The United Nations observes specific international days, weeks, years, and decades to highlight and promote awareness of important issues and events. These observances are typically proposed by member states and established through resolutions by the General Assembly. Occasionally, UN specialized agencies like UNESCO, UNICEF, and FAO declare these celebrations when the topics are within their areas of expertise, and these may subsequently be adopted by the General Assembly.
see also UN List of International Days and Weeks
DATE | INTERNATIONAL DAY | MAURITIUSINITIATIVES | |||
| 26 January | International Day of Clean Energy Celebrates advances in clean energy technology and promotes initiatives for sustainable energy solutions. | ||||
| 02 February | Raises awareness about the vital role of wetlands for the planet, including their impact on biodiversity and climate regulation. | MWF2024; | |||
| 01 March | Highlights the importance of seagrass ecosystems, which are critical for carbon sequestration and marine biodiversity. | ||||
| 03 March | Focuses on the urgent need to conserve the world's wild animals and plants and address threats to their survival. | ||||
| 14 March | International Day of Action for Rivers Advocates for the protection and restoration of rivers around the globe as vital ecosystems and sources of water and life. | ||||
| 18 March | Encourages the practice of recycling and the recognition of recyclables as valuable resources, not waste. | ||||
| 21 March | Celebrates forests and raises awareness of their importance in balancing the life cycle on Earth. | ||||
| 22 March | Focuses on the significance of fresh water and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. | ||||
| 23 March | Highlights the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society. | ||||
| 23 March | Engages a global community to turn off their lights for one hour to show commitment to the planet. | ||||
| 30 March | International Day of Zero Waste Promotes the goal of zero waste through waste reduction and sustainable practices in consumption and production. | ||||
| 07 April | Aims to create awareness of a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization. | ||||
| 22 April | International Mother Earth Day Reminds us to appreciate the Earth's ecosystems and the need to live harmoniously with nature. | Link | |||
| 11 May | Raises global awareness of the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. | ||||
| 12 May | International Day of Plant Health Promotes the importance of healthy plants for achieving food security, environmental health, and economic development. | ||||
| May (third Friday) | Focuses on the need to protect endangered species and their habitats. | ||||
| 20 May | Draws attention to the essential role bees and other pollinators play in the global food supply. | ||||
| 22 May | International Day for Biological Diversity Highlights the global biodiversity issues and encourages nations to take positive steps to protect our biodiversity. | ||||
| 23 May | Sheds light on the need to protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world. | ||||
| 03 June | Promotes the benefits of bicycling in fostering environmental stewardship and health. | ||||
| 05 June | Engages governments, businesses, and citizens in addressing pressing environmental issues. | 2024; 2023; Environmental Awards | |||
| 07 June | Brings attention to the issues related to food safety and the importance of maintaining clean and processed food. | ||||
| 08 June | Celebrates the ocean, its importance in our lives, and ways to protect it. | ||||
| 15 June | Increases awareness about wind as a source of energy and its potential to reshape our energy systems, reduce emissions, and provide jobs. | ||||
| 17 June | World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Promotes public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. | ||||
| 18 June | Recognizes gastronomy as a cultural expression related to the natural and cultural diversity of the world. | ||||
| 22 June | Advocates for the preservation of rainforests by highlighting the critical role they play in sustaining the planet. | ||||
| 29 June | International Day of the Tropics Celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. | ||||
| 30 June | Aims to educate the public about the importance of asteroids in the history of the Earth and the role they play in our solar system. | ||||
| 03 July | International Plastic Bag Free Day Aims to eliminate single-use plastic bags, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable alternatives. | ||||
| 11 July | Seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. | ||||
| 07 September | International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies Aims to raise awareness and facilitate actions to improve air quality. | ||||
| 16 September | International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer. | ||||
| 20 September | A global social action programme aimed at combating the global solid waste problem, including the problem of marine debris. | ||||
| 22 September | World Rivers Day (4th Sunday) Celebrates the world's waterways and highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers; Encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day to promote the use of mass transit, cycling, walking, and other clean, sustainable means of transportation. | ||||
| 29 September | International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Promotes global efforts to minimize food loss and waste. | ||||
| 07 October | Reflects on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. | ||||
| 02 October | Encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices to help reduce energy consumption. | ||||
| 12 October | Advocates for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats through international cooperation. | ||||
| 13 October | International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Promotes a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. | DRRMC Photo Gallery | |||
| 16 October | Promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all. | ||||
| 17 October | International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Promotes awareness and the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide. | ||||
| 05 November | Promotes tsunami awareness and shares innovative approaches to risk reduction. | ||||
| 06 November | International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict Recognizes the damage that conflicts do to the environment and aims to prevent the exploitation of the environment in times of armed conflict. | ||||
| 19 November | Raises awareness of the global sanitation crisis and the need for sanitation for all. | ||||
| 26 November | World Sustainable Transport Day Promotes sustainable transportation options to enhance accessibility while reducing environmental impact. | ||||
| 05 December | Focuses on the importance of healthy soil and advocates for sustainable management of soil resources. | ||||
| 11 December | Celebrates and brings awareness to the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development. | ||||
