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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 the causes of serious problems of poverty, inequality and environmental degradation through practical actions to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
- engaging people of goodwill all over the world in a common movement.
2026 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 12:00 – 12:45 pm for 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 May you are invited to gather in the UN Meditation Room for 10 - 30 minutes from 12.00 - 12.45 on May 7, and to join an online virtual gathering, including 30 minutes of silence, on Thursday, May 21, from 2.00- 3.15 pm EDT with a particular focus on supporting the UN. Write for details to info@spiritualcaucusun.org.
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May Please Hold These Events in the Light
May 1
United Nations Vesak Day
Vesak is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha in his eightieth year passed away.
Since 1999, following a decision by the General Assembly, the United Nations has observed Vesak on the May Full Moon as an acknowledgement of the contribution which Buddhism continues to play to the spirituality of humanity. A special event is held at UN Headquarters in New York, and at selected UN offices.
The Buddha's message of compassion is timeless. In our interconnected world, there can be no peace as long as others are in peril; no security as long as others suffer deprivation; no sustainable future until all members of our human family enjoy their human rights. On this Day of Vesak, let us celebrate the wisdom of Lord Buddha by taking action for others with a strong spirit of solidarity. António Guterres, Secretary-General.
www.un.org/
May 1
Wesak Festival; Taurus Full Moon
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.
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 met.
www.wesakfestival.org
www.lucistrust.org
May 1
May Day / International Worker's Day / Labour Day / Beltane
The vision behind this Day, which has been organized every year since 2004 by the Love Foundation, is to unite one and all in a celebration of love and compassion. We honor each May 1st as a symbolic day of unconditional love and call upon all people and all nations to gather together in the wisdom of peace and love.
www.thelovefoundation.com/
First observed in 2017, the Day aims to raise awareness of the need for conservation management to ensure the survival of Tuna fish in the wild. Many countries depend heavily on tuna resources for food security and nutrition, economic development, employment, government revenue, livelihoods, culture and recreation.
Significant progress has been made since the declaration of Tuna Day: In 2017, only 75% of the tuna catch came from healthy stocks free of overfishing; Today, it is estimated that 99% of commercial tuna catches come from stocks that are scientifically assessed to be biologically sustainable. For instance, Atlantic Bluefin tuna, once absent, are now common again in southern England and Ireland.
www.un.org/
fao.org/
May 3
World Press Freedom Day
2026 Theme: Journalism: shaping a world at peace.
Freedom of the press expressing a wide diversity of opinions and voices is essential to the health of a community. Reporters Without Borders document the many areas of the world in which journalists are far from free.
Celebrations of the Day around the world include presentation of an annual UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize
According to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, press freedom has experienced its steepest decline since 2012. This decline is comparable to that seen during the most unstable periods of the 20th century – the two world wars and the Cold War.
UNESCO's major conference on Press Freedom will be held in Lusaka, Zambia on May 4-5.
en.unesco.org
www.un.org/
May 3
International Permaculture Day
Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments. It is about designing households and communities that are productive, sustaining and largely self reliant and have minimal impact on the environment.
International Permaculture Day, now in its sixteenth year, is observed in over 35 countries on the first Sunday in May. It is a day of celebration and action for permaculture around the world.
www.permacultureday.org
May 3 - 9
International Compost Awareness Week
May 6 - 7
Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs, UN HQ, New York
2026 Theme: Transformative, equitable and coordinated science, technology and innovation for the 2030 Agenda and a sustainable future for all.
This eleventh annual STI Forum will be closely aligned, as in previous years, with the
High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to take place in July.
sdgs.un.org
May 5 - 9
UN Forum on Forests, 19th Session, UN HQ, New York
The Forum on Forests was established by the UN Economic and Social Council in 2000 with a main objective to promote "the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end…".All member states are part of the Forum. In 2017 a Strategic Plan for the sustainable management of forests was established with Six Global Goals.
www.un.org
May 8 - 9
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe 8-9 May in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.
www.un.org/
May 9
World Fair Trade Day
2026 theme: The Future of Responsible Trade
The World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that takes place on the second Saturday of May of each year. It is an inclusive worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to sustainable development, especially the economic empowerment of small producers, gender equality in workplaces and responsible production practices.
wfto.com/
fairtradefederation.org
May 9
World Migratory Bird Day
2026 theme: Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!
World Migratory Bird Day is an annual awareness-raising campaign by the UN Environment Program highlighting the need for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. On the second Saturday each May and October, people around the world take action and organise public events such as bird festivals, education programmes and birdwatching excursions to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.
The 2026 campaign highlights the important role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) for the conservation of migratory birds.
www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/
May 10
International Day of Argania
The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, in the southwest of the country, which grows in arid and semiarid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. It is resilient to a harsh environment under water scarcity, risk of erosion and poor soils.
Argan oil is extracted from the seeds of the tree. It has multiple applications, especially in traditional and complementary medicine as well as in cooking and cosmetics. The unique region, where argan trees have been cultivated for centuries combines agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and valuable cultural heritage. This International Day has been declared to promote the protection and recognition of the tree and eco-system.
www.un.org/
May 12
International Day of Plant Health
2026 Theme: Plant Biosecurity for Food Security
The United Nations designated 12 May the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
www.fao.org/
May 15
International Day of Families
2026 theme: Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.
International Day of Families highlights the importance of families as basic units of society and provides an opportunity for governments, organizations and individuals to promote understanding of the problems, strengths and needs of families.
The 2026 theme underscores how widening inequalities are shaping family life and influencing children’s futures. It calls for stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies to reduce disparities and support healthy child development.
www.un.org
social.desa.un.org/
May 15 - 16
Global Elementary Model United Nations, Dallas, TX, USA
Every year since 1990 Elementary and Middle School children from several countries have participated in this unique Model United Nations, role playing different governments in response to various issues before the UN General Assembly and the governing bodies of different UN Agencies. Over the years more than 6,000 children have taken part. Model United Nations are common around the world at high school level - elementary and middle or intermediate school programs are not so common.
gemun.org
May 16
International Day of Light
2026 Theme: Light for a Sustainable Future
The International Day of Light is a global initiative that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The broad theme of light will allow many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrates how science, technology, art and culture can help achieve the goals of UNESCO – education, equality, and peace.
en.unesco.org/
www.lightday.org
May 16
International Day of Living Together in Peace
In 2018 the UN first observed this annual Day. Particularly through programs on the Culture of Peace, the UN is constantly seeking to mobilize efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.
www.un.org
May 17
World Telecommunication & Information Society Day
2026 theme: Digital Lifelines: Strengthening resilience in a connected world.
This is a day to reflect on information and communications technology (ICT) which is linking people the world over, as Peter Russell says, in much the same way as are the billions of cells in our own brain. The Day aims to raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other ICTs can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide between rich and poor.
www.itu.int
May 17 - 20
The Education World Forum, London, UK
2026 theme: Educating for a shared future: Peace, planet, purpose and pathways
The Education World Forum is the world's largest gathering of education and skills ministers. It comprises three days of insight and inspiration from pioneers, policymakers, and experts, with many sessions given by education ministers themselves as part of an honest assessment of education's common issues and challenges.
www.theewf.org
May 19
World Fair Play Day
Inaugurated last year Fair Play Day is dedicated to promoting sports practiced in the spirit of friendship, solidarity, tolerance, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
www.un.org
2026 FAO Theme: Bee Together for people and planet: A Partnership that Sustains us All
Every year on this day, the attention of the global public will be drawn to the importance of preserving bees and other pollinators. People will be reminded of the importance of bees for the entire humanity and invited to take concrete action to preserve and protect them. Proposed by Slovenia, the resolution was co-sponsored by 115 UN Member States, including the USA, Canada, China, the Russian Federation, India, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and all the European Union Member States.
www.worldbeeday.org
time.com
www.fao.org
May 21
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
This UN day marks the important role that dialogue between different cultures plays in the overall development of society. A new global consciousness is in process of emerging. While human unity and the oneness of life are greatly valued; the immense diversity of human cultures is also held in high esteem.
Following the events of 11 September 2001, the 185 member states of UNESCO unanimously adopted the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The Declaration reflects the conviction that respect for cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue is one of the surest guarantees of development and peace.
www.un.org
www.unesco.org
May 21
International Tea Day
Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water…. Tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods for millions of families in developing countries and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries.
This UN day aims to foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
www.un.org
www.fao.org/
rimpochatea.com
May 22
International Day for Biological Diversity
2026 Theme: Acting locally for global impact
The International Day for Biological Diversity has gained global prominence through the efforts of the United Nations, governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations and concerned individuals. Each has highlighted their innovative solutions to the biodiversity crisis to the forefront of global conversations on sustainable development.
In December 2022, the world came together and agreed on a global plan to transform our relationship with nature. The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework , also known as The Biodiversity Plan, sets 23 targets for 2030 and 5 global goals for 2050 to stop and reverse the loss of nature in 25 years. Among its goals: restore 20% of degraded ecosystems and reduce the introduction or settlement of invasive alien species by 50%.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.cbd.int
May 23
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
2026 Theme: Her health, her right: Shaping a future without fistula
Obstetric fistula, one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during childbirth, is preventable. A hole forms between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It can largely be avoided by delaying the age of first pregnancy; the cessation of harmful traditional practices; and timely access to obstetric care.
www.un.org
www.endfistula.org
May 24 1
International Day of the Markhor
The markhor (Capra falconeri) is an iconic and ecologically significant species found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Markhor is a threatened species. The greatest threats to the survival of the markhor are habitat loss, illegal hunting, including poaching, and climate change.
www.un.org/
May 25
World Football Day
Beyond mere recreation, it is a universal language spoken by people of all ages, transcending national, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. This shared passion fosters a sense of community and national pride.
Football's broad appeal and accessibility make it a potent tool for promoting health and well-being. It has also served as a vital platform for advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, both on and off the field.
www.un.org/en/events/
May 29
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
2026 Theme: The Future of Peacekeeping
A Day to honour those serving in UN peacekeeping duties. A new role is emerging for the military in all nations: peacekeeping in times of heightened tension. Check out the UN website for the Day to deepen your understanding of the UN's peacekeeping activities.
peacekeeping.un.org
www.un.org/en/events/
May 30
International Day of Potato
First observed in 2024, the Day shines a light on the potato, a crop regularly consumed by billions of people. Potatoes are a key crop across diverse farming systems globally, ranging from smallholders producing diverse heirloom varieties by hand in the Andes, to vast commercial, mechanized farms in different continents. Potatoes contribute to the food security and nutrition as well as and livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas the world over.
The Day is an opportunity to build on the International Year of the Potato, which was observed in 2008.
www.fao.org
May 31
World No-Tobacco Day
2026 Theme: Unmask the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Since May 1999, the World Health Organisation has been co-ordinating an international political process inspired by the idea that every tobacco related death is preventable. Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke.
The WHO (World Health Organization) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which came into force in 2005 has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in UN history with over 180 parties.
www.who.int
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