International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) is celebrated every year on May 17^th. This date was chosen to mark the day because it was in May 17^th in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization.

The day is coordinated by the Paris-based IDAHO committee. By 2010 the organization and the IDAHO day had been fully and officially recognized by the EU parliament, Belgium, the UK, Mexico, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, France, Luxemburg, Spain, and Brazil. In addition, in many countries like Argentina, Italy, Bolivia, and Croatia the day has been recognized by cities and regional governments…

In 2005, in Tunis, the United Nations hosted a conference, which aimed to bridge the ‘digital divide’ that separates rich and poor countries. This conference was called the World Summit on the Information Society. Following from this conference May 17^thwas proclaimed as the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day.

Women and Girls in IT

The main aim of this day is to raise awareness of changes brought about by technology, specifically the Internet.

This year’s theme for Information Society Day is Women and Girls in Information and Communication Technology…

The United Nations announced the year 1994 as the International Year of Families. The announcement was a response to changing social and economic structures, which affected, and still affect, the structure and stability of families in many regions around the world. Ever since 1994, May 15^th has been celebrated as the International Day of Families, in order to remind all individuals, businesses, and governments alike that families are the center of society and provide a supporting, stable home for people of all ages.

Here are some primary points regarding family that the United Nations Social Policy and Development Division list in their mission statement:

-       The integration of a family perspective into policy-making at the national, regional and international levels must be promoted

-       Family research and diagnostic studies need to be supported

-       There must be continuous dialogue with Governments, civil society and the private sector on family issues

-       Coordination on family policies and programmes within national governments and within the United Nations system will be encouraged and supported

Policy meetings for public officials, exhibitions and organized discussions to raise awareness of the annual theme, educational sessions for children and young people, and the launch of campaigns that support families are common activities on the International Day of Families.

Although the definition and meaning of family varies greatly from one culture to another, and from one person to the next, family is a universal unit that all of us can relate to, in one way or another. Happy International Day of Families to you all!

Today is World Fair Trade Day!

The day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and is being supported by thousands of citizens, fair trade organizations, social and environmental movements, and producers and consumers all around the planet. In the world economy, in important decision-making, and in business, the interests of small farmers are often forgotten. World Fair Trade Organization aims “to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trade,” by keeping their voices heard.

World Fair Trade Organization lists a range of fun ways for individuals to help and participate on this day. Activities range all the way from face painting to trade concerts.

Last year, Fair trade supporters around the world held a 100% fair trade breakfast. What will you do this year?

Also read about Fair Trade Fortnight for more fair trade tips.

Today is Europe Day, a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe! Earlier in the week, May 5^thwas a day designated to the Council of Europe, whereas today’s date designates the European Union.

Unity in Diversity - the EU Flag

Europe Day is simply an observance day and it’s not a public holiday. It is a political event, nevertheless, and the day attempts to teach people more about the ways in which the EU works and to speak in support of European integration.

Today’s date marks the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross, and the recipient of the world’s first Nobel Price. Today, May 8^th, is the World Red Cross Crescent Day, and days from May 6th to 12th mark an annual Red Cross week.

Today, Red Cross has approximately 97 million volunteers, members, and staff members world wide. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies exist in nearly every country in the world…

Wesak (or Vesak) is one of the most important Buddhist holidays. It is always celebrated during full moon in May, which this year falls onto May 5^th.

Enlightened Buddha

Wesak celebrates the birthday, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. The death of the Buddha is not a sad occasion because it simply marks the day when the Buddha finally reached Nirvana, a heavenly state where there is no pain or suffering…

May Day is significant in many different ways. First, May Day, also known as the International Workers’ Day, is a celebration of the labor movement and other left-wing movements.

Children dancing around a Maypole

International Workers’ Day originated in 1886 when workers around the world gathered to demonstrate against impossible working hours and to demand the 8-hour working day. Before this movement it was common for factory workers to work 10-16 hours a day in dangerous, unhealthy conditions. These demonstrations soon achieved their goal and the 8-hour working day was made an official policy. Therefore, in some countries, International Workers’ Day is not only celebrated by labour unions, but by all workers because (setting its socialist roots aside) the day has come to symbolize social justice and international labor rights. Traditional celebrations for International Workers’ Day usually include public demonstrations and organized street marches.

UNESCO and the International Music Council have declared April 30th 2012 the first International Jazz Day!

UNESCO is organizing a Jazz concert at the UNESCO head quarters in Paris, and is anticipating the day to “bring together performers, educators, governments, experts, and fans alike, as they explore together the history, meaning, impact, and legacy of jazz music throughout the world.”

The one and only way to celebrate International Jazz Day is to listen to some jazz. After all, even Louis Armstrong once said: “If you have to ask what jazz is you will never know.”

Today is the 9th anniversary of World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

'Green' technology doesn't always mean 'safe'

The day was established by ILO (International Labour Organisation) in order to promote good, safe working conditions and basic rights every work place.

This year’s theme for the day is Health and Safety in a Green Economy. Generalized advertising and public fear of global warming had led to a common perception that anything ‘green’ must be thoroughly good. The International Labour Organisation website corrects this and explains the theme choice by saying, “Even if certain jobs are considered to be “green”, the technologies used may protect the environment but not be safe at all.” In addition, “A true green job must integrate safety and health into design, procurement, operations, maintenance, sourcing and recycling policies, certification systems and OSH quality standards.”