10 Meaningful International Days for Celebration

10 Meaningful International Days for Celebration

The start of the new year is a cause for celebration. Have you ever wondered if there are any meaningful international days for celebration?

United Nations General Assembly (UN) has designated many of the international day, also known as international observance/dedication/anniversary as part of its efforts to observe or commemorate some issues of international interest or concern. These international days are used as a reminder of our shared humanity and co-existence on Earth.

This is a list of 10 meaningful international days worthy for celebration with your family and friends:

#1:  March 20 – International Day of Happiness

The International Day of Happiness (known as Happiness Day) was founded by United Nations adviser Jayme Illien in 2012, who conceptualized the idea for a U.N. Resolution that would recognize the pursuit of happiness as a human right and a “fundamental human goal.”

Day of Happiness is a global initiative to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness. It is coordinated by Action for Happiness, a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries, supported by a partnership of like-minded organisations.

#2: June 1 – Global Day of Parents + International Children Day

The United Nations proclaimed June 1 to be the Global Day of Parents “to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship”. It is the same day as International Children’s Day.

Parents have sacrificed tremendously for the sake of their children. Let us celebrate this day to remember how much love our parents have for us.

#3: June 5 – World Environment Day

World Environment Day (WED) is observed to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth. It is run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

Our mother earth is precious. The World Environment Day reminds us to protect our environment to ensure a livable environment for many generations to come.

#4: July 30 – International Day of Friendship

The day has been celebrated in several southern South American countries for many years, particularly in Paraguay, where the first World Friendship Day was proposed in 1958.

True friends are there to support and encourage us when we are buffeted by the tempest of life. Let us celebrate the many precious friendships we have with our friends on this day.

#5: September 12 – International Mindfulness Day

September 12 has been designated as the International Mindfulness Day  by Wisdom Publications. Find out more about how to celebrate Mindfulness Day published by Lion’s Roar. 

Let us create the awareness of mindfulness by celebrating the joy of mindfulness with our family and friends on this day!

#6: September 21 – World Peace Day

World Peace Day is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people. In 2013, for the first time, the Day was dedicated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to peace education, the key preventive means to reduce war sustainably.

World Peace cannot be taken for granted, especially when the rising of Islamic terrorism. Let us celebrate this day with mindfulness and gratitude of the peace that prevails in our countries.

Through Billion Acts of Peace, we can be an inspiration to others through planting tiny seeds of peace through our actions and volunteering works.

#7: October 10 – World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

Given increasing demands and stress in life, many people are suffering from mental health illnesses such anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar mood disorders etc. Let us celebrate World Mental Health Day with mindfulness and stillness.

#8: November 1 – World Vegan Day

World Vegan Day is an annual event celebrated by vegans around the world every 1 November. The benefits of veganism for humans, non-human animals and the natural environment are celebrated through activities such as setting up stalls, hosting potlucks and planting memorial trees.

This day is a reminder of consuming more fruits and vegetables rather than meat, for both health and ethical purposes.

#9: November 13 – World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement a coalition of nations kindness NGOs. It is observed in many countries, such as Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, Singapore, Italy, India, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

Kindness is the cornerstone of compassion and love. Let us celebrate with mindfulness of being kind to one another, a virtue advocated by Ellen Degeneres.

#10: December 5 – International Volunteer Day

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make their contributions visible – at local, national and international levels – to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Let us cultivate the spirit of giving and volunteering by celebrating International Volunteer Day!