UNGA Guide

Health

Government & Politics

Climate & Environment

Human Rights

Sustainable Development

Data & Technology

Education

COVID-19

Food & Nutrition

Virt Africa

Awareness Days

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Mental Health & Wellness

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Gender

The World Health Assembly (WHA) is an annual gathering of Ministers of Health, health leaders and delegations from all 194 United Nations Member States. In addition to official WHA plenary and committee meetings, there are also many events held on the sidelines of WHA.

World Health Assembly

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis. The theme this year is "Hepatitis can't wait," highlighting the urgent need to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Check out virt's curated list of events organized around the awareness day and other hepatitis-related events. 

World Hepatitis Day

Arts & Culture

Race & Ethnicity

<h4>For leaders, decision-makers, strategists and implementers of vaccination campaigns in Africa and the developing world.</h4>
In the face of the Delta and Delta Plus variants, the lack of available COVID-19 vaccines in low- and middle- income countries pose a monumental problem.&nbsp;<a href="https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Less than 5%</a>&nbsp;of Africans have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, a percentage that lags a long way behind the world (32.9%) and far behind the United States (60.4%). As COVID-19 vaccine supply issues are slowly addressed, it is important to take steps to bolster public trust in vaccinations. In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2021-04/South%20Africa%20Data%20Findings_Survey%203.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPSOS</a>&nbsp;study 43% of Africans surveyed said they would definitely get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. In the same study, the&nbsp; primary reason for declining vaccines when they do become available was a lack of information about vaccines. In countries with vaccine surplus, many governments are moving forward with lotteries to attempt to boost vaccine uptake. Greatly concerning is that amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration of standard childhood vaccines has declined. It is essential to address the reasons behind declining vaccination rates to find interventions to improve vaccine uptake for all diseases.
This executive education symposium is supported by&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://iserp.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy</a>&nbsp;at Columbia, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pgh.cuimc.columbia.edu/education-programs/program-vaccine-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Program in Vaccine Education</a>&nbsp;at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faculty of Health Sciences</a>&nbsp;at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Registration Required

University of Witwatersrand

Columbia University

English

Executive Education: Effective Ways to Increase Vaccination Rates

Terrorism, piracy, civil conflict, and strategic competition. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a host of security challenges presenting critical implications for U.S. engagement. Join the CSIS Africa Program and representatives from U.S. Congress, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Agency for International Development to discuss how Washington should approach these urgent issues.
This event opens with remarks from Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Chidi Blyden, and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa Travis Adkins on the role their respective government branches can play in supporting peace and security processes in sub-Saharan Africa. Following opening remarks, CSIS Africa Program Director Judd Devermont will moderate a conversation between the three panelists on sub-Saharan Africa&rsquo;s current security challenges, including how Washington should balance the use of military force and personnel deployments with diplomatic and development activities.
This event is made possible through general support to CSIS

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Africa's Security Challenges: A View from Congress, the Pentagon, and USAID

The youth population of the West Asia and North Africa region is exceedingly high. Youth have the potential to become agents of change and contribute to a more prosperous and stable future for themselves and their communities. However, this requires urgent and significant investment to create opportunities for meaningful learning, social engagement and work, all of which are currently limited.
This event seeks to provide a space for young people to reflect on and highlight actions that the international community should take to empower and support youth in West Asia and North Africa, in response to major global challenges such as COVID-19, refugee youth populations, violent conflict, andclimate change; and to discuss what it means to be young today in West Asia and North Africa.
Keynote Speakers
&bull; H.E. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports of the State of Qatar
&bull; Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General&rsquo;s Envoy on Youth
&bull; H.E. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
Panelists
&bull; Dana Khalid Al-Anzi, youth activist, President of Y17 Society
&bull; Saad Abid, climate activist, President of &ldquo;Bahri&rdquo;
&bull; H.E. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum
&bull; Reem Al Haddadin, Researcher, Sustainable Development Pillar, WANA
Welcoming Remarks
&bull; Banou Arjomand, Research Assistant, Global Governance, Justice &amp; Security, Stimson Center

Peace Child International

Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum

West Asia North Africa Institute (WANA)

Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations

Stimson Center

Youth Perspectives from West Asia and North Africa: Taking Action on COVID-19, Unemployment, Climate Change & other Global Challenges

Join us for our next conversation to hear from Access Bank and KIT Royal Tropical Institute . Access Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in Africa. Access Bank recognized the potential growth opportunity of the women&rsquo;s market fifteen years ago and in 2014 formalized this focus through their signature W- Initiative. Using rigorous market research across Nigeria, Access Bank identified three distinct priority segments of women and created specialized customer value propositions that included adapting existing products along with tailored non-financial services. By adopting a strategy that allowed multiple business units within the bank to offer products and services to the target segments of women. Access Bank has brought in 15.4 million new women clients and women now represents 34 % of the bank's portfolio. The bank intends to increase that number to at least 45 % by 2022.
In 2019, Access Bank PLC and FMO &ndash; the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank - commissioned the KIT Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) and Palladium to deliver a bundle of services to strengthen the W-Initiative in four countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia. A market research was conducted by KIT to identify the needs and preferences of the three W-Initiative female market segments.
This conversation, which is part of our series of conversations with providers, will be an opportunity to pull back the curtain on why Access Bank choose to focus on the women&rsquo;s market and how they developed and rolled out the W initiative in their quest for becoming the bank of choice for women in the markets they serve.

FinDev Gateway

Segmentation of Women Clients: Lessons from Access Bank Nigeria and KIT Royal Tropical Institute

Nutrition Conversations Africa (NCAfrica) is an advocacy platform aimed at illuminating African nutritional challenges and opportunities, transformative ideas and game-changing solutions through continuous conversations, call to action, advocacy support and engagement to curb malnutrition in Africa.
The second webinar discussion will be on &ldquo;Outcomes from the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit; What it means for Africa&rsquo;s Nutrition Stability&rdquo;&nbsp;
For the past year, there has been concerted effort from different stakeholders, national and global, to drive action and secure commitments culminating in the UN Food Systems Summit. Now that the historic summit has now been held, what does it all mean to secure Africa&rsquo;s nutrition? In this webinar, Nutrition Conversations Africa invites participants to unpack the possibilities and pathways created by the Summit, and how they would contribute to a nutrition secure Africa.

Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Outcomes from the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit; What it means for Africa’s Nutrition Stability

Speakers:
1)&nbsp;The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Jamesina King;
2)&nbsp;Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa, African Freedom of Information Centre;
3)&nbsp;Mr. Alfred Bulakali, Article 19-West Africa;
4)&nbsp;Mr. Maxwell Kadiri, Open Society Justice Initiative.
Moderator:&nbsp;Hlengiwe Dube, Centre for Human Rights.&nbsp;
Background
The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur) is convening a webinar to commemorate the&nbsp;International Day for Universal Access to Information. The webinar will serve as a forum to disseminate&nbsp;the revised&nbsp;Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa&nbsp;(the Declaration), which was adopted by the Commission during its 65th Ordinary Session, held in November 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR)

Arabic

Portuguese

French

Webinar in Commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information

The 1st International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA 2021) comes at a critical time on the continent and in the world. COVID-19 has strained health systems globally, and with limited access to vaccines in Africa, the pandemic has laid bare deep inequities in access to healthcare and scientific innovations. CPHIA will create a unique platform where African researchers, policymakers and stakeholders can share perspectives and research findings in public health, while ushering in a new era of strengthened scientific collaboration and innovation across the continent.

This will become an annual conference, hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conference Tracks
<ul>
 	<li>Track 1
Epidemiology of SARS-COV-2, virology, prevention and clinical</li>
 	<li>Track 2
Vaccine advocacy, production and distribution</li>
 	<li>Track 3
A new public health order for Africa in the context of public health emergency</li>
 	<li>Track 4
Assessing the response to COVID-19 in Africa to prepare for future health threats</li>
 	<li>Track 5
COVID-19 and equitable health system strengthening in Africa</li>
 	<li>Track 6
Digitalisation, modelling and analytics to support an effective public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic</li>
 	<li>Track 7
Agenda 2063: whole-of-society – private sector, community and leadership – approach in combatting COVID-19 and other emerging diseases*</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://africacdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CPHIA-2021_announcement-flyer_EN_11-Aug-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the flyer here.</a>

Africa CDC

Health Equity

Vaccines

Health Systems &amp; Universal Health Coverage

1st International Conference on Public Health in Africa - CPHIA 2021

EduTech Africa is intentionally designed to inspire &amp; encourage knowledge exchange and to showcase disruptors who are having a transformative impact on every aspect of education.

Like all sectors, education is changing - technology is now leading the charge, the demand for access to educational content is always increasing, learning spaces no longer have a traditional format, and now more than ever, students need to be taught, equipped and prepared differently for this new world of tomorrow.

Over 3 days, EduTech Africa will bring you insights from more than 140 leading stakeholders across a series of live presentations, panel discussions and technology showcases. The online expo will be a virtual marketplace where you can promote your brand, generate new ideas and make genuine business connections to drive your business forward.

And the best part? You can access it all from the comfort of your own home.

Terrapinn

Entrepreneuership

Edu-TECH- Africa's Virtual EdTech Conference & Exhibition

<h3>Industrialization for Development</h3>
Industrial development is of critical importance for sustained and inclusive economic growth in African countries. Industry can enhance productivity, increase the capabilities of the workforce, and generate employment, by introducing new equipment and new techniques. Industrialization, with strong linkages to domestic economies, will help African countries achieve high growth rates, diversify their economies and reduce their exposure to external shocks. This will substantially contribute to poverty eradication through employment and wealth creation.

Within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1991-2000), the United Nations General Assembly, in 1989, proclaimed 20 November “Africa Industrialization Day” (<a href="http://undocs.org/A/RES/44/237">A/RES/44/237</a>). Since then, the United Nations System has held events on that day throughout the world to raise awareness about the importance of Africa’s industrialization and the challenges faced by the continent.
<h3>The impact of COVID-19</h3>
Despite being the second most-populated continent in the world (1.2 billion people), Africa represented only <a href="https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/2020-06/World_manufacturing_production_2020_Q1.pdf">1.4 % of the world Manufacturing value added</a> in the first quarter of 2020. While the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved more slowly in Sub-Saharan Africa than in other regions, it has exerted a sizable toll on economic activity with a growth expected <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/overview">to fall to -3.3% in 2020</a>, pushing the region into its first recession in 25 years. The combination of domestic lockdowns and lower external demand from the global recession will weigh heavily on the industry sector.
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<h3>Background</h3>
On 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda, the Agreement establishing an<a href="https://au.int/en/cfta" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> African Continental Free Trade Area</a> (AfCFTA) was signed, creating a single African market for goods and services and the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries. The AfCFTA is expected to become operational on 1 January 2021, backed up by 28 ratifications to date, and 54 signatures to the Agreement. However, despite these positive developments, the advent of COVID-19 in early 2020 has posed the most formidable risk to the smooth phase-in of the AfCFTA, given its disruptive nature to business and commerce. Thus, given this scenario, the need to build continuous political advocacy on the need to industrialise Africa cannot be overemphasized. The AIW2020, therefore, presents such an opportunity, to rally stakeholders at national, regional, continental, and global levels to exchange knowledge on the continent’s structural transformation agenda.

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United Nations

Economic Growth

Mandarin

Russian

Spanish

Africa Industrialization Day 2021

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is one of the oldest goals of the United Nations. It was the subject of the General Assembly’s first resolution in 1946, which established the Atomic Energy Commission (dissolved in 1952), with a mandate to make specific proposals for the control of nuclear energy and the elimination of atomic weapons and all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction. The United Nations has been at the forefront of many major diplomatic efforts to advance nuclear disarmament since. In 1959, the General Assembly endorsed the objective of general and complete disarmament. In 1978, the First Special Session of the General Assembly Devoted to Disarmament further recognized that nuclear disarmament should be the priority objective in the field of disarmament. Every United Nations Secretary-General has actively promoted this goal.

Yet, today around 13,400 nuclear weapons remain. Countries possessing such weapons have well-funded, long-term plans to modernize their nuclear arsenals. More than half of the world’s population still lives in countries that either has such weapons or are members of nuclear alliances. While the number of deployed nuclear weapons has appreciably declined since the height of the Cold War, not one nuclear weapon has been physically destroyed pursuant to a treaty. In addition, no nuclear disarmament negotiations are currently underway.

Meanwhile, the doctrine of nuclear deterrence persists as an element in the security policies of all possessor states and many of their allies. The international arms-control framework that contributed to international security since the Cold War, acted as a brake on the use of nuclear weapons and advanced nuclear disarmament, has come under increasing strain. On 2 August 2019, the United States’ withdrawal spelled the end of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, through with the United States and the Russian Federation had previously committed to eliminating an entire class of nuclear missiles. The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (“new START”) will expire in February 2021. Should this treaty not be extended, as provided for in its articles, or expire without a successor, it will be the first time the world’s two largest strategic nuclear arsenals have been unconstrained since the 1970s.

Frustration has been growing amongst Member States regarding what is perceived as the slow pace of nuclear disarmament. This frustration has been put into sharper focus with growing concerns about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of even a single nuclear weapon, let alone a regional or global nuclear war.

The General Assembly commemorates 26 September as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This Day provides an occasion for the world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament as a priority. It provides an opportunity to educate the public - and their leaders - about the real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them. Commemorating this Day at the United Nations is especially important, given its universal membership and its long experience in grappling with nuclear disarmament issues. It is the right place to address one of humanity’s greatest challenges; achieving the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

In accordance with General Assembly resolution 68/32 and subsequent resolutions, the purpose of the International Day is to further the objective of the total elimination of nuclear weapons through enhancing public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination. In so doing, it is hoped that these activities will help to mobilize new international efforts towards achieving the common goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Background

The General Assembly declared the International Day in December 2013, in its resolution <a href="https://undocs.org/A/RES/68/32">68/32</a> as a follow-up to the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/ga/68/meetings/nucleardisarmament/">high-level meeting of the General Assembly on nuclear disarmament</a> held on 26 September 2013, in New York.

This was the latest in a series of efforts by the General Assembly to raise public awareness and to seek deeper engagement on nuclear disarmament matters. In 2009, the General Assembly had declared 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests (resolution <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/64/35">64/35</a>).

In resolution <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/68/32">68/32</a>, the General Assembly called for the “urgent commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament of a comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons to prohibit their possession, development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer and use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction.”

In 2014, in its resolution 69/58, the General Assembly further expressed its desire to commemorate the Day and requested the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly to make all arrangements necessary to commemorate and promote it, including by convening an annual meeting of the Assembly to commemorate the International Day and to provide a platform for the promotion of these activities. The General Assembly repeated these requests and call in subsequent years in its resolutions <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/70/34">70/34</a>, <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/71/71">71/71</a>, <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/72/251">72/251</a>, <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/73/40">73/40</a>, and <a href="http://undocs.org/a/res/74/54">74/54</a>.

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons has been observed annually since 2014. Pursuant to the resolutions of the General Assembly, the Member States, the United Nations system, and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, academia, parliamentarians, the mass media, and individuals are encouraged to commemorate and promote the International Day through enhancing public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination.

To observe the International Day, the United Nations is supporting events both in New York and Geneva. United Nations Information Centres around the world are encouraged to raise awareness to the observance of International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

Crisis &amp; Conflict

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2021

<h3>Rebuilding tourism in a safe, equitable, climate-friendly way</h3>
Tourism has been among the hardest hit of all sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. No country has been unaffected. Restrictions on travel and a sudden drop in consumer demand have led to an unprecedented fall in international tourism numbers, which in turn have led to economic loss and the loss of jobs.

Women, youth, and workers in the informal economy are the most at risk from tourism sector job losses and business closures due to the pandemic. At the same time, the destinations most reliant on tourism for jobs and economic growth are likely to be the hardest hit.

The tourism crisis is also a threat to wildlife conservation initiatives and to the protection of the world's cultural heritage. The sudden fall in tourism revenues has cut off funding for biodiversity conservation. With livelihoods at risk in and around protected areas, cases of poaching and looting are expected to rise. With 90% of World Heritage Sites closed as a result of the pandemic, humanity's cultural heritage is at risk in all parts of the world.

On this World Tourism Day, the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time.

The impact of COVID-19 on tourism

Data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows that 100 to 120 million direct tourism jobs are at risk. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) forecasts a loss of 1.5 to 2.8 percent of global GDP. Check the last <a href="https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/it-imperative-we-rebuild-tourism-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Secretary General's policy brief</a> about the impact of the pandemic on tourism and the roadmap towards a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.

Global community unites to celebrate “tourism and rural development”

The 2020 edition of World Tourism Day, with the theme of “<a href="https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tourism and Rural Development</a>”, will celebrate the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.

This year’s international day of observation comes at a critical moment, as countries around the world look to tourism to drive recovery, including in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar providing jobs and opportunity, most notably for women and youth.

Development through tourism can also keep rural communities alive. It is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world population will live in urban areas, while 80% of those currently living in ‘extreme poverty’ live outside of towns and cities.

The situation is particularly hard for youth: young people in rural communities are three times more likely to be unemployed than older adults. Tourism is a lifeline, offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate either within their home countries or abroad.

World Tourism Day 2020 will once again be celebrated by UNWTO’s Member States in all global regions as well as by cities and other destinations and by private sector organizations and individual tourists. It comes as communities in rural areas also struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These communities are usually much less prepared to deal with the short and longer-term impacts of the crisis. This is due to a number of factors, including their aging populations, lower income levels, and the continuing ‘digital divide’. Tourism offers a solution to all of these challenges.

For the first time in the 40-year history of World Tourism Day, the official celebration will not be hosted by a single Member State of the United Nations specialized agency. Instead, nations from the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Chile joining with observer status) will serve as joint hosts. This co-hosting agreement exemplifies the spirit of international solidarity that runs through tourism and which UNWTO has recognized as essential for recovery.

Sustainable Cities &amp; Communities

Wildlife protection

Music

Visual Arts

World Tourism Day 2021

September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide. World Rabies Day is observed in many countries, including the United States.

While <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html">rabies</a> is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59,000 people die from the disease around the world each year. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over. Major health organizations including the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, the <a class="tp-link-policy" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nrmp/ct_rabies" data-domain-ext="gov">United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)external icon</a>, the <a class="tp-link-policy" href="http://www.who.int/rabies/en/" data-domain-ext="int">World Health Organization (WHO)external icon</a>, the <a class="tp-link-policy" href="http://www.oie.int/animal-health-in-the-world/rabies-portal/" data-domain-ext="int">World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)external icon</a>, and the <a class="tp-link-policy" href="http://www.fao.org/home/en/" data-domain-ext="org">Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)external icon</a> have pledged to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.

The theme for World Rabies Day 2020 is “End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate”– you can help by <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/animals.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination</a>, and collaborating with doctors, veterinarians, educators, community workers, policymakers, and others in your community to raise awareness around rabies prevention and control.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Treatments

Primary Health Care

Global Health Research &amp; Development

Infectious Diseases

World Rabies Day 2021

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On 17 November 2015, the <a href="https://en.unesco.org/">United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization</a> (UNESCO) <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000235297">declared</a> 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and government bodies in the world have adopted and currently celebrate this observance, the UN General Assembly also <a href="https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/74/5">adopted</a> 28 September 2019 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

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Digital Divide

Disinformation

Data for public good

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2021

In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. World Heart Day is, therefore, the perfect platform for the CVD community to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden.

Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that CVD, including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 17.9 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.

World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world. We and our members believe in a world where heart health for everyone is a fundamental human right and a crucial element of global health justice.

World Heart Federation

World Heart Day 2021

This year we celebrate the first-ever observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. It also comes during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought about a global wake-up on the need to transform and rebalance the way our food is produced and consumed.

Reducing food losses and waste is essential in a world where the number of people affected by hunger has been slowly on the rise since 2014, and tons and tons of edible food are lost and/or wasted every day. Food loss and waste also put unnecessary pressure on the natural resource base and on the environment, depleting the natural resource base and generating greenhouse gases.

Read more and discover what you can do. Take action, start something. Stop food loss and waste. For the people. For the planet.

Why is it important to reduce food loss and waste?

Globally, around 14 percent of food produced is lost between harvest and retail. Significant quantities are also wasted in retail and at the consumption level.

When food is lost or wasted, all the resources that were used to produce this food -, including water, land, energy, labour, and capital – go to waste. In addition, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills, leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

Actions are required globally and locally to maximize the use of the food we produce. The introduction of technologies, innovative solutions (including e-commerce platforms for marketing, retractable mobile food processing systems), new ways of working, and good practices to manage food quality and reduce food loss and waste are key to implementing this transformative change.

Reducing food loss and waste requires the attention and actions of all, from food producers to food supply chain stakeholders, to food industries, retailers, and consumers.

Key messages
<ol>
 	<li>There is no room for food loss and waste in this time of crisis! The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call to rethink the way in which we produce, handle and waste our food!</li>
 	<li>Reducing food losses and waste provides a powerful means to strengthen our food systems.</li>
 	<li>Innovation, technologies, and infrastructure are critical to increasing the efficiency of food systems and to reducing food losses and waste.</li>
 	<li>Public interventions should seek to facilitate investments in food losses and waste reduction by private actors, especially at this critical time.</li>
 	<li>Innovative business models, with the participation of the private sector, need to be shaped and new approaches are needed to finance them, to stop food loss and food waste.</li>
 	<li>We should all be food savers: for the people, for the planet!</li>
</ol>
Did you know?
<ul>
 	<li>To monitor SDG Target 12.3, FAO has created the Food Loss Index (FLI). The focus of the indicator is on percentages of food removed from the supply chain. The FLI monitors changes in these percentages over time, relative to a base period currently set at 2015, in order to track progress against SDG Target 12.3.</li>
 	<li>FAO’s current work on measurement is critical to tracking progress on reducing food losses against the Global Food Loss Indicator, of 14 percent.</li>
 	<li>When reductions in food loss occur close to the farm, they are most effective in addressing food insecurity and in alleviating stress on land and water.</li>
 	<li>When reductions in food waste occur downstream in the supply chain and at the consumer level they are key to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
 	<li>The largest improvements in food security are likely to occur by reducing food losses in the early stages of the supply chain, especially on-farm and at harvest in countries with high levels of food insecurity.</li>
 	<li>Nutrient loss due to quantitative and qualitative food loss and waste may represent a missed opportunity to reduce malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.</li>
</ul>

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2021

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Roundtable Discussion: Community understanding and trust as key drivers for vaccinations in Africa