Welcome
During International Days and major international conferences there is a special opportunity to serve in
the creation of a more unified and compassionate world.
As meditators we can symbolically stand together with all actively working in the spirit of the Charter of Compassion, and invoke the aid of the Forces of Light in support of these events.
Sustainable Development Goals & Climate Change
These International Days and events reflect important themes in the mobilization of energies to:
- End poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030 through practical actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
- engaging people of goodwill all over the world in a common movement.
2024 United Nations International Years
Silence at the United Nations
The Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations gathers in the vicinity of UN Headquarters in New York (September - June) on the third Thursday every month for 30 minutes of silence followed by 30 minutes of dialogue, sharing insights and exploring ways to use an inner focus in service of the work of the UN.
Please link in from wherever you are. More information at: http://www.spiritualcaucusun.org/
In April an online virtual gathering, including 30 minutes of silence, will be held on Thursday, April 18, from 2.00- 3.15 pm EDT with a particular focus on supporting the UN. Write for details to spiritualcaucusun@gmail.com.
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April Please Hold These Events in the Light
April 2
World Autism Awareness Day
2024 theme: Moving from surviving to thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives .
The Day seeks to improve the quality of life of people with autism, recognising that there is a high rate of people with autism in all regions of the world.
The 2024 observance will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves. Like last year, the event will feature an all-autistic lineup of panelists from all walks of life, representing six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the state of affairs in their respective regions, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for autistic people to be able to thrive.
www.un.org/en/observances/
www.autismspeaks.org
What is Neurodiversity?
April 4
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
2024 Theme: Protecting Lives, Building Peace.
Following a 1997 Mine Ban Treaty most countries have now banned landmines, yet anti-personnel mines continue to be used as a weapon of war and areas remain dangerous long after conflicts have ended. This United Nations Day marks a focus for campaigns to protect civilians from landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Even after the fighting stops, conflicts often leave behind a terrifying legacy: landmines and explosive ordnance that litter communities. Peace brings no assurance of safety when roads and fields are mined, when unexploded ordnance threatens the return of displaced populations, and when children find and play with shiny objects that explode. António Guterres, Secretary-General.
www.un.org/en/observances/
www.icbl.org
In 2007, URI-Africa and Interfaith Peace-building Initiative (a URI Cooperation Circle member) declared April 5 as “Golden Rule Day” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and called upon all citizens of the world and many other organizations, including the United Nations, to join them in proclaiming the day and living everyday according to the teaching of the Golden Rule in order to make our world better and more peaceful for all. Since then, about 700 organizations in 165 countries have joined in proclaiming Golden Rule Day and a request for a United Nations declaration of Golden Rule Day is pending before the General Assembly.
Golden Rule Day is a reminder of universal hope. Without hope and the love that we experience in connection with others what remains for tomorrow? Just as we are wired to be compassionate and act with kindness, we are people of hope. The virtues of faith, hope and charity should be our mantra for Golden Rule Day.
www.uri.org
charterforcompassion.org/
April 5
International Day of Conscience
In declaring April 5th as International Day of Conscience, the UN General Assembly invited all to pay attention to the work of building the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.
The task of the United Nations to save future generations from the scourge of war requires transformation towards a culture of peace, which consists of values, attitudes and behaviours that reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing based on the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation and that guarantee the full exercise of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society.
www.un.org/en/observances/
April 5
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
2024 Theme Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
Sport has the power to align our passion, energy and enthusiasm around a collective cause. And that is precisely when hope can be nurtured and trust can be regained. It is in our collective interest to harness the tremendous power of sport to help build a better and more sustainable future for all. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed
www.un.org/en/observances/
2024 Theme: My health, my right.
This year’s theme was chosen to champion the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education, and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
www.who.int
April 7
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, one of the darkest chapters in human history. More than one million people — overwhelmingly Tutsi, but also moderate Hutu, Twa and others who opposed the genocide — were systematically killed in less than three months. On this Day, we honour those who were murdered and reflect on the suffering of those who survived.
www.un.org
April 9 - 10
International Congress on Integrative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
Convened by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health the Congress will bring together Scientists, educators, practitioners, and policy-makers from the US and international communities to highlight scientific advances pertaining to the field of integrative medicine and health.
With over 80 member institutions from the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico the Consortium describes itself as the world’s most comprehensive community for advancing the practice of whole health, with leading expertise in research, clinical care, and education.
www.consortiumcongress.org
April 9 - 12
2024 Skoll World Forum, Oxford, UK.
First held in 2004, the annual Skoll World Forum was launched to bring social innovators from all over the world to work collaboratively on the most tenacious and pressing problems. It has always been a space for innovative minds from every sector; a gathering of good people doing good things. Last year's Forum included over 1,400 attendees. Inspired by the vision of a sustainable world of peace and porsoperity for all, the Skoll Foundation supports social entrepreneurs and innovaters to catalyze transformational social change.
skoll.org
April 12
International Day of Human Space Flight
12 April 1961 was the date of the first human space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin. The day is observed by the UN to celebrate each year at the international level the beginning of the space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of States and peoples, as well as ensuring the realization of their aspiration to maintain outer space for peaceful purposes.”
www.un.org
April 12-14
Earth Charter Conference, Florida, USA
2024 Theme: Reimagining Education for Ecological Civilizations
This is the fifth international conference convened by Earth Charter International. It is expected to be attended by 250 educators, academics, young leaders, Earth Charter International partners, researchers in education, and businesspeople.
Themes to be addressed include Cultivating Wisdom for Ecological Civilizations, Pedagogies of Interbeing for a Regenerative Peace Education, and One Human Family and One Earth Community - Leading a Values-Based University.
earthcharter.org
April 14
World Chagas Disease Day
2024 Theme: Tackling Chagas disease: detect early and care for life.
Chagas disease, also known as "silent or silenced disease", affects mainly poor people without access to health care or people without a political voice. The disease progresses slowly and often shows an asymptomatic clinical course. Without treatment, Chagas disease can lead to severe cardiac and digestive alterations and become fatal. Raising awareness of the disease is essential to improve the rates of early treatment and cure, together with the interruption of its transmission.
www.who.int
April 15 - 26
UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN HQ, New York
2024 theme: Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth
The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), established at the promptings of indigenous peoples, is a high-level UN body charged to advise the Economic and Social Council on all matters dealing with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights. Annual meetings of the Forum provide a focal point for discussion of indigenous peoples issues at the UN - they are attended by representatives of large numbers of indigenous peoples groups from around the world who also meet together in a Global Caucus, a Womens Caucus and a Youth Caucus. During the Forum there is a strong presence of Indigenous Peoples at UN Headquarters.
social.desa.un.org/
April 16 - 19
UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, UN HQ, Geneva
2024 theme: The Second International Decade for People of African Descent: Addressing Systemic Racism, Reparatory Justice, and Sustainable Development
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was established by the UN General Assemby in 2021 as a consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other relevant stakeholders, and as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent, as well as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council. The Forum meets under the auspices of The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Numerous side events are held during the event, organised by various stakeholders.
www.ohchr.org/
April 16 - 18
ECOSOC Youth Forum, UN Headquarters, New York
Theme 2024: Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions
The annual Forum is the largest gathering of young people that takes place at the UN. The Forum is the platform for young people from around the world to engage with UN Member States and other stakeholders on solutions contributing to the
realization of the SDGs Decade of Action.
www.un.org
April 21
World Creativity and Innovation Day
The Day seeks to raise awareness of the importance of creativity in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Creativity and innovation, at both the individual and group levels, have become the true wealth of nations in the 21st century, according to the findings of the special edition of the Creative Economy Report "Widening local development pathways"
www.un.org/
www.wciw.org
April 22
International Mother Earth Day & Earth Day
Over a billion people participate in Earth Day activities every year. It is the largest civic observance in the world, and is evidence of the massive concern to build right relations between humanity and the Earth. In 2009 the United Nations General Assembly added its weight to this popular movement, proclaiming April 22 International Mother Earth Day, with a significant resolution affirming the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit. This is the fourth Mother Earth Day to be celebrated during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2021 - 2030.
Mother Earth Day is helping to define new emerging economic, social and political processes through which humanity is seeking to raise the quality of its relationships with the Earth.
www.harmonywithnatureun.org
www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/
www.earthday.org
April 22 - 25
2024 ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum, UN HQ, New York
2024 Theme: Embarking on the path toward the Fourth International Conference on
Financing for Development, FfD 4
The ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development (FfD Forum) is an intergovernmental process with universal participation mandated to review the Addis Ababa Action Agenda(Addis Agenda) and other financing for development outcomes and the means of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attended by governments and civil society, the Forum provides a platform for inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue to address the current global challenges and advance policies for financing long-term sustainable development priorities. This years Forum takes place at a critical time as preparations are in process for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development to take place at the UN in 2025.
financing.desa.un.org/
April 23
World Book and Copyright Day
23 April is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
The Day is observed by UNESCO to celebrate books and authors encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.
In these turbulent times, books embody the diversity of human ingenuity, giving shape to the wealth of human experience, expressing the search for meaning and expression we all share, that drive all societies forward. Books help weave humanity together as a single family, holding a past in common, a history and heritage, to craft a destiny that is shared, where all voices are heard in the great chorus of human aspiration." Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
en.unesco.org
April 23
Full Moon — Wesak, Taurus
Generally known as the Festival of the Buddha, the Ageless Wisdom considers Wesak to be the highpoint of the spiritual year when forces of enlightenment associated with the Buddha pour into the planet. While Alice Bailey links the Festival to the Taurus full moon, most Buddhist communities (and the UN) observe Wesak on the May Full Mull Moon.
Since ancient times human beings have honored the full moon as a time when the sacred is most accesible. It is a time of light - the moon reflects the light of the sun onto the face of the earth. In astrology this is a time when the qualities and potentials of the zodiacal sign of the sun are especially available to humanity for use in service.
During the full moon religious and esoteric groups around the world vizualize light and love and spiritual power flowing into humanity and strengthening all that is being done to help prepare the way for a world of unity, justice and peace; a world which is increasingly concentrated on the work of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
www.lucistrust.org
April 24
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
This Day confirms the principles of the UN Charter which require the international body to resolve disputes among countries through peaceful means. It acknowledges the use of multilateral decision-making and diplomacy in achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts among nations. This non-aggressive and pacifist approach reinforces that three pillars of the UN, namely, sustainable development, peace and security and human rights.
The United Nations Charter points the way, with its vision of people and countries living as good neighbours, defending universal values and recognizing our common future. Strengthening multilateralism means strengthening our commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a safer, more just world for future generations. — UN Secretary-General António Guterres
www.un.org/events/
April 24 - 30
World Immunization Week
2024 Theme Celebrating 50 Years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization
World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched by the WHO in 1974. It stands as a global endeavor to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
www.who.int
April 25
World Malaria Day
According to the latest World Malaria Report, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 619 000 in 2021 compared to 625 000 in 2020.
The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2021 the Region was home to about 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.
www.who.int
en.wikipedia.org
April 25
International Delegates Day
Delegates bring the United Nations to life. Without them, this Organization would not be what it is. They negotiate agreements and coordinate with their home countries. Some form alliances, others struggle for compromises. In that way, they embody the multilateralism, which the UN stands for.
The delegates represent their countries in meetings at the United Nations. Unless a politician of higher rank is present, the delegates speak and vote on behalf of their country at the UN General Assembly, and other fora, such as the UN Security Council. The delegates are appointed by their countries. Hence, they follow the interests of the government they serve.
www.un.org/en/events/
April 25
Girls in ICT Day
2024 Theme: Leadership
The UN's ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and thousands of partners and supporters all around the world get together on this day to promote the exciting career opportunities waiting for girls and young women in the tech sector.
www.itu.int
April 26
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
In 2016 the UN General Assembly resolved to establish this Chernobyl Remembrance Day, recognizing that three decades after the disaster there remains persistent serious long-term consequences and that the affected communities and territories are experiencing continuing related needs.
www.un.org
April 26
World Intellectual Property Day
2024 Theme: IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.
A Day to focus on the the role that copyright and intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity.
To build our common future and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to re-think how we live, work and play. World IP Day 2024 is an opportunity to explore how intellectual property (IP) encourages and can amplify the innovative and creative solutions that are so crucial to building our common future.
www.wipo.int
April 26 - 28
Global Youth Service Day
Global Youth Service Day is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers, where millions of young people from over 100 countries in 6 continents carry out thousands of community improvement projects.
I have hope that stems in large part from my knowledge that the future of this planet lies in the tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of young people around the world. Jane Goodall
en.wikipedia.org
ysa.org
April 27
World Tai Chi & Qui Gong Day
The last Saturday of April each year in 100s of cities, spanning over 80 nations, people come together … to breathe together and provide a healing vision for our world. The Day begins at 10.00 am with mass Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and Mind Body events in the earliest time zones of New Zealand, and then spreads as the world turns, 10 am local time worldwide, ending with final events in Hawaii (USA).
www.worldtaichiday.org
April 28
World Day for Saftey and Health at Work
Theme 2024: The impacts of climate change on occupational safety and health.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.ilo.org/
April 30
International Jazz Day
April 30 was first celebrated by UNESCO as International Jazz Day in 2012. The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. An extensive range of performances,and international and community outreach programmes are held on all seven continents of the world on Jazz Day. The 2024 global concert will be hosted by the city of Tangier, Morocco and livestreamed by Youtube, Facebook, UN Web and UNESCO.
jazzday.com
www.un.org
en.unesco.org/
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