Internationl Day of Peace
There is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of nonviolence and ceasefire. That day is on 21 September, and each year is observed as the International Day of Peace by the civil society organisations and all the stakeholders. The United Nations’ General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security, and very way of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere. This is a global health crisis unlike any other, one that is spreading human suffering, destabilising the global economy, and upending the lives of billions of people around the globe.
International Day of Democracy
“As the world confronts COVID-19, democracy is crucial in ensuring the free flow of information, participation in decision-making and accountability for the response to the pandemic.” – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. Democracy is as much a process as a goal, and only with the full participation of and support by the international community, national governing bodies, civil society and individuals, can the ideal of democracy be made into a reality to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
International Literacy Day
The International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of September. It is an opportunity for governments, civil society, and othervstakeholders to highlight improvements in the world literacy rates, and reflect on the world's remaining literacy challenges. The issue of literacy is a key component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist with at least 773 million adults worldwide lacking basic literacy skills today.
The International Literacy Day 2020 focuses on “Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond,” especially on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. The theme highlights literacy learning in a lifelong learning perspective, and therefore, mainly focuses on youth and adults. The recent COVID-19 crisis has been a stark reminder of the existing gap between policy discourse and reality: a gap that already existed in the pre-COVID-19 era and negatively affects the learning of youth and adults, who have no or low literacy skills, and therefore, tend to face multiple disadvantages.
International Day of Charity
Charity, like the notions of volunteerism and philanthropy, provides real social bonding and contributes to the creation of inclusive and more resilient societies. Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection. It assists the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. It also promotes the rights of the marginalised and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity in conflict situations.
The International Day of Charity is celebrated annually every 5th of September. It was declared officially by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. This day is the selected date as it commemorates the anniversary of the passing away of Saint Teresa, who worked tirelessly to overcome poverty, distress, and suffering of the poorest in the world.
WAY 71st Anniversary
The World Assembly of Youth (WAY) is marking its 71st Anniversary at a difficult time, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis with severe economic and social impacts. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected the lives of young people everywhere, and young people are actively helping respond to this crisis. This crisis has served as a magnifying glass, bringing underlying issues for young people to the forefront.
Young women, and youth in lower-income countries have been particularly hit the hardest by the pandemic. Over 70 percent of youth who study have been adversely affected by the closing of schools, universities, and training centres, with some 65 percent of young people reporting having learnt less since the pandemic’s inception. Young workers have also felt the heavy toll of COVID-19’s influence on the employment sector, while 41 percent of young people have had their income reduced.