Australia and the World Past and Present

What are International Days and where do they come from?

The most well known International Days are probably those proposed by the United Nations, which maintains a list of special days and weeks of the year.

These days often mark significant events or issues that the UN seeks to promote.

They are often suggested by member states in the General Assembly and sometimes by other organs of the UN system.

Here are nine that you may have never heard of:

January 4 – World Braille Day. This day promotes Braille, a form of communication that can be used by the blind or visually impaired. Reading Braille relies on touch. The system uses combinations of 6 raised dots to represent different letters and numbers. Braille was invented by Louis Braille in the 19th century. January 4 has been designated World Braille Day since 2019.

February 10 – World Pulses Day

If celebrating legumes is your thing, here is a day for you. Pulses include lentils and peas. World Pulses Day hasn’t been around all that long as it was adopted in 2019. Pulses are often high in protein and are important in parts of the world where it is difficult to find other sources of protein. Pulses are good at fixing nitrogen into soil and can reduce the need for synthetic chemical fertilizers.

March 20 – International Day of Happiness

Around since 2012. It is the result of a UN resolution moved my the country of Bhutan. Bhutan is well-known for its concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’ as an alternative to Gross National Product.

May 20 – World Bee Day

This day is all about drawing attention to the key role that bees and other insects play in plant and crop pollination. It is estimated that around 90% of wild flowering plant species and most crop species rely on animals to help them pollinate. Threats to bees include mono-culture production and pesticides.

June 21 – International Day of Yoga

Yoga is a Sanskrit world meaning ‘join’ or ‘unite’. It is reference to uniting the mind and body. This day was proclaimed in 2014. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has promoted Yoga as an traditional Indian practice that can be adopted around the world.

July 12 – International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms

This day even has its own acronym – SDS. These storms particularly affect northern China and parts of Africa and can cause respiratory disease

October 7 – World Cotton Day

Yep, this common fabric has its own day. The UN estimates that around 32 million people are involved in growing cotton worldwide.

November 5 – World Tsunami Awareness Day

According to the UN, there were 58 Tsunamis in the twentieth century. On average, each Tsunami killed 4,600 people. This day was an initiative of Japan, a country with a long history of facing these giant waves

December 4 – International Day of Banks

Those hard-working banks finally have a day of their own! This is not meant to be day for hedge fund advisors, stock brokers and wealth management specialists. Rather, the UN says it that the day is “in recognition of the significant potential of multilateral development banks in financing sustainable development and providing know-how; and also in recognition of the vital role of the banking systems in Member States in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living”. This may well be the least celebrated International Day on the calendar.