International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. According to reports released in 2018 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanization.

To halt or reverse this decline it is vital to transform people’s roles, actions and relationships with biodiversity. Many solutions exist: UNESCO’s diverse networks, programmes and partners have observed positive and inspiring seeds of change around the world. UNESCO also accompanies Member States and their people in their efforts to halt biodiversity loss by understanding, appreciating, safeguarding and using biodiversity sustainably.

UNESCO is providing all its expertise on natural heritage protection to combat global warming.

It’s time to act for biodiversity! The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity(IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

The theme of the 2020 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Our Solutions are in Nature”

"The theme for the day shows that Biodiversity remains the answer to a number of sustainable development challenges that we all face. From nature-based solutions to climate, to food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity remains the basis for a sustainable future." (CBD, 2020)

Message

"Biodiversity is a common good, an invaluable legacy formed over the course of millions of years, and capital to transmit to future generations. [...]This International Day aims to raise awareness of these issues that are crucial to our lives today and in the future. On this Day, a beautiful American Indian proverb is particularly fitting: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”"

—  Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity

More information click here.

Source : https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/biodiversityday

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 17 May

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day aims to emphasize and raise awareness to the importance of the Internet and other technological means of communication. The day is observed by the United Nations, and it has been celebrated since 1969. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day occurs every year on May 17th.

History

World Information Society Day

World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the founding of ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 as Resolution 46.

World Telecommunication Day

In November 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus on the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the Information Society raised by WSIS. The General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/60/252) in March 2006 stipulating that World Information Society Day shall be celebrated every year on 17 May.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

In November 2006, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to celebrate both events on 17 May as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The updated Resolution 68 invites Member States and Sector Members to celebrate the day annually by organizing appropriate national programmes with a view to:

• stimulating reflection and exchanges of ideas on the theme adopted by the Council
• debating the various aspects of the theme with all partners in society
• formulating a report reflecting national discussions on the issues underlying the theme, to be fed back to ITU and the rest of its membership

For more Information Click here.

Source: un.org