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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 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 the causes of serious problems of poverty, inequality and environmental degradation through practical actions to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
- engaging people of goodwill all over the world in a common movement.
2026 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 (October 2), from October to June, Caucus members and others gather in the Meditation Room at the UN HQ in New York, from 12:00 – 12:45 pm for 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 March you are invited to gather in the UN Meditation Room for 10 - 30 minutes from 12.00 - 12.45 on March 5, and to join an online virtual gathering, including 30 minutes of silence, on Thursday, March 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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March Please Hold These Events in the Light
March 1
Zero Discrimination Day
2026 theme: People First.
Zero Discrimination Day promotes equality before the law for all people throughout the world. It is especially promoted by UNAIDS and organisations opposing discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
www.unaids.org
March 1
World Seagrass Day
Seagrass Day highlights the urgent need to raise awareness at all levels and to promote and facilitate actions for the conservation of seagrasses in order to contribute to their health and development, bearing in mind that enhancing ecosystem services and functions is important for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that are found in shallow waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic circle. They form extensive underwater meadows, creating complex, highly productive and biologically rich habitats. ... Almost 30% of global seagrass area has been lost since the late nineteenth century and at least 22 of the world’s 72 seagrass species are in decline.
www.un.org
March 1
World Futures Day
This will be the 13th year that futurists have gathered on March 1 for a 24-hour open conversation on how to build a better future. Starting at 12 noon in New Zealand, the conversation continues on ZOOM around the world, starting at 12 noon local time. Each year, total strangers discuss ideas about possible worlds of tomorrow in a relaxed, open, no-agenda conversation. Futures research is shared, collaborations are created, and new friendships are made.
The event is sponsored by a number of futures organisations, including the Association of Professional Futurists, World Future Studies Federation, Humanity+, and The Millennium Project.
World Futures Day
March 3
World Wildlife Day
2026 Theme: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
This Day is an opportunity to celebrate wild animals and plants; to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people; and to remember the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime.
www.un.org/en/events/
wildlifeday.org
March 3
Full Moon — Pisces
Since ancient times human beings have honored the full moon as a time when the sacred is most accessible. 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 visualize 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 which is increasingly concentrated on the work of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
www.lucistrust.org
March 5
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
This Day seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people. ... [The Day] plays a role in deepening the global public’s understanding about how disarmament efforts contribute to enhancing peace and security, preventing and ending armed conflicts, and curbing human suffering caused by weapons.
www.un.org/en/events/
disarmamenteducation.org
March 6
World Day of Prayer
2026 theme: I Will Give You Rest: Come.
World Day of Prayer is a global Christian ecumenical movement of 'Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action', held on the first Friday of March. This is a movement initiated and carried out by women in over 170 countries. Throughout the entire day, we collectively pray all over the world, beginning with the first sunrise and ending at the last sunset. Our prayers follow the sun's path around the globe.
Every year a fresh service is prepared by women from a different country. In 2026 the Service has been prepared by women of Nigeris.
www.worlddayofprayer.net
March 8
International Women's Day
2026 UN Theme: For Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls
The Feminine is on the rise in human consciousness and this key festival is widely celebrated around the world. In our time the rights of women, and the rights of children nourished by women, are key issues in every modern society.
The UN document declaring the Sustainable Development Goals notes that: The achievement of full human potential and of sustainable development is not possible if one half of humanity continues to be denied its full human rights and opportunities. In addition to Goal 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, 11 of the 16 other goals include gender-sensitive targets.
www.un.org/en/events/
www.internationalwomensday.com
www.unwomen.org
March 9 - 19
UN Commission on the Status of Women, UN Headquarters, New York, USA
2026 Priority Theme: Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.
Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. Representatives of civil society groups also gather at the UN for the annual NGO CSW Forum. During these annual gatherings there is a concentration of thinking and energy on issues of gender equality.
Together with the policy making deliberations the Commission acts as a focal point for a vast number of gatherings at UN HQ, organised by governments, international agencies and NGO's. It is always a joy to be at UN Headquarters during the CSW sessions when there are so many women present from every part of the world.
www.unwomen.org/
www.ngocsw.org
2026 Theme: Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries that work together to pursue common goals which promote development, democracy and peace. With a combined population of 2.5 billion, the Commonwealth includes industrialised and developing economies in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Commonwealth Day is an occasion for people throughout this unique family of nations to host a wide variety of events celebrating the vast diversity, strong unity and uplifting values that define the Commonwealth. Although the association has its roots in the British Empire, any country can join today's Commonwealth
thecommonwealth.org
commonwealthfoundation.com
March 10
International Day of Women Judges
Theme: To achieve justice, we need more women in justice.
Despite women’s increased engagement in public life, they remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions. In fact, a relatively small number of women have been, or are part of, the judiciary, particularly at senior judicial leadership positions.
The International Day aims to promote the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the judiciary, to celebrate the progress that has been made and raise awareness about the challenges ahead!
www.un.org/en/events/
www.unodc.org/
March 13 - 15
International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand
2026 Themes include: Mindfulness · Psychology · Spirituality · Well-Being.
This is the 11th in a series of global conferences dedicated to exploring the profound connection between spirituality and psychology. ... leading scholars, researchers, practitioners, and professionals will convene to share insights and advance knowledge on topics related to mental health, well-being, and the intersection of these fields.
www.spirituality-conference.org
March 15
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Islamophobia is a fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim.
In resolving to establish this International Day, the UN General Assembly called for a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and belief.
www.un.org/en/events/
United Nations Alliance of Civilisations
March 20
International Day of Happiness
International Day of Happiness is a United Nations Day honoring the work on national happiness by the Kingdom of Bhutan. In resolving to observe the Day the UN General Assembly highlighted the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals ... and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives. The world needs a new economic paradigm that recognizes the parity between the three pillars of sustainable development. Social, economic and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness. Ban Ki-moon
www.un.org/en/events/
worldhappiness.report
www.happycounts.org
www.dayofhappiness.net
March 21
International Astrology Day
Established in 1993 by the Association for Astrological Networking [now part of the Organization for Professional Astrology Foundation - OPAPA] Astrology Day is celebrated on the Vernal Equinox, the first day (in the tropical Zodiac) of Aries. International Programs are broadcast by AstroArt School of Astrology, Turkey.
en.wikipedia.org
astrolojiokulu.com/
March 21
World Day for Glaciers
Glaciers and ice sheets, which store approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater, are melting at unprecedented rates due to rising global temperatures. This rapid and ongoing loss of ice threatens the water supply for billions of people. 2025 was observed by the UN as International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, and this second World Day for Glaciers marks the officialend of the Year. The Day will also be celebrated at UNESCO HQ in Paris with an introduction to plans for the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences 2025 - 2034.The cyrosphere includes glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, sea ice and snow.
www.un.org
www.un-glaciers.org
www.un-cryosphere.org
March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On March 21 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". In 1966 it was agreed to observe this day as a reminder of the deep commitment needed to end racial discrimination in all its forms in all parts of the world. The challenge of our time is to foster the ethics of human unity.
UNESCO sponsors an International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, linking over 500 cities committed to ending racism.
www.un.org/
www.unesco.org/
March 21
International Day of Forestry
2026 theme: Forests and Economies.
This United Nations Day dedicated to forests affirms the degree to which human beings are struggling to develop a new and more responsible relationship with the natural world.
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. Yet deforestation continues at an alarming rate ...
www.un.org/
March 21
World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day, sponsored by UNESCO, aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities. Moreover, this Day is meant to support poetry, return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, promote teaching poetry, restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theater, dance, music, painting and so on, support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art.
"Arranged in words, coloured with images, struck with the right meter, the power of poetry has no match. As an intimate form of expression that opens doors to others, poetry enriches the dialogue that catalyses all human progress, and is more necessary than ever in turbulent times." Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO.
unesco.org
March 21
International Nowruz Day
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.
Meaning 'New Day' in Persian, Nowruz is far more than just the start of a new year—it is an ancient celebration of life, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.
www.un.org/
March 21
World Down Syndrome Day
2026 theme: Together Against Loneliness.
Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health. The Day has been observed by the United Nations since 2012, as a tool to raise awareness of Down Syndrome.
On March 21 Down Syndrome International will host the 15th World Down Syndrome Day Conference at UN Headquarters in New York.
www.un.org/
www.worlddownsyndromeday.org
events.ds-int.org
2026 theme: Where water flows, equality grows.
The global water crisis affects everyone – but not equally. Where people lack the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the brunt. It’s time to centre women and girls in water solutions.
Explore the work of visionary water advocate Maude Barlow and the Blue Planet Project, a global movement struggling to achieve the Right for Water as a fundamental human right.
www.worldwaterday.org
March 23
World Meteorological Day
2026 Theme: Observing today, Protecting tomorrow.
Climate affects the thinking, and the moods of people - and, many spiritual traditions suggest, the thinking of people en masse affects the climate. For the first time on a global level, it is now recognized that there is a need to alter the way we think and behave in order to offset the serious affects of climate change.
From satellites orbiting Earth, to weather balloons released into the atmosphere, to ocean buoys and ships riding the waves, to remote mountain stations, meteorological observations underpin everything from our daily routines to multi-billion dollar decisions.
wmo.int
March 24
World Tuberculosis Day
2026 Theme: Yes! We can end TB!’
TB is the world's deadliest infectious killer. Each year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
www.who.int/
www.stoptb.org
March 24
International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
This UN Day marks the anniversary of the death of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero, of El Salvador, who was assassinated on 24 March 1980, after denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable populations and defending the principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity and opposition to all forms of violence.
The Day affirms an important principle in international law: all peoples have a right to know the truth about gross human rights violations and the right to know what happened to loved ones. States have an obligation to investigate cases of enforced disappearance and let any interested person know the concrete steps taken to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared persons.
www.un.org
www.romerotrust.org.uk
March 25
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
2026 Theme: Justice in Action: Confronting History, Advancing Dignity, Empowering Futures.
Recognizing how little is known about the 400-year-long transatlantic slave trade and its lasting consequences, March 25 has been designated as an annual day of remembrance of the trade and its victims. The intention is to raise awareness among future generations of the causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice.
www.un.org/en/events/
March 25
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
Serving the cause of peace in a violent world is a dangerous occupation. Since the founding of the United Nations, more than 3,500 brave men and women have lost their lives in its service. Natural disasters also claim the lives of those serving the UN.
This is a day to mobilize action, demand justice and strengthen our resolve to protect UN staff and peacekeepers, as well as those in the non-governmental community and the press.
www.un.org/
March 26 - 28
Trade + Sustainability Hub Conference, Yaoundé, Cameroon
This is the fourth time that the International Institute for Sustainable development (IISD) has organized a gathering of thought leaders from across governments, business, and civil society for a series of in-depth conversations on how trade policy can evolve to meet today’s global challenges and deliver meaningful progress on sustainable development. The gathering will be held alongside the Fourteenth World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference.
www.iisd.org
Switch off and give an hour for Earth on Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 pm your local time. Together, let's create the Biggest Hour for Earth!
The Earth Hour Movement began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, under the sponsorship of WWF, when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for an hour as a symbol of their stand for the Earth and their willingness to act against climate change.
Today it has become what WWF describe as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. Every year, on the last Saturday of March, hundreds of millions of people from over 170 countries take part in the lights off campaign, turning their lights off for one hour at 8:30 pm local time.
www.earthhour.org
March 30
International Day of Zero Waste
2026 Theme: Towards zero waste in food.
The world wastes food on a staggering scale. Every year we throw away about 1 billion tonnes of edible food, nearly one-fifth of all food available to consumers. This impacts both people and the environment.
Around 60 per cent of food waste happens at the household level. The rest comes mostly from food service and retail, the result of inefficient food systems – including production, distribution and consumption. Tackling this issue requires redesigning these systems, transitioning towards a more sustainable, circular approach grounded in efficiency, resilience and sustainability.
www.un.org/
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