contributions of older adults to society. This day is celebrated to recognise the wisdom, knowledge, and accomplishments of older individuals while raising awareness about the issues they face and advocating for their well-being.
The origins of World Senior Citizen Day can be traced back to the efforts of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In 1988, President Reagan issued a proclamation declaring August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day in the United States. The day was intended to honour the senior citizens in the country for their achievements and contributions, while also highlighting the importance of programs and policies that support their well-being.
Over time, the observance of World Senior Citizen Day extended beyond the United States, evolving into a global celebration. People around the world recognize the invaluable role that senior citizens play in society, from preserving cultural heritage to offering guidance to younger generations. This recognition led to the establishment of World Senior Citizen Day as an international observance.
International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on August 21.
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 72/165 of 20 December 2017. The resolution was adopted by consensus, reflecting the strong international commitment to combating terrorism and supporting its victims.
The day was chosen to commemorate the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 21, 2003, which killed 22 people, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Aug 20, 2023
Akshay Urja Day
Every year on August 20 India observes Akshay Urja Diwas or Renewable Energy Day. This day makes people aware of the use of natural resources like wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower.
Akshay Urja Diwas was first established in 2004 to support renewable energy development programs in India and promote the usage of natural resources. In 2004, the first event was facilitated by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, where he released a stamp with 12000 children forming a human chain to promote the use of green energy sources.
World Mosquito Day
Every year, World Mosquito Day is celebrated on August 20. This is done to commemorate the contributions of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross who was the first person to discover the connection between malaria and female anopheline mosquitoes.
In 1897, Sir Ronald Ross discovered that mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting malaria. Every year, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine celebrates this day with parties and exhibitions to create awareness about the dangers of mosquitoes and finding ways by which we can protect ourselves from these deadly diseases.
Sadbhavana Diwas
The birth anniversary of India's sixth Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is observed as Sandbhavana Diwas or Harmony Day every year on August 20 in the country. It is dedicated to the cause of encouraging peace, national integration, and communal harmony among all religions in the country. On Harmony Day, several cultural events and contests are organised across states. People take a pledge of working towards establishing peace and harmony in the country.
The day was first observed in 1992, more than a year after Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur.
As a tribute to Raji Gandhi's contribution to promoting communal harmony, national integration and peace, the All India Congress Committee established the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award in 1992. This award is given to people who have done exemplary work in establishing peace in society. The inaugural award was given to the founder of SOS Children's Village of India, Jagan Nath Kaul in 1995.