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Welcome
International Days and major international conferences reflect a growing sense that we are part of One Humanity and One Life. On these occasions there is a special opportunity to serve in the creation of a world that reflects this spirit of Oneness in all its diversity.
As meditators we can symbolically stand together with all those actively working to create right human relations, 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:
- Build right relations in the world by addressing serious problems of poverty, inequality and climate change through practical actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
- engaging people of goodwill all over the world in a common movement.
2025 United Nations International Years
Silence at the United Nations
The Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations gathers subjectively and online(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.
On the first Thursday of the month, from October to June, Caucus members and others gather in the Meditation Room at the UN HQ in New York, from 12:30 – 1:00 pm. We spend 10-30 minutes in silence together, followed by optional conversation in the nearby cafe afterwards.
Please link in from wherever you are. More information at: http://www.spiritualcaucusun.org/
In July the Spiritual Caucus is on summer recess.
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July Please Hold These Events in the Light
June 30 - July 3
Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), Sevilla, Spain
FfD4 aspires to build a renewed global financing framework that will unlock greater volumes of capital at a lower cost. In Sevilla, and through a renewed global financing framework, leaders are taking action to deliver an SDG investment push and to reform the international financial architecture to enable the transformative change that the world urgently needs.
During the past year governments and stakeholders have been meeting regularly in preparation for this event when it is hoped that an outcome document will outline a renewed financing framework for sustainable development. A Sevilla Platform of Action is planned to mobilize alliances to implement the new framework. The conference will include a Civil Society Forum and an International Business Forum as well as a wide range of side events.
financing.desa.un.org
www.oxfam.org
www.devex.com/
July 1 - 3
Earth Charter + 25 Event, The Hague, Netherlands
Theme: Planetary Consciousness, Ethics of Care, and Intergenerational Justice.
This event organised by Earth Charter International and Earth Charter Netherlands celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Earth Charter. Wikipedia describes the Charter as: an international declaration of fundamental values and principles considered useful by its supporters for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. Created by a global consultation process, and endorsed by organizations representing millions of people, the Charter "seeks to inspire in all peoples a sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the human family, the greater community of life, and future generations." It calls upon humanity to help create a global partnership at a critical juncture in history. The Earth Charter's vision proposes that environmental protection, human rights, equitable human development, and peace are interdependent and indivisible. The Charter attempts to provide a new framework for thinking about and addressing these issues.
The Charter recognizes that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with oneself, other persons, other cultures, other life, Earth, and the larger whole of which all are a part.
earthcharter.org
July 5
International Day of Co-operatives
Theme 2025: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.
The cooperative movement encompassing financial organisations, farmers, producers and consumers is playing an incredible role in pioneering new ethics and values in business and economics. This Day, which is observed on the first Saturday of July, marks the formation in 1895 of the International Cooperative Alliance. Today the Alliance has more than 1 billion cooperative members who belong to 3 million cooperaatives worldwide.
The Day has special significance this year which is being observed by the United Nations as International Year of Cooperatives.
The basis of co-operation lies primarily in mutual responsibility. - Agni Yoga, Heart, 559
coopsday.coop
www.un.org/en/observances/
July 8 - 12
AI For Good Global Summit, Geneva
The annual AI for Good Global Summit is the leading United Nations platform identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges.. AI for Good is organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) – the UN specialized agency for information and communication technology – in partnership with 40 UN sister agencies and co-convened with the government of Switzerland.
aiforgood.itu.int
July 8 - 12
Caux Democracy Forum, Caux, Switzerland
2025 Theme: Revitalizing Democracy – Towards Inclusive and Peaceful Societies Across Europe and the World
The Forum is part of the Caux Foundation's Democracy Programme (2024-2026) designed to promote and enhance democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable economic development. It seeks to inspire, equip, and connect individuals, groups, and organisations committed to strengthening democracy, human rights and civic engagement across Europe and the world.
The event is organised by the Caux Initiatives of Change together with Initiatives of Change International (a movement which grew out of the work of Frank Buchman who founded the Moral Re-Armament Movement), the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights (OCHR)
https://www.iofc.ch/
July 10
Full Moon - Cancer
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 use the opportunities of this time to 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 in which the Sustainable Development Goals will be achieved.
www.lucistrust.org
July 11
World Population Day
World Population Day aims to seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.
www.unfpa.org/
www.un.org/
July 11
International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica
The war that followed the breakup of the former Yugoslavia claimed more than 100,000 lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995, mostly of Bosnian Muslims, and displaced more than two million others.The massacre in Srebrenica marked one of the darkest chapters of that war..
www.un.org
In June 2025 the UN General Assembly declared July 11 as World Horse Day, calling on governments, schools, businesses and individuals to celebrate the role of horses — and to tackle the challenges they face in the modern world.
Few animals have contributed to human progress as profoundly — and quietly — as the horse. From ancient nomads on the Eurasian steppes to modern Olympic arenas and backyard barns, horses have carried goods, ploughed fields, won wars and comforted hearts. Even in today’s high-tech world, draft horses still work organic farms, mounted rangers protect wildlife, and therapy ponies bring joy to hospitals..
www.un.org
July 12
International Day of Hope
In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions, and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force. Recognizing this, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 12 July as the International Day of Hope—a day to celebrate and promote hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities, and nations alike.
The Day highlights the essential role hope plays in promoting well-being, mutual respect, social stability, and sustainable development.... Ultimately, this day is a reminder that even in difficult times, hope remains a transformative force. It can bridge divides, drive progress, and uplift the human spirit. The International Day of Hope invites all of us to pause, reflect, and recommit to a future built not on despair or division, but on shared humanity and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow..
www.un.org
July 12
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
In 2023 the UN General Assembly resolved, by consensus, to declare July 12 as International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms.
The Day aims to stimulate education and activities aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of combating such storms for human health and well-being; the promotion of sustainable land use and management; enhancing food security and resilience to climate change; and sustainable livelihoods..
www.un.org
unemg.org
July 12-13
Sophia Centre Conference. Meeting of Minds: Mentalities in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, Lampeter, Wales.
The Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (the only degree programme in the world to examine the human relationship with the sky through philosophy, history and culture) and in Ecology and Spirituality. The Centre organises an annual conference.
For historians the history of mentalities, describes and analyses the ways in which people think about, engage with and classify the world around them. The term was applied to the history of astrology by Ann Geneva in her 1995 book, Astrology and the Seventeenth Century Mind: William Lilly and the Language of the Stars.
This academic conference explores two issues in the history and culture of astrology and the construction of the human relationship with the sky and stars.
The first is the nature of astrological claims concerning the soul, or psyche. This may be seen in the nature of the relationship between the soul, mind and stars in ancient, Medieval or Renaissance astrology, and the astrologies of both east and west, as well as the development of psychological astrology in the 20th century.
The second concerns the ways in which people in one time period or geographical region understand the concepts of people in another. This may be evident in the translation of texts from one language to another, or attempts to understand attitudes to the sky in past cultures, such as the mediaeval, classical or neolithic.
sophia-project.net
July 14 - 23
UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, New York
Theme 2025: Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind.
This Forum has been established as the main UN body to review progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. Its task is to provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations on the 2030 Agenda's implementation and follow-up; keep track of progress; spur coherent policies informed by evidence, science and country experiences; as well as address new and emerging issues.
The HLPF will also review in-depth Sustainable Development Goals: 3 on good health and well-being, 5 on gender equality, 8 on decent work and economic growth, 14 on life below water, and 17 on global partnerships to achieve the Goals.
The Sustainable Development Goals can only become a focus for the living will in humanity if and as people of goodwill in every sector of society are inspired to contribute towards their achievement. Governments will only act to the extent that people of goodwill want them to act. The Forum includes representatives of civil society as well as governments.
During World Goodwill's Cycle of Conferences Visualisation initiative esoteric workers will look beyond politics and slogans to identify core universal ideas of oneness and right relations embedded within the sustainability vision. These ideas carry the imprint of the Plan as they draw attention to the possibilities of establishing a higher quality of relationships between nations and peoples and between humanity and the other kingdoms of nature. The simple practice of the Cycles visualization throughout the period of the Forum, together with an ongoing reflection on planetary purpose and the subtle presence of divine energies of the will-to-good, brings the group into relation with the nucleus of light at the heart of the thoughtform about sustainability and human development that is reshaping the world.
hlpf.un.org
hlpf 2025 events
July 15
World Youth Skills Day
Theme 2025: Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.
The UN estimates that in 2022 a total of 73 million youth around the world were unemployed.
World Youth Skills Day focuses attention on the importance of young people learning skills as a way of reducing unemployment and under-employment.
www.un.org/en/observances/
unevoc.unesco.org
www.worldskills.org
July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day
The United Nations has observed this Day every year on Nelson Mandela's birthday since 2010.
The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. "Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day."
www.un.org/en/events/
www.mandeladay.com/
The United Nations first observed World Chess Day in 2020.
Throughout history, games and sports have helped humanity to survive times of crisis by reducing anxieties and improving mental health.
www.un.org
July 20
International Moon Day
2025 Theme: One Moon, One Vision, One Future
Declared an International Day by the UN General Assembly in 2021, Moon Day is part of the UN Agenda on International Cooperation in the Peaceful uses of Outer Space. The day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon.
Celebrations will also consider the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raise public awareness of sustainable Moon exploration and utilization.
www.un.org/
internationalmoonday.org
July 25
World Drowning Prevention Day
Theme 2025: Your story can save a life:
Drowning prevention through shared experiences.
This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it. An estimated 235,600 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
www.who.int
rnli.org
July 25
International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent
In August 2024 the General Assembly proclaimed this International Day to honour the history, culture and struggles of women and girls of African descent around the world.
The Day highlights the importance of commemorating the global fight against slavery and racism, the commitment to achieve gender equality, and the significant contribution of all women and girls of African descent to the development of societies.
press.un.org
July 25
International Day for Judicial Well-being
In March 2025 the General Assembly proclaimed this International Day, calling on the global judicial community to embrace and implement strategies that safeguard the well-being of judicial officers. It acknowledges that judicial well-being is essential for upholding integrity, independence and the efficiency of justice systems worldwide.
www.unodc.org
www.lawgazette.co.uk
July 27 - 29
UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Four years on from the 2021 Food Systems Summit this Addis Ababa gathering, hosted by the governments of Ethipoia and Italy, will provide a platform for reflecting on progress, strengthening collaboration, and unlocking finance and investments to accelerate food systems transformation.
With just five years remaining until 2030, UNFSS+4 will serve as a critical moment to reflect on national efforts, explore solutions, and mobilize stakeholders toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.
www.unfoodsystemshub.org
July 28
World Hepatitis Day
2025 theme: Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down
Viral Hepatitis which is an inflamation of the liver causing liver disease and liver cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally - more than HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The theme for 2025 calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers – including stigma – that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.
www.who.int/
www.worldhepatitisday.org
July 28 - August 1
Caux Inner Development Goals Forum, Caux, Switzerland
2025 Theme: Navigating Our New World: Inner Development for Global Action
In a time of profound global shifts, how do we navigate uncertainty, build resilience, connect across divides and drive meaningful change? The Caux Inner Development Goals Forum 2025 invites leaders, changemakers, and organizations from around the world to explore these urgent questions through a transformative journey of inner development for global action.
The event is organised by the Caux Initiatives of Change together with Initiatives of Change International (a movement which grew out of the work of Frank Buchman who founded the Moral Re-Armament Movement), and the The Inner Development Goals Foundation.
https://www.iofc.ch/
July 30
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
2025 Theme: Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation
Human trafficking is a crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes including forced labour and sex.
Human trafficking continues to be a global threat driven by organized crime. More and more victims are being trafficked every year, across greater distances, with greater violence, for longer periods of time and for greater profit. From 2020 to 2023, there were more than 200,000 detected victims globally, which is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual number of unreported cases is believed to be significantly higher.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.unodc.org/
July 30
International Day of Friendship
United Nations International Day of Friendship highlights friendship as the fundamental glue uniting people across diverse cultures and backgrounds; an essential requirement in building the Culture of Peace and fundamental to the work of the United Nations.To confront the crises and challenges facing our world, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.
The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems.
www.un.org
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