International UNESCO Days Related to Basic Sciences and Technology
Nowruz
21 Mar
On Tuesday, 23 February 2010 (4 Esfand 1388), the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 21 March (1 Farvardin) as the International Day of Nowruz within the framework of Article 49 on the “Culture of Peace.” For the first time in the history of the United Nations, the Persian New Year—Nowruz—was officially recognized as an international occasion and inscribed in the UN calendar.
Water Day
22 Mar
World Water Day, observed annually on 22 March (corresponding to 2–3 Farvardin in the Persian calendar), was designated by the United Nations as a global day of awareness. The idea was first proposed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At this conference, all countries were invited to dedicate the day to promoting awareness and action on water issues, in line with the principles of Agenda 21.
Day of Light
16 May
The International Day of Light is celebrated every year on 16 May to promote cooperation and highlight the potential of light as a driver for peace and development. Light-based technologies play a vital role in education, science, art, culture, sustainable development, communications, energy, and medicine.
Metrology Day
20 May
Accurate measurements form the foundation for health, safety, fair trade, and sustainable development. From weighing food products to ensuring industrial quality control, all sectors rely on standardized measurement practices.
Day for Biological Diversity
22 May
International Day for Biological Diversity is a global observance established by the United Nations to promote awareness of biodiversity issues. This international initiative highlights the importance of biodiversity for a wide range of stakeholders, including sustainable agriculture, desertification, soil erosion and drought, water and sanitation, health and sustainable development, energy, science, technology and innovation, knowledge sharing and capacity building, urban resilience and adaptation, sustainable transport, climate change and disaster risk reduction, oceans and seas, forests, vulnerable groups including indigenous peoples, and food security.
World Environment Day
5 Jun
World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June, is designated by the United Nations to raise public awareness about environmental protection and to encourage policymakers to take action against environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
World Oceans Day
8 Jun
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
17 Jun
The purpose of this day is to draw public attention to the escalating problem of desertification worldwide. Desertification arises from improper human interaction with nature and is influenced by factors such as climate change and, more importantly, human activities, leading to soil degradation in various regions.
This day provides an opportunity to take action through education, enhanced social participation, and collaboration among community groups and NGOs to address and mitigate this critical issue.
Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
26 Jul
The purpose of designating World Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Day is to raise awareness across all communities about the value, beauty, and vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems and to encourage a collective commitment to their protection and preservation.
International Youth Day
12 Aug
International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to raise awareness of youth-related issues worldwide. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of young people to society as well as the challenges they face. In 1965, the United Nations General Assembly initiated a coordinated effort to engage with youth. They endorsed a declaration promoting the ideals of peace, mutual respect, and understanding among young people. The UN began dedicating time and resources to empower youth, identifying future leaders, and providing them with the tools to address global needs.
International Geodiversity Day
6 Oct
Geodiversity is a fundamental part of the non-living natural environment, encompassing rocks, minerals, soils, landscapes, and the processes that create and shape them. On International Geodiversity Day (6 October), UNESCO calls on the global community to leverage the potential of Earth sciences.
World Science Day for Peace and Development
10 Nov
World Science Day for Peace and Development provides a global opportunity to re-examine how science can contribute to building a better world. Through innovation, scientific research, and nurturing human talent, finding solutions to various challenges becomes achievable. Knowledge remains humanity’s greatest asset for supporting inclusive and equitable development.
World Futures Day
2 Dec
International Day of Education
24 Jan
International Day of Education Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on 3 December 2018, this day highlights the vital role of education in achieving global peace and sustainable development.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11 Feb
International Day of Women and Girls in Science An annual celebration established by the UN General Assembly to promote full and equal access and participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development
4 Mar
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development A day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of engineering to sustainable development worldwide.
International Day of Mathematics
14 Mar
International Day of Mathematics (Pi Day) Also known as “Pi Day,” this day is devoted to promoting mathematics and inspiring greater interest in the field.