The United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, has been at the forefront of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development across the globe. With 193 member states, the UN has a diverse and complex agenda to address the world’s most pressing issues. However, amidst all the serious matters, the UN also has a lighter side – the designation of “International Days” and “World Days.”
These designated days are meant to raise awareness and promote action on a wide range of subjects and events. From the sublime to the ridiculous, these days cover a diverse range of topics, from serious issues like human rights and climate change to more lighthearted ones like chocolate and yoga. While some may question the significance of these days, they serve a crucial purpose in bringing attention to important causes and celebrating the diversity of our world.
The idea of designating international days was first introduced in 1950 by the UN’s Economic and Social Council. Since then, the General Assembly, the UN’s highest policy-making body, has routinely designated days to commemorate significant events and raise awareness about global issues. These days are observed by UN agencies, member states, and civil society organizations, making them truly international in nature.
One of the most well-known and significant international days is International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th every year. This day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and calls for gender equality. It is a reminder of the progress made towards women’s rights and the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender parity.
Another important day is World Environment Day, observed on June 5th. This day aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to take action to protect our planet. With the growing threat of climate change, this day serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our environment for future generations.
But not all international days are serious and somber. Some are meant to bring a smile to our faces and celebrate the little things in life. For example, World Chocolate Day, observed on July 7th, is a day to indulge in our favorite sweet treat and appreciate the joy it brings to our lives. Similarly, International Yoga Day, observed on June 21st, promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of practicing yoga.
While some may argue that designating days for such trivial matters takes away from the seriousness of the UN’s work, these days serve an important purpose. They provide an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our world and bring attention to issues that may not receive enough recognition. They also serve as a reminder that amidst all the chaos and challenges, there is still joy and happiness to be found.
However, there have been instances where the designation of international days has been met with criticism. For example, in 2017, the UN designated June 21st as International Day of Yoga, which was seen by some as promoting Hinduism and disregarding other religions. Similarly, the designation of World Toilet Day on November 19th has been met with ridicule and deemed as unnecessary.
Despite these criticisms, the UN continues to designate international days, and their significance should not be underestimated. These days serve as a platform to raise awareness and promote action on important issues, both serious and lighthearted. They also provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate our shared humanity.
In conclusion, the designation of international days by the UN may seem like a sudden shift from something grand and awe-inspiring to something silly and unimportant. However, these days serve a crucial purpose in promoting global issues, celebrating diversity, and bringing joy to our lives. So, let us embrace these days and use them as an opportunity to make a positive impact on our world. After all, every day is a chance to make a difference.
