International Days

United Nations Day, observed on October 24, commemorates the UN’s 1945 founding and its mission to promote peace, cooperation, and collective action on global challenges. Each year, the UN highlights its work in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and sustainable development, underscoring the importance of multilateral solutions. UNA-GP has honored this day through events such as a UN Day forum at Philadelphia City Hall on peacekeeping and deterring violence, a Human Rights Happy Hour engaging the Latino community on immigration and ICE, and other year-to-year programs reflecting local and global concerns.

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, recognizes women’s achievements while highlighting the ongoing need for gender equality. Rooted in more than a century of global advocacy, it remains a call for action, solidarity, and community-driven change. UNA-GP has supported this mission by promoting official fundraising campaigns and hosting events such as a film screening of Shalini Kantayya’s A Drop of Life and a women’s choir performance celebrating women’s voices and resilience.

International World Water Day, observed on March 22, emphasizes the importance of safe, sustainably managed water as a fundamental human right. The United Nations uses this day to spotlight pressures on freshwater systems and encourage equitable, resilient water solutions. UNA-GP has supported this mission through its partnership with the Global Water Alliance, hosting Garden Party events on clean water access, participating in Walk for Water activities, and organizing the Alternative Model UN Urban Farm Design Competition focused on water sustainability.

The International Day of Peace, observed on September 21, encourages communities around the world to reflect on how peace is built locally and globally. The UN marks this day through calls for ceasefires, dialogue, and long-term commitments to justice. UNA-GP has extended this observance into Peace Week, engaging in efforts such as Harmony for Peace concerts, the “Footballs Not Firearms” event, events at the Perry World House Program for Global Engagement, sessions on peace journalism, and panels on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday in January, is a national day of service dedicated to advancing justice through action and reflection. UNA-GP has commemorated this day by hosting programs such as the 27th MLK Day of Service event focused on peace and civic responsibility. The association has also engaged youth on this day through the Water Model UN activity, where students drafted and delivered a letter to Mayor Kenney urging stronger stormwater management and greener city policies.

International Human Rights Day, observed on December 10, marks the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirms core principles of dignity, equality, and justice. The UN uses this day to reflect on ongoing human rights challenges worldwide. UNA-GP honors this mission through programs like “Champions of Human Rights: Voices and Action for a Just World,” partnerships with groups such as the Coalition for Peace Action and The Ethical Society of Philadelphia, and events featuring speakers on issues like the global refugee crisis and Philadelphia’s welcoming efforts.

Earth Day, observed on April 22, highlights the environmental challenges driven by human activity and the urgent need to protect the planet. The UN uses this day to elevate conversations on climate change, sustainability, and clean energy transitions. UNA-GP has supported these goals through Earth Day webinars and events like the Habitat III Seminar and Flood Mitigation Contest Launch, which examined global warming, urban resilience, and innovative flood-management solutions.

World Food Day, observed on October 16, raises awareness about hunger, food insecurity, and the need for sustainable food systems. The UN emphasizes how climate change, conflict, and inequality shape global food access. UNA-GP has contributed to this mission through programs such as World Food Week: Water and Food – The Art of Irrigation and the forum Fighting Hunger in Philadelphia: Are We Equipped? Are We Organized? What’s Next?, which brought together leaders to discuss social protection and local food-system challenges.

World Toilet Day, observed on November 19, raises awareness about the 2 billion people who lack safe sanitation and underscores the UN’s commitment to expanding equitable, climate-resilient sanitation under SDG 6. The UN marks this day with global advocacy, educational campaigns, and calls to action that emphasize sanitation as a core human right. At UNA-GP, we have highlighted this issue through campus lectures on global sanitation led by experts from the Global Water Alliance and through panel discussions that focused on why sanitation access varies across countries and why the world cannot wait to address the growing sanitation gap.