Sunday, May 31, 2009
May 31 -
World No Tobacco Day, recognized by the UN...The day aims to reduce the 5.4 million yearly deaths from tobacco related health problems.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
May 22 -
International Day for Biological Diversity, recognized by the UN...The International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is a United Nations–sanctioned international holiday for the promotion of biodiversity issues. It is currently held on May 22.
From its creation by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993 until 2000, it was held on December 29 to celebrate the day the Convention on Biological Diversity went into effect. In December 2000, the date was shifted to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on May 22, 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, and partly to avoid the many other holidays that occur in late December.
Recently, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), indicated that climate change is likely to become the dominant direct driver of biodiversity loss by the end of the century. Current climate change estimates predict increases in temperatures of 1.4°C to 5.8°C by 2100.[citation needed] This will affect species in several ways such as: changes in distribution; increased extinction rates; changes in reproduction timings; and changes in length of growing seasons for plants.
The rich variety of life on Earth has always had to deal with a changing climate. However, the unprecedented pace of change we are presently experiencing is so rapid that a great number of species can not adapt fast enough to the new conditions, or move to regions more suited for their survival due to habitat fragmentation. In fact, recent estimates show that up to a million species may become extinct as a result of climate change.
On the positive side, biodiversity can help to reduce the effects of climate change on the world’s population and ecosystems. Indeed, the links between biodiversity and climate change run both ways: biodiversity is threatened by climate change, but biodiversity resources can reduce the impacts of climate change. It is therefore crucial to conserve biodiversity that is especially sensitive to climate change, preserve habitats so as to facilitate the long-term adaptation of biodiversity, improve our understanding of climate change and biodiversity linkages, and fully integrate biodiversity considerations into mitigation and adaptation plans. If the threats of biodiversity loss and climate change are tackled together, the prospects for adapting successfully to the challenges of the coming decades will be very much improved. This constitutes the overall message for this year’s celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity.
The Secretariat of the CBD lists what has been done throughout the years to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity.
From its creation by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993 until 2000, it was held on December 29 to celebrate the day the Convention on Biological Diversity went into effect. In December 2000, the date was shifted to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on May 22, 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, and partly to avoid the many other holidays that occur in late December.
Recently, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), indicated that climate change is likely to become the dominant direct driver of biodiversity loss by the end of the century. Current climate change estimates predict increases in temperatures of 1.4°C to 5.8°C by 2100.[citation needed] This will affect species in several ways such as: changes in distribution; increased extinction rates; changes in reproduction timings; and changes in length of growing seasons for plants.
The rich variety of life on Earth has always had to deal with a changing climate. However, the unprecedented pace of change we are presently experiencing is so rapid that a great number of species can not adapt fast enough to the new conditions, or move to regions more suited for their survival due to habitat fragmentation. In fact, recent estimates show that up to a million species may become extinct as a result of climate change.
On the positive side, biodiversity can help to reduce the effects of climate change on the world’s population and ecosystems. Indeed, the links between biodiversity and climate change run both ways: biodiversity is threatened by climate change, but biodiversity resources can reduce the impacts of climate change. It is therefore crucial to conserve biodiversity that is especially sensitive to climate change, preserve habitats so as to facilitate the long-term adaptation of biodiversity, improve our understanding of climate change and biodiversity linkages, and fully integrate biodiversity considerations into mitigation and adaptation plans. If the threats of biodiversity loss and climate change are tackled together, the prospects for adapting successfully to the challenges of the coming decades will be very much improved. This constitutes the overall message for this year’s celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity.
The Secretariat of the CBD lists what has been done throughout the years to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
May 21 -
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, recognized by the UN...The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a United Nations–sanctioned international holiday for the promotion of diversity issues. It is currently held on May 21. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this holiday due to UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in November 2001. It was proclaimed by UN Resolution 57/249.
Diversity Day, officially known as "The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development", is an opportunity to help communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in harmony. It was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Diversity Day, officially known as "The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development", is an opportunity to help communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in harmony. It was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 19 -
World Hepatitis Day...World Hepatitis Day, observed May 19, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Approximately 500 million people worldwide have either hepatitis B or hepatitis C. This represents 1 in 12 people, and was the basis for the 2008 World Hepatitis Day Am I Number 12? campaign. If left untreated and unmanaged, hepatitis B or C can lead to advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis) and other complications including liver cancer or liver failure. Every year 1.5 million people die from either hepatitis B or C.
World Hepatitis Day is led by the World Hepatitis Alliance, which represents 200 patients groups and organizations including The Hepatitis C Trust, the European Liver Patient Association and the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention & Control.
Approximately 500 million people worldwide have either hepatitis B or hepatitis C. This represents 1 in 12 people, and was the basis for the 2008 World Hepatitis Day Am I Number 12? campaign. If left untreated and unmanaged, hepatitis B or C can lead to advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis) and other complications including liver cancer or liver failure. Every year 1.5 million people die from either hepatitis B or C.
World Hepatitis Day is led by the World Hepatitis Alliance, which represents 200 patients groups and organizations including The Hepatitis C Trust, the European Liver Patient Association and the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention & Control.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
May 17 -
World Information Society Day, recognized by the UN...World Information Society Day was proclaimed to be on 17 May by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, following the 2005 World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis.
The day had previously been known as World Telecommunication Day to commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunication Union in 17 May 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.
The main objective of the day is to raise global awareness of societal changes brought about by the Internet and new technologies. It also aims to help reduce the Digital divide.
The day had previously been known as World Telecommunication Day to commemorate the founding of the International Telecommunication Union in 17 May 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.
The main objective of the day is to raise global awareness of societal changes brought about by the Internet and new technologies. It also aims to help reduce the Digital divide.
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15 -
International Day of Families, recognized by the UN...In its resolution 52/81 of 12 December 1997, the General Assembly recognized that the basic objective of the Follow up to the International Year of the Family should be to strengthen and support families in performing their societal and developmental functions and to build upon their strengths, in particular at the national and local levels.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 12 -
International Nurses Day...International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated around the world every 12 May. This day is celebrated to remember all of the valuable contributions nurses make to society.
Background
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965. In 1953 Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, had proposed that then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaim a "Nurses Day," but he did not approve it.
In January 1974, the decision was made to celebrate the day on 12 May as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Each year, ICN prepares and distributes the International Nurses' Day Kit. The kit contains educational and public information materials, for use by nurses everywhere.
As Florence Nightingale is no longer seen as a role model in some parts of the world, demands have arisen, for example by the British public sector union UNISON, to transfer this day on another date.21 May, the birthday of Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845), has been suggested. Elizabeth Fry founded the Institution of Nursing Sisters and is also known for her work with prisoners.
As of 1998, 8 May was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (6-12 May) each year.
[edit]UK celebrations
Each year on 12 May service is held in Westminster Abbey in London. During the Service, a symbolic Lamp is taken from the Nurses' Chapel in the Abbey and handed from one nurse to another, thence to the Dean, who places it on the High Altar. This signifies the passing of knowledge from one nurse to another. At St Margaret's Church at East Wellow in Hampshire, where Florence Nightingale is buried, a service is also held on the Sunday after her birthday.[5]
[edit]Themes
ICN themes for International Nurses Day:[6]
1988 - Safe Motherhood
1989 - School Health
1990 - Nurses and Environment
1991 - Mental Health - Nurses in Action
1992 - Healthy Aging
1993 - Quality, costs and Nursing
1994 - Healthy Families for Healthy Nation
1995 - Women's Health: Nurses Pave the Way
1996 - Better Health through Nursing Research
1997 - Healthy Young People = A Brighter Future
1998 - Partnership for Community Health
1999 - Celebrating Nursing's Past, claiming the future
2000 - Nurses - Always there for you
2001 - Nurses, Always There for You: United Against Violence
2002 - Nurses Always There for You: Caring for Families
2003 - Nurses: Fighting AIDS stigma, working for all
2004 - Nurses: Working with the Poor; Against Poverty
2005 - Nurses for Patients Safety: Targeting counterfeit medicines and substandard medication
2006 - Safe staffing saves lives
2007 - Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces = quality patient care
2008 - Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Primary Health Care
2009 - Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Care Innovations
Background
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day since 1965. In 1953 Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, had proposed that then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaim a "Nurses Day," but he did not approve it.
In January 1974, the decision was made to celebrate the day on 12 May as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Each year, ICN prepares and distributes the International Nurses' Day Kit. The kit contains educational and public information materials, for use by nurses everywhere.
As Florence Nightingale is no longer seen as a role model in some parts of the world, demands have arisen, for example by the British public sector union UNISON, to transfer this day on another date.21 May, the birthday of Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845), has been suggested. Elizabeth Fry founded the Institution of Nursing Sisters and is also known for her work with prisoners.
As of 1998, 8 May was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (6-12 May) each year.
[edit]UK celebrations
Each year on 12 May service is held in Westminster Abbey in London. During the Service, a symbolic Lamp is taken from the Nurses' Chapel in the Abbey and handed from one nurse to another, thence to the Dean, who places it on the High Altar. This signifies the passing of knowledge from one nurse to another. At St Margaret's Church at East Wellow in Hampshire, where Florence Nightingale is buried, a service is also held on the Sunday after her birthday.[5]
[edit]Themes
ICN themes for International Nurses Day:[6]
1988 - Safe Motherhood
1989 - School Health
1990 - Nurses and Environment
1991 - Mental Health - Nurses in Action
1992 - Healthy Aging
1993 - Quality, costs and Nursing
1994 - Healthy Families for Healthy Nation
1995 - Women's Health: Nurses Pave the Way
1996 - Better Health through Nursing Research
1997 - Healthy Young People = A Brighter Future
1998 - Partnership for Community Health
1999 - Celebrating Nursing's Past, claiming the future
2000 - Nurses - Always there for you
2001 - Nurses, Always There for You: United Against Violence
2002 - Nurses Always There for You: Caring for Families
2003 - Nurses: Fighting AIDS stigma, working for all
2004 - Nurses: Working with the Poor; Against Poverty
2005 - Nurses for Patients Safety: Targeting counterfeit medicines and substandard medication
2006 - Safe staffing saves lives
2007 - Positive practice environments: Quality workplaces = quality patient care
2008 - Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Primary Health Care
2009 - Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Care Innovations
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May 10 -
International Mothers Day....The modern Mother's Day holiday was created by Anna Jarvis as a day for each family to honor its mother,[1] and it's now celebrated on various days in many places around the world. It complements Father's Day, the celebration honoring fathers.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4 -
International Firefighters' Day.....It was instituted after proposal emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a wildfire in Australia.
May 4 used to be a traditional Firefighters' Day in many European countries, because it's the day of Saint Florian, patron saint of firefighters.
May 4 used to be a traditional Firefighters' Day in many European countries, because it's the day of Saint Florian, patron saint of firefighters.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
May 3 -
World Press Freedom Day, ...The United Nations General Assembly declared 3 May to be World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in 1991.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1 -
May Day - Labour Day...May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labour movement
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