Nikini Poya, the second full-moon observance of Sri Lanka’s three-month rainy retreat (Vas) season, commemorates the First Buddhist Council convened three months after the Buddha’s Parinirvana when MahÄkassapa Thera gathered senior disciples in the Sattapanni Cave at Rajagaha (modern Bihar, India) to recite and codify the Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas—an effort sealed by Änanda Thera’s attainment of arahantship and steadfast memory.
As the southwest monsoon drapes the island in intermittent rain, lay devotees honor this sacred day by visiting temples with offerings of fresh flowers, fragrant incense, oil lamps, and alms for the monastic community. Many adopt eight or ten precepts, refraining from meat and alcohol, while listening to Dhamma reflections on ethical discipline, communal harmony, and the enduring power of collective effort in preserving the Buddha’s teachings.
Monks, who remain in seclusion throughout Vas, lead guided morning and evening meditation sittings that welcome lay participation, deepening mindfulness and concentration. In certain regions, the solemnity of Nikini Poya blends with cultural pageantry as temples conclude the Esala Perahera in Kandy with illuminated day processions of ornate Buddha statues, symbolizing the light of wisdom dispelling ignorance.
For those seeking to internalize the day’s significance, simple acts such as journaling insights from meditation, mindful walking in nature after rituals, or sharing stories of the Dhamma lineage with younger generations can anchor the timeless lessons of cooperation, ethical mindfulness, and compassionate living that the First Council so emphatically underscored.
In 2025, this convergence of history, ritual, and communal spirit falls on Friday, August 8, inviting practitioners worldwide to renew their commitment to the living legacy of the Buddha’s path.
"I will go back to my life when women in captivity go back to their lives, when my community has a place, when I see people accountable for their crimes." – Nadia Murad
These powerful words come from Nadia Murad, a survivor of ISIS human trafficking. Her calm demeanor and courage as she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 captivated the world. As she shared her heartbreaking story, she also inspired hope — the kind that ignites change.
2025 Theme: “Human trafficking is an organized crime – End the Exploitation”
From 2020 to 2023, over 200,000 victims of human trafficking were officially identified. But many more remain hidden, unreported, and unsupported. The United Nations designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking to bring light to this dark issue and to promote the rights and dignity of victims globally.
Why This Day Matters
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. Victims are deceived, coerced, or forced into exploitation — be it sexual, labor-based, or otherwise. It’s an invisible war, happening all around us, targeting the most vulnerable.
Some ask, “Why dedicate a day to this?” But consider this: how many headlines do we see where families are pleading for their missing loved ones? How many war-torn communities are exploited through trafficking? This day is more than symbolic — it’s a call for action, awareness, and compassion.
The Human Cost
Each number is a name. Each case is a life lost to abuse, violence, and trauma. Human trafficking isn't just a statistic — it's a crisis of humanity. And it won’t end unless we step in with awareness and advocacy.
What Can You Do?
Learn the signs of trafficking and report suspicious activity.
Support local or global anti-trafficking organizations.
Raise awareness through social media and conversation.
Advocate for stronger laws and victim support systems.
Together, We Can End This
Let us take a stand. Let us speak for those who have been silenced. On this World Day Against Trafficking, let's unite to protect, prevent, and empower.
Today, July 30, is International Day of Friendship.
This day is dedicated to promoting peace, friendship, and unity among people, communities, and nations. It's a reminder of the importance of nurturing strong, meaningful bonds with others.
What is International Friendship Day?
International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly. It emphasizes the importance of friendship in fostering peace and building bridges between cultures and communities. The day also highlights how friendships contribute to promoting respect, mutual understanding, and solidarity.
Why Friendships Matter
Friendship is one of the most cherished relationships in life. It offers emotional support, boosts mental health, and helps us overcome life’s challenges. Strong friendships contribute to:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased sense of belonging
Higher self-esteem
Better physical health
Greater happiness and life satisfaction
How to Celebrate
Here are some simple and meaningful ways to celebrate this beautiful day:
Reach Out: Send a heartfelt message to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Show Appreciation: Give a small gift, write a note, or simply say “thank you.”
Promote Unity: Share a post or quote about friendship on social media.
Be Kind: Perform a random act of kindness in your community.
Make a New Friend: Introduce yourself to someone new and build a connection.
Common Traits of True Friendship
Loyalty and trust
Empathy and understanding
Mutual respect
Support in good and bad times
Honest communication
Why This Day Matters
In a world full of conflict, isolation, and division, friendship becomes more vital than ever. The International Day of Friendship reminds us that small acts of kindness and connection can lead to big changes in our societies.
2025 Theme: “Together for Peace and Friendship”
Let’s come together to spread love, kindness, and unity — one friend at a time. As the UN puts it, "Our world faces many challenges. But through friendship — by accumulating bonds of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed."
Cherish your friendships. Celebrate the people who make your life brighter. On this day and every day, choose kindness.
Stay connected. Be kind. Build bridges, not walls. Happy International Friendship Day!
Today, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day.
This day aims to raise global awareness about hepatitis, its prevention, testing, and treatment.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a serious inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, drugs, or autoimmune diseases. The virus that causes most cases is the hepatitis virus, and there are five main types.
The 5 Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A (HAV): Highly contagious. Spread through contaminated food and water. Rarely causes long-term effects. Vaccine available.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through blood, body fluids, and from mother to child at birth. The virus can be present even in healthy people. Vaccine available.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Spread mainly through blood. No vaccine available. Often leads to chronic, long-term disease.
Hepatitis D (HDV): Only affects people already infected with Hepatitis B. Can lead to severe, long-term infections.
Hepatitis E (HEV): Spread the same way as HAV (contaminated food and water). Pregnant women are at higher risk.
Common Symptoms
Jaundice, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and dark urine are common signs of hepatitis.
Why This Day Matters
Millions of people worldwide suffer from hepatitis, and hundreds of thousands die each year. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, can cause long-term disability and cancer.
The purpose of World Hepatitis Day is:
To raise awareness about hepatitis.
Highlight prevention and medical services.
Promote testing, vaccination, and treatment.
Encourage global action to eliminate hepatitis.
Prevention Tips
Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.
Use clean drinking water.
Practice safe sex.
Avoid unsafe blood transfusions.
Sterilize medical and dental equipment.
Get regular blood tests and early detection.
2025 Theme: "Hepatitis Can't Wait – Test, Treat, Save Lives."
WHO, governments, and NGOs across the world are working together to combat hepatitis and save lives.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern,
to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate
and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates
the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
We also mark other UN observances.
The concept of an "International Day of Judiciary" is evolving, with different aspects
of the judiciary being recognized on specific days. Most prominently, the
International Day for Judicial Well-being has been officially proclaimed by the United Nations
General Assembly as July 25th. This designation, adopted in March 2025 (Resolution A/RES/79/266),
stems from the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being launched on July 25, 2024.
The core purpose of this day is to highlight that the health and well-being of judges are crucial
for maintaining judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered to the public.
It's a call to action for the global judicial community to implement strategies that support
judicial officers, recognizing that a strong, well-supported judiciary is fundamental to justice
and democracy.
Why judicial well-being matters
Judges and other judicial officers such as magistrates, court commissioners,
and arbitrators shoulder a profound responsibility - upholding the rule of law,
protecting rights, and ensuring that justice is impartial and fair.
But behind the bench, many judges struggle in silence. Long hours, isolation,
and the emotional toll of decision-making can affect their well-being,
ultimately influencing the quality of justice.
Corruption thrives where integrity falters. A judiciary under stress is more
vulnerable to external influence, conflicts of interest, and erosion of public confidence.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), especially Article 11,
acknowledges this danger and calls for safeguarding the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Judicial well-being is a prerequisite for judicial independence, integrity,
and efficiency. When judges are supported, they are better equipped to resist
undue influence, uphold ethical standards, and deliver justice fairly and competently.
The Nauru Declaration: a milestone for judicial well-being
The path to international recognition began with the Regional Judicial Conference
on Integrity and Judicial Well-being, held in Nauru in July 2024. Organized by the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Nauru Judiciary,
the gathering brought together nearly twenty judicial leaders and global experts
to confront a shared concern: judges around the world are under pressure,
often without the resources or acknowledgment they need.
On 25 July 2024, they adopted the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being
which recognizes that the health and well-being of judges is critical to ensuring
judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered to the public.
Seven Guiding Principles
Judicial well-being is fundamental – It is essential to ensuring a fair and effective justice system. Without it, judicial independence and public trust are at risk.
Stigma must be removed – Judicial stress and mental health challenges should be openly acknowledged. Experiencing such difficulties does not reflect weakness or lack of fitness to serve.
Shared responsibility – Promoting judicial well-being is a collective responsibility—individual judges, court systems, and judicial institutions must all take action.
Culture matters – A supportive and inclusive judicial culture is necessary. Institutions must foster ethical environments that prioritize well-being.
Holistic approaches – Well-being efforts should include a mix of awareness-raising, prevention, early intervention, and recovery strategies.
Adaptability to local context – Actions to support judicial well-being should reflect the specific needs and realities of each jurisdiction.
Linked to human rights – Judicial well-being is connected to the broader protection and promotion of human rights, including the rights of court users and staff.
Proclaiming the International Day
Building on the momentum of the Nauru Declaration, in March 2025, the United Nations
General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/266, officially proclaiming 25 July as the
International Day for Judicial Well-being.
The resolution ties the observance directly to international legal frameworks
like the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), emphasizing that judicial
well-being supports anti-corruption, access to justice, and sustainable peace.
Global Conference, August 2025
To build on the commitments made in Nauru and reinforced by the UN resolution,
the International Conference on Judicial Integrity and Well-being is taking place
in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 20-22 August 2025. The event brings together
judicial leaders and policymakers to develop concrete tools and strategies for
integrating well-being into court systems worldwide.
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