Current Affairs - Important Days

World Day for Glaciers is celebrated on March 21, as declared by the United Nations through resolution A/RES/77/158. This day aims to raise awareness about the critical role glaciers play in our ecosystem, including their contributions to freshwater storage, regulating sea levels, and supporting biodiversity. It also emphasizes the urgent need for glacier conservation due to the threats posed by climate change, which is causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate.

World Poetry Day is celebrated globally on March 21 to emphasize the importance of poetry as a universal medium of expression. Established by UNESCO in 1999, the day promotes the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry, while acknowledging its role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering peace. The theme for World Poetry Day 2025 is “Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion,” reflecting poetry’s role in encouraging social harmony and cultural exchange. March 21 was chosen by UNESCO to unify global efforts in celebrating the art of poetry.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. This day commemorates the tragic Sharpeville Massacre that occurred on March 21, 1960, in South Africa, during a peaceful protest against apartheid laws. The day highlights progress made in combating racial discrimination and acknowledges the ongoing challenges. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), a key treaty in the fight against racism.

The International Day of Forests is celebrated globally on March 21 each year. In 2025, the theme for the day is "Forests and Food," which highlights the significant connection between forests and food security, as well as their crucial role in providing resources such as fruits, seeds, and wild meat for communities worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about forest conservation, sustainability, and their vital contributions to the environment and human well-being. The United Nations established this day in 2012 to encourage action toward protecting forests.

UN French Language Day is celebrated on March 20, highlighting the significance of multilingualism, cultural diversity, and education. This day commemorates the creation of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) in 1970, which later became the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The OIF plays a vital role in promoting the French language and cultural cooperation across its 88 member states. The celebration emphasizes the role of education in sustainable development and global peace, contributing to the broader goals of multilingualism within the UN.