( The 171 is according to my own calendar count!.)
The international observances (which also include weeks, years and decades) are some of the most visited pages on the UN website. Each international day has a dedicated website, available in the UN’s six official languages
The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
Raise Awareness
International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
Each international day offers many actors the opportunity to organize activities related to the theme of the day. Organizations and offices of the United Nations system, and most importantly, governments, civil society, the public and private sectors, schools, universities and, more generally, citizens, make an international day a springboard for awareness-raising actions.
Taking Action
The UN takes advantage of these Days to advise States on actions to tackle the serious problems around which many of these dates revolve. It is not unusual that a resolution is signed on the designated ID.
An Importance Indicator
The International Days also serve as an indicator of the interest that a given subject attracts in each part of the world. To find this out, the level of engagement that these commemorations receive in different regions and languages across the world are measured.
Well-known International days
International Women's Day (8 March)
International Peace Day (21 September)
United Nations Day (24 October) Of course!
Some trivia for your next event!
March 21 is the date of five different international days
June is the month with the most international days.
What would be your most relatable international day?
What would you add or delete from the list? (link below)
To read more about international days, how they are chosen and see a calendar, visit