Current Affairs - Important Days

The International Day for Countering Hate Speech is observed annually on June 18. This date was proclaimed through a resolution that builds upon the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which was also launched on June 18, 2019. The day is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of hate speech and promoting efforts to counter it through education, dialogue, and advocacy. Campaigns like #NoToHate serve as tools to encourage individuals and communities to actively speak out against hate in various spheres, including workplaces, online platforms, and public discussions.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed every year on June 18, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/71/246. This global observance highlights the role of food as not just nourishment, but as a cultural and environmental force. It encourages sustainable practices that respect local traditions, support eco-friendly food production, and promote healthy dietary habits. With active involvement from UNESCO and the FAO, the day underscores the connection between culinary heritage, environmental stewardship, and responsible consumption. It aims to educate people about choosing food that is not only delicious but also sustainable and socially inclusive.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on June 17, as it was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994. This day serves to raise awareness about the severe impacts of desertification and drought on the environment, agriculture, and local communities. It emphasizes the importance of restoring degraded lands and mitigating the effects of climate change. The observance also aligns with the UNCCD’s objectives and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), marking a coordinated effort to address global land degradation challenges.

International Domestic Workers’ Day is observed every year on June 16 to honour the invaluable contributions of domestic workers and to advocate for their rights. This date marks the adoption of ILO Convention 189 in 2011, which for the first time recognized domestic work as legitimate labor deserving of equal rights and protections. The 2025 observance focused on urging governments to ratify and implement ILO Conventions 189 and 190, which promote decent work and protect workers from violence and harassment. Domestic workers, often women and migrants, continue to face systemic inequalities that this global day seeks to address and eliminate.

The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed annually on June 16 to honour the contributions of migrant workers who send money back to support their families. These remittances serve as vital financial lifelines for millions, particularly in developing countries, supporting essentials such as education, healthcare, and housing. In 2025, the theme “Remittances financing development” emphasized their role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Observing this day also brings attention to the need for policies and systems that make remittance flows safer, cheaper, and more accessible, ultimately strengthening economic resilience in vulnerable communities.