History

This year, the theme of World Population Day 2021 is "the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility."

Despite the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, family remittances worldwide have proved to be much more resilient and dependable than expected.

Keeping food safe is a complex process that starts on the farm and ends with the consumer.

For too long, we have been exploiting and destroying our planet’s ecosystems. Every three seconds, the world loses enough forest to cover a football pitch and over the last century we have destroyed half of our wetlands.

It is a sad reality that in situations where armed conflict breaks out, it is the most vulnerable members of societies – namely children, who are most affected by the consequences of war.

Parents all over the world are honored today for their unselfish love, for their commitment to children, and for their crucial role in making the world a better place.

Peacekeeping operations have evolved from simply monitoring ceasefire to protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants, protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, supporting free and fair elections, mitigating the threat of land-mines, and much more.

Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual life.

Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.

Based on official reports, nearly 8.4 million people in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine were exposed to radiation.

This year, WHO and partners will mark World Malaria Day by celebrating the achievements of countries that are approaching – and achieving – malaria elimination.

“We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption.” — António Guterres, UN secretary general

All over the world, people struggle to make ends meet with little daily income due to the pandemic. This leads to unnecessary suffering, avoidable illness, and premature death.

Observing the day is especially meaningful as conscience is the key to peace and the solution to the problems we face.

“Persons with autism have the right to self-determination, independence, and autonomy, as well as the right to education and employment on an equal basis with others,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message this year.

When it comes to the weather and climate, most of us think only about what is happening in the atmosphere. If we ignore the ocean, however, we miss a big piece of the picture.

World Water Day is about what water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource.

Adequate access to health care, to early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as appropriate research, are vital to the growth and development of an individual with Down Syndrome.

Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.

International Women's Day is celebrated every March 8 around the world. It is a focal point in the movement for women's rights.