The United Nations (UN) observes designated days, weeks, years, and decades, each with a theme, or topic. By creating special observances, the UN promotes international awareness and action on these issues.
Many of these observances focus on emerging the virtues and values innate in the human spirit that when brought into action can move us towards more caring and flourishing communities, for example: Days of Happiness, Friendship, Peace, Nonviolence, Tolerance, and Dignity (Human Rights) and more recently Days of Yoga, Conscience and Meditation.
Observance of these UN designated points in the calendar, shines a spotlight on the qualities and virtues needed to impact our systems and institutions. It presents an opportunity for all of us to expand our consciousness. As the saying goes, “As we change, the world changes.”
To learn more about upcoming events please visit our events calendar:
Here are some of the days we celebrate:
International Women’s Day
March 8
This is the day to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality.
It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The Brahma Kumaris’ focus is on the feminine spiritual principles of leadership, discernment and decision-making.
International Day of Happiness
March 20
In recognition of the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world, the International Day of Happiness celebrates the importance of this recognition in public policy objectives.
The Brahma Kumaris’ focus is connecting happiness and wellbeing to human flourishing.
International Day of Conscience
April 5
Deeply aware of the need for the creation of conditions of stability and well-being and for peaceful and friendly relations, based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, gender, language or religion, the General Assembly declared April 5 the International Day of Conscience.
The task of the United Nations to save future generations from the scourge of war, requires transformation towards a culture of peace. This is only possible from a conscience based on love. A conscience that maintains values, attitudes and behaviors which reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing. A conscience based on the principles of freedom, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes. A conscience that understands that it is through dialogue and negotiation, that guarantees the full exercise of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society.
World Health Day
April 7
The World Health Day is held to mark the World Health Organization’s (WHO) founding, and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
The Brahma Kumaris value the importance of spirituality in contributing towards healing and holistic health.
International Day of Families
May 15
This International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. The International Day of Families has inspired a series of awareness-raising events. In many countries, that day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families.
The Brahma Kumaris recognize that humanity is a world family and encourage all to live in a spirit of brotherhood.
The Brahma Kumaris value the importance of spirituality in contributing towards healing and holistic health.
World Environment Day (WED)
June 5
World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.
The Brahma Kumaris encourage living sustainably, simply, and responsibly; holding the awareness that everything in the natural environment is given to us in sacred trust.
International Yoga Day
June 21
For centuries, people from all walks of life have practiced yoga, recognizing its unique embodiment of unity between mind and body. Yoga brings thought and action together in harmony. The resolution notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.”
Yoga can also help people find relief from stress.
The Brahma Kumaris practice a form of yoga, called Raja Yoga, which through a connection with the self and the Divine fosters inner peace and well-being, bringing balance to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Nelson Mandela International Day
July 18
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. It recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
The Brahma Kumaris believe that the purpose of life is service to humanity which can be achieved by being compassionate, peaceful, and respectful, and thereby contribute to making the world a better place.
International Day of Friendship
July 30
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places particular emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that embrace different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity. The Day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
The Brahma Kumaris focus on building friendship and sustaining trust in a changing world.
International Youth Day
August 12
The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth adopted a resolution to proclaim August 12 as International Youth Day at its first session in Lisbon, Portugal in August 1998. International Youth Day is an opportunity to celebrate the creative force and the innovative impetus that young people bring to every society, and to address youth issues worldwide. It emphasizes the role played by the involvement and inclusion of young people in building social cohesion and collective well-being. The United Nations’ universal definition defines “youth” as persons between the ages of 15 and 32 years. This is to ensure statistical consistency across regions.
The Brahma Kumaris nurture young minds with zeal, enthusiasm, newness and enlightenment through making them deeply conscious of their self-worth.
International Day of Peace
September 21
The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 to coincide with the opening session of the General Assembly, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. In 2001, the General Assembly further voted 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
The Brahma Kumaris support UNESCO’s concept that “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”
International Day of Non-Violence
October 2
The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. This wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.
The Brahma Kumaris believe that a world of peace begins by adopting an attitude of non-violence from within.
International Day of Tolerance
November 16
In 1996, the UN General Assembly invited UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public. It calls for the advancement of human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples.
The Brahma Kumaris recognize the form of tolerance to be respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Third Sunday of November
The Day has become an important tool in global efforts to reduce road traffic casualties. It offers an opportunity for drawing attention to the scale of emotional and economic devastation caused by road traffic crashes and for giving recognition to the suffering of victims and their families and communities. It also provides an opportunity as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of death and injury caused by road traffic crashes. A dedicated website was also launched to make the Day more widely known and to link countries through shared common objectives and in the remembrance of people killed and injured in crashes. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year.
The Brahma Kumaris have dedicated World Meditation Hour in November to link minds and hearts around the world, sharing elevated thoughts and pure feelings with all involved in road traffic crashes, while in remembrance of the Divine
Human Rights Day
December 10
Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. It commemorates the day the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1941 the world was living through dark times, in the middle years of the Second World War. In response, Franklin D. Roosevelt offered a clear vision for a better future, centered around four freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The Human Rights Declaration is a conscious acquisition of human dignity and worth.
The Brahma Kumaris recognize that all human beings are fundamentally spiritual beings, therefore human rights are simply another way of speaking about spiritual rights.
World Meditation Day
December 21
Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. It commemorates the day the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1941 the world was living through dark times, in the middle years of the Second World War. In response, Franklin D. Roosevelt offered a clear vision for a better future, centered around four freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The Human Rights Declaration is a conscious acquisition of human dignity and worth.
The Brahma Kumaris recognize that all human beings are fundamentally spiritual beings, therefore human rights are simply another way of speaking about spiritual rights.
International Weeks
World Interfaith Harmony Week
First Week of February
World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. The resolution declares that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace, and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
Recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions, to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and cooperation among people, the General Assembly encourages all States to support the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship, on a voluntary basis and according to their own religious traditions or convictions.
The Brahma Kumaris support the UN theme of “Love of God, Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbor”.
UN Global Road Safety Week
May
UN Global Road Safety Week, held annually in May, is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for road safety on a global scale.
This week-long campaign aims to highlight the urgent need for measures to prevent road traffic deaths and injuries, which remain a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. From promoting safe driving behaviors to advocating for improved infrastructure and enforcement, UN Global Road Safety Week serves as a rallying point for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together in pursuit of safer roads for all.
The Brahma Kumaris celebrate life the safe way by emphasizing the power to make choices that prioritize safety over haste, patience over frustration, and harmony over chaos. A safer world is within reach when we align our behaviour with the understanding that every life matters.
