UNFPA commemorates the international days listed below. For a list of current and upcoming UN calendar observances, click here.
6 February: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
By resolution 67/146 of 20 December 2012, the UN General Assembly designated 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, and invited governments, international organizations and ngos to intensify efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation.
8 March: International Women’s Day
In December 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming March 8 International Women’s Day. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women's full and equal participation.
5 May: International Day for Midwives
The International Day for midwives was first celebrated 5 May 1991, and has since been observed in over 50 nations around the world. The idea of having a day to recognize and honor midwives came out of the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands. This day highlights the work and roles of midwives and midwifery.
23 May: International Day to End Fistula
The first ever International Day to End Fistula was marked on 23 May 2013. By resolution 67/147 of 20 December 2012, the UN General Assembly designated 23 May as the International Day to End Fistula and called on the international community to use the Day to significantly raise awareness and intensify actions towards ending obstetric fistula.
11 July: World Population Day
In 1989, the then-Governing Council of the UNDP recommended that 11 July be observed as World Population Day. An outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, marked on 11 July 1987, the Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development. The Day was first marked on 11 July 1990 in more than 90 countries. Then, by resolution 45/216 of 21 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly decided to continue World Population Day and activities to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relations to the environment and development.
12 August: International Youth Day
By resolution 54/120 of 17 December 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. Member States are encouraged to support and improve the situation of young people in their countries.
19 August: World Humanitarian Day
This Day was designated in December 2008 by the UN General Assembly. On this date a brutal terrorist attack in 2003 on UN headquarters in Baghdad killed 22 people. This day honours those, who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and those, who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions; it also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in meeting these needs.
1 October: International Day of Older Persons
By resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990, the UN General Assembly designated 1 October the International Day of Older Persons. The Assembly urges Member States to recognize that the elderly are an asset to society and can contribute significantly to the development process.
11 October: International Day of the Girl Child
By Resolution 66/170 of 19 December 2011, UN General Assembly declared 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The Day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
24 October: United Nations Day
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations Organization officially came into being.
24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.
October: State of the World Population Report launch
Every year in October UNFPA publishes its flagship report to highlight the state of the world population.
25 November: International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women
By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and ngos to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981.
01 December: World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is celebrated around the world on 1 December each year. It has become one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services
10 December: Human Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark Human Rights Day worldwide.
