UNESCO commemorations

Bringing communities together around universal aspirations

This is the purpose of the international commemorations currently observed by UNESCO. The United Nations designates specific days, weeks, years and decades as occasions to mark particular events or topics in order to promote, through awareness and action, the objectives of the Organization, with UNESCO being part of the declaration of the following commemorations. Usually, these commemorations are proposed by its Member States and established by resolution of the General Conference.

Our commemorations

International Days

Each International Day represents an opportunity to highlight achievements of humanity.

International Weeks

UNESCO participates in the celebration of the following International Weeks.

International Years

Most International Years are proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Decades

UNESCO's efforts to draw global attention to key issues around the world.

approved the first international day - Human Rights Day - to be observed on 10 December in remembrance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed on 10 December 1948.

Every year numerous celebrations are organized around the world to remind and unite the communities around universal aspirations with the aim of advocating for peace and security in the world, as well as to make ever greater efforts in dialogue among cultures, education for all, respect for human dignity, freedom of expression, gender equality for sustainable development.