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Welcome
International Days and major international conferences reflect a growing sense that we are part of One Humanity and One Life. On these occasions there is a special opportunity to serve in the creation of a world that reflects this spirit of Oneness in all its diversity.
As meditators we can symbolically stand together with all those actively working to create right human relations, and invoke the aid of the Forces of Light in support of these events.
Sustainable Development Goals & Climate Change
These International Days and events reflect important themes in the mobilization of energies to:
- Build right relations in the world by addressing serious problems of poverty, inequality and climate change through practical actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
- engaging people of goodwill all over the world in a common movement.
2024 United Nations International Years
Silence at the United Nations
The Spiritual Caucus at the United Nations gathers subjectively and online(September - June) on the third Thursday every month for 30 minutes of silence followed by 30 minutes of dialogue, sharing insights and exploring ways to use an inner focus in service of the work of the UN.
On the first Thursday of the month, from October to June, Caucus members and others gather in the Meditation Room at the UN HQ in New York, from 12:30 – 1:00 pm. We spend 10-30 minutes in silence together, followed by optional conversation in the nearby cafe afterwards.
Please link in from wherever you are. More information at: http://www.spiritualcaucusun.org/
In December you are invited to gather in the UN Meditation Room for 10 - 30 minutes from 12.30 on December 5, and to join an online virtual gathering, including 30 minutes of silence, on Thursday, December 19, from 2.00- 3.15 pm EDT with a particular focus on supporting the UN. Write for details to info@spiritualcaucusun.org.
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December Please Hold These Events in the Light
December 1
World AIDS Day
2024 theme: Take the rights path
With human rights at the centre, with communities in the lead, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
UN Aids Day
www.unaids.org
December 2
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Although modern slavery is not defined in law, it is used as an umbrella term covering practices such as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power.
Modern slavery occurs in almost every country in the world, and cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines. More than half (52 per cent) of all forced labour and a quarter of all forced marriages can be found in upper-middle income or high-income countries.
On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, let us reaffirm the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us redouble our efforts so that the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- "no one shall be held in slavery or servitude" -- ring true. - Kofi Annan
www.un.org/en/events/
www.ilo.org
www.antislavery.org
50forfreedom.org
December 2
World Futures Day
2024 theme: The Future of Global Social & Economic Progress
UNESCO's World Futures Day emphasizes the critical role of futures and foresight in building peaceful and inclusive societies. In alignment with UNESCO’s ongoing support for governments in developing forward-thinking policies, this year’s World Futures Day serves as a platform to explore the integration of futures literacy and foresight for long-term decision-making and inclusive policies.
www.unesco.org
December 2 - 4
International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development, Bankgok, Thailand
2024 Theme: Taking Action for Just Energy Transition
This thirteenth international sustainable energy forum organised by the five United Nations Regional Commissions will take place at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The 13th Forum in Bangkok will explore pathways to accelerate the energy transition and ensure that the transition is “just”. Experts from the energy sector, representatives from governments, UN entities, international organizations and other stakeholders will discuss major issues and demonstrate actions to just energy transition.
www.unescap.org
December 2 - 4
UNESCO International Forum on the Futures of Education, Suwon, Republic of Korea
2024 Theme: Renewing the Social Contract for Education
UNESCO’s International Forum on the Futures of Education 2024 aims to provide a platform through which Member States and the global community can strengthen dialogue in relation to the Futures of Education initiative.
We face an existential choice between continuing an unsustainable path or radically changing course. But no trend is destiny. There is an urgency to shape alternatives and reimagine possible futures. Education is crucial to this change of course. It has great potential to help shape more just, inclusive and sustainable futures by rebalancing our relationships with each other, the living planet and technology. Yet, to do so, education itself must be transformed.
unfccc.int
December 2 - 13
UN Combat Desertification Conference, COP 16, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the global voice for land and one of the three major UN treaties known as the Rio Conventions, alongside climate and biodiversity.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main decision-making body of UNCCD’s 197 Parties – 196 countries and the European Union. ... Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of UNCCD, COP16 will be the largest UN land conference to date, and the first UNCCD COP held in the Middle East and North Africa region, which knows first-hand the impacts of desertification, land degradation and drought.
COP16 is poised to be a game-changer, marking a renewed global commitment to accelerate investment and action to restore land and boost drought resilience for the benefit of people and planet.
unccd.int
December 3
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
2024 theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future
Over a billion people, approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. Following the historic passage of a global Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities there has been a growing recognition by governments and civil society that any plans for human development must include and involve the community of people living with disabilities.
The leadership of persons with disabilities is epitomised by the global disability rights movement’s slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us”. It connotes the basic requirements of participation, representation and inclusion and calls for persons with disabilities to actively shape the conditions of their lives.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.un.org/desa/
December 4
International Day of Banks
Well-run national development banks can help countries develop financing options for Sustainable Development Goal-related investments. Such banks should be aligned with the Goals in a holistic way and be considered in integrated national financing frameworks. Collaboration between national development banks and multilateral banks, through co-financing or on-lending arrangements, can enhance Goal-related finance through the complementarity of international resources and local market knowledge.
www.un.org/
www.unepfi.org/
December 5
World Soil Day
Theme 2024: Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually by the UN on 5 December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life, and decreasing the level of vitamins and nutrients in food.
This year's theme underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soils characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security
www.fao.org/
www.un.org
December 5
International Volunteer Day
2024 theme: Diverse volunteers, stronger communities
A day to celebrate the goodwill energy radiated throughout the human family by volunteers. Every society in the world relies on a vast network of volunteers to bring the energies of heart into community.
It is simply not possible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without including people at all stages, at all levels, and at all times. Volunteering makes people part of the solutions. Volunteerism lets people and communities participate in their development.
www.un.org
www.unv.org
December 7 - 8
Doha Forum 2024, Doha, Qatar
2024 Theme: The Innovation Imperative
Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders in policy to discuss critical challenges facing our world, and to build innovative and action-driven networks.
As the world grapples with disruptive forces impacting security, climate, economies, and the global order itself, the need for innovative approaches to cooperation and problem-solving has never been more urgent. In a dynamic world, innovation is not only beneficial - it is existential. Organizations, systems, and even societies that do not innovate will be disrupted.
dohaforum.org
December 9
International Anti-Corruption Day
December 9
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
2024 Theme: Remembrance and Prevention: The Role of Commemoration and Memory for the Prevention of Genocide
First observed in 2015, this Day seeks to raise awareness of the 1948 Genocide Convention (adopted on 9 December) and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.
www.un.org/en/events/genocidepreventionday/
www.genocidewatch.com
December 9
World Negotiation Day
2024 Theme: 'The Art of Mediation' in the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
Recognizing effective communication as the key to navigating the intricate terrain of the 21st century, World Negotiation Day serves to celebrate international commitments to securing peaceful settlements of disputes.
Led by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), this years Negotiation Day celebration is being held with the collaboration and support of the Doha Forum.
unitar.org/
December 10
Human Rights Day
2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
This Human Rights Day we focus on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said, “Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.”
www.un.org/en/events/
www.ohchr.org/
December 11
International Mountains Day
2024 Theme: Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth.
International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the mountain peoples and environments.
Over centuries, mountain communities have developed solutions to adapt to their harsh environments, deal with climate change, reduce poverty and protect or restore biodiversity and ecosystems in mountain regions. International Mountain Day 2024 aims to focus on innovative solutions, fostering adaptation strategies and empowering youth for a sustainable future.
Many of the world's great mountain regions have long been considered to be sacred. See for example:
Nine Sacred Mountains of China;
Sacred Mountains, Themes and Teachings by Edwin Bernbaum.
www.fao.org
www.un.org
mountain.org
csvpa.org
December 12
International Universal Health Coverage Day
2024 Theme: Health: It's on the government.
Established by the UN General Assembly in December 2012, Universal Health Coverage Day aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners. The General Assembly voted to encourage governments to move towards Universal Health coverage on the understanding that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care - as an essential priority for international development.
www.un.org/en/events/
universalhealthcoverageday.org
www.uhc2030.org
December 12
International Day of Neutrality
Concerned to encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means the UN General Assemby voted in 2017 to declare December 12 International Day of Neutrality
It is worth noting that the policy of neutrality — a key factor for providing conditions and building a platform for peaceful negotiations — is also closely interconnected with and based on the tools of preventive diplomacy, such as early warning and prevention of conflict, mediation, good offices, fact-finding missions, negotiation, the use of special envoys, informal consultations, peacebuilding and targeted development activities.
www.un.org
dppa.un.org
December 15
Full Moon — Sagittarius
Theme: I see the goal, I reach that goal, and then I see another.
Since ancient times human beings have honored the full moon as a time when the sacred is most accesible. It is a time of light - the moon reflects the light of the sun onto the face of the earth. In astrology this is a time when the qualities and potentials of the zodiacal sign of the sun are especially available to humanity for use in service.
During the full moon religious and esoteric groups around the world use the opportunities of this time to vizualize light and love and spiritual power flowing into humanity and strengthening all that is being done to help prepare the way for a world of unity, justice and peace; a world in which the Sustainable Development Goals are in process of being achieved.
www.lucistrust.org
www.lucistrust.org/resources/
December 18
International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 to mark the anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly, in 1990, of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. During the last decade migrants have made up around 3% of the global population — 214 million people are today classified as migrants.
Migrants contribute greatly to the sense of cultural diversity in modern societies, and to our appreciation of the oneness of the human spirit. They give us the experience of living in a global neighborhood. Yet migrants are often subject to discrimination and exploitation. In a world of unity in diversity all communities are challenged to ensure that migrants are treated with humanity and their rights respected.
The Day will be observed by Migrants groups as The Global Day of Action for the Rights of Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.gfmd.org/
www.iom.int
iamamigrant.org/
December 20
International Human Solidarity Day
Convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing was important for combating poverty, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 December as International Human Solidarity Day.
It is to be observed as :
- A day to celebrate our unity in diversity
- A day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements
- A day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity
- A day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication
- A day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
Once we truly grasp that we are brothers and sisters in a common humanity, then we can shape our attitudes towards life in the light of the solidarity which makes us one. This is especially true in all that relates to the basic universal project: peace. - John Paul II.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.ohchr.org
December 21
World Meditation Day - UN
On December 7, 2024, the UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring December 21st ever year as World Meditation Day
To raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the General Assembly proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.
It is significant that the draft resolution before the General Assembly affirmed the importance, as a place for prayer and meditation, of the meditation room at United Nations Headquarters in New York, acknowledged the universality of meditation, practised in all regions of the
world, and recognized that meditation can contribute to health and well-being and that the wider dissemination of information about the benefits of meditation would be beneficial for the health and well-being of people around the world
www.un.org/
documents.un.org
December 21
Global Silent Minute
2024 Theme: Ressurect Truth through Silence as Action.
The fourth annual Global Silent Minute will take place at 9pm GMT on 21 December 2022. Participate by ringing a bell and observing a minute of silence.
In 2024 we will restore our re-membrance of the living, radiant power of Truth that resounds in the Heart, that rings through from the Cosmic Bell to the Planetary Bell (Mount Kailash, the Mountain of the Bell, in Tibet), to the bell within each and every one of us.
www.globalsilentminute.org
www.facebook.com
December 21
World Basketball Day
In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sport is recognized as an important enabler of sustainable development. Sports, the arts and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviours, as well as to inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination and defuse conflict. Basketball impacts global spheres of commerce, peace and diplomacy, and creates a unique space of cooperation, physical movement and an interdependence that allows participants to see each other as human beings first and foremost.
Like many other sports, basketball transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It serves as a unifying force where people from different backgrounds can come together, bond and communicate with each other, creating connections and breaking down barriers, and thereby contributing to peace.
www.un.org
December 27
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
Major infectious diseases and epidemics have devastating impacts on human lives, wreaking havoc on long-term social and economic development. Global health crises threaten to overwhelm already overstretched health systems, disrupt global supply chains and cause disproportionate devastation of the livelihoods of people, including women and children, and the economies of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.… It is important to strengthen epidemic prevention by applying lessons learned on epidemic management and how to prevent the stoppage of basic services, and to raise the level of preparedness in order to have the earliest and most adequate response to any epidemic that may arise, and recognizing also the value of an integrated One Health approach that fosters integration of human health, animal health and plant health, as well as environmental and other relevant sectors.
www.un.org
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