World Animal Day, celebrated on October 4, 2025, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare and rights of animals. The day was first introduced in 1931 to highlight endangered species, but today it has grown into a worldwide movement that promotes kindness, protection, and respect for all animals.
This year’s theme focuses on “Protecting Wildlife, Preserving the Future”, reminding us that the survival of animals is directly linked to the balance of ecosystems and human well-being. From domestic pets to wild creatures, every animal plays a vital role in maintaining the natural environment. Sadly, deforestation, climate change, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction continue to threaten countless species.
On this day, animal lovers, organizations, and communities across the globe engage in activities such as awareness campaigns, shelter adoptions, fundraising events, and educational programs. Schools and environmental groups also organize workshops to encourage young people to care for animals and respect biodiversity.
World Animal Day 2025 is not just a celebration but also a call to action. It reminds us that small acts of compassion feeding strays, protecting habitats, or supporting conservation efforts can collectively make a big difference for the animal world.
The World Children's Day and the International Day of Older Persons, both observed annually on the first day of October, represent two globally significant commemorative occasions recognised by the United Nations. Sri Lanka, by uniquely celebrating these two days in conjunction, highlights a dual mandate to affirm the welfare, rights, and dignity of two indispensable generations within society. This integrated observance provides an opportunity for a critical analysis of both the child and elderly populations as fundamental elements of human development and social continuity.
Children's Rights and Investment in the Future
Children constitute the future capital of any nation, and investing in the protection of their rights and development is an essential societal responsibility. The United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) guarantees fundamental rights, including those related to education, healthcare, protection, and participation. Within the Sri Lankan context, this day underscores the necessity for strengthening state and civil society interventions regarding the challenges faced by children, such as child abuse, nutritional deficiencies, and digital safety. The well-being and empowerment of children must be systematically acknowledged as the foundational premise of national development.
Ageing Population and Societal Contribution
The International Day of Older Persons, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on December 14, 1990, draws global attention to the reality of the world's rapidly ageing population and the importance of safeguarding their rights. Sri Lanka, too, is confronting this phenomenon, possessing one of the highest proportions of elderly populations in Asia. Older persons serve as the bedrock of wisdom, experience, and cultural heritage. This observance not only appreciates their lifelong contributions but also focuses attention on the need to improve existing social structures to ensure dignified ageing, social security, access to healthcare, and mitigation of social isolation.
Intergenerational Solidarity and Interaction
The joint commemoration of these two days in Sri Lanka symbolises the critical importance of Intergenerational Solidarity. The experience of the elderly is vital for the nurturing of children, and conversely, the vibrancy of children is profoundly important to the lives of the elderly. Amidst modern socio-economic shifts, the fragmentation of family structures has impacted both generations, resulting in socio-structural crises concerning the care and security of children and elders. This day reaffirms the need for the implementation of policy frameworks and mechanisms that solidify mutual understanding, respect, and care between the two generations.
Conclusion
World Children's and Elders' Day is not merely an occasion for ceremonial events. It represents a critical opportunity for the state, the family unit, and civil society to critically examine issues concerning human rights, social equity, and sustainable development. Guaranteeing a secure future for children and a dignified present for the elderly provides the moral and practical foundation for building a prosperous nation. Therefore, the responsibility for intergenerational continuity highlighted by this day must be sustained for the enduring welfare of future generations.
International Translation Day is to be celebrated on September 30th each year because that is the feast day of St. Jerome, the patron saint of translation.
International Translation Day is meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. On this day, linguists are celebrated for their profession. Without translators' and interpreters' continuous contributions, we would be unable to communicate with people around the globe, or even communicate with linguistically diverse individuals within our own nation.
Translators and interpreters help us connect with others, whether that be through voice, text or video, every day. A unifying theme is chosen each year and a competition is held to design a poster for FIT members to print and use to promote the day and join together in celebrating our professions.
The 2025 theme for International Translation Day is "Indigenous Language Translation: Shaping a Future You Can Trust".
This theme highlights the vital role of human expertise in ensuring the accuracy and cultural integrity of Indigenous language translation, especially in navigating the digital age and the rise of AI, aiming to foster trust and support language revitalization efforts. Interpreters and translators have very important jobs. They are responsible for bringing people together and for sharing new and exciting information that was previously only accessible to members of a specific culture.
Their work can impact relationships between different countries and even change the course of history. Interpreters and translators do incredible work, and they deserve to be recognized for it. This need spurred the creation of International Translation Day.
The work of translators and interpreters is far from finished. It's still being carried out silently and diligently every single day, often without thanks or recognition. International Translation Day draws attention to that work, and gives the world the opportunity to thank those who have given us so much.
❤️ World Heart Day 2025: Promoting Healthy Hearts for a Healthier Future ❤️
World Heart Day, celebrated globally on 29th September 2025, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cardiovascular health. Organized by the World Heart Federation, this annual observance highlights the growing burden of heart disease and stroke, which remain the leading causes of death worldwide. The theme for 2025, “Stronger Hearts, Brighter Lives”, emphasizes prevention, awareness, and collective action in building healthier communities.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claim over 18 million lives every year, with most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, stress, and high blood pressure significantly contribute to the rise of CVDs. By addressing these lifestyle habits, many heart-related illnesses can be prevented.
Steps for a Healthier Heart
World Heart Day 2025 encourages individuals, families, and governments to take proactive measures. Simple daily steps—like maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise, avoiding tobacco, and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol—can make a life-saving difference.
Role of Communities and Policy
In addition to personal choices, healthcare systems and policymakers are urged to strengthen access to affordable treatment, early diagnosis, and awareness programs. Schools, workplaces, and communities also play a key role in spreading knowledge and encouraging healthier living.
World Heart Day 2025 is not just a campaign but a global movement to inspire change. By protecting our hearts today, we ensure healthier, happier lives for future generations.
đ International Day for Universal Access to Information 2025 đ
On 17 November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Background
On 17 November 2015, UNESCO declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Considering that several civil society organizations and governments worldwide already celebrated this observance, the UN General Assembly also adopted it on 28 September 2019.
UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs — the International Programme for Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme — provide platforms for global discussions on access to information. These initiatives strengthen open science, multilingualism, ICTs for the disabled and marginalized, and media and information literacy.
Meaning of Universal Access to Information
Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive, and impart information. This right is deeply tied to Freedom of Expression. The media depends on access to information to inform the public, making it an essential pillar of democratic, inclusive, and informed societies.
Accessing Information in the Digital Era
The UNDP Oslo Governance Centre and UNESCO recently hosted a joint eConsultation, “Accessing Information in the Digital Era”, which drew global experts. In 2022, participants reaffirmed the importance of access to information in the age of AI and emerging technologies. This commitment strengthens human rights and sustainable development worldwide.
The eConsultation provided key insights for the Tashkent Declaration, aligning with Agenda 2030 and SDG 16.10.2 on access to information.
Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2025
The upcoming Global Conference on Universal Access to Information 2025 will be hosted in Manila, Philippines on 29–30 September 2025. This landmark event marks the 10th anniversary of the designation of 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information — reflecting a decade of progress and challenges worldwide.
World Tourism Day, observed annually on September 27th, is a significant global celebration established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the immense importance of tourism and its multifaceted impact—social, cultural, political, and economic—across the globe.
Tourism is far more than just leisure; it is a powerful economic driver, contributing significantly to global GDP and creating millions of jobs worldwide. Beyond the financial aspect, it acts as a vital bridge between people and cultures. By traveling, we engage with diverse communities, gain a deeper understanding of varied traditions, and foster mutual respect. This cultural exchange is crucial for promoting world peace and harmony.
However, as the sector grows, it faces challenges related to sustainability and inclusivity. The core message of World Tourism Day often revolves around the need for sustainable tourism. This means ensuring that our travel choices respect local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and protect the natural environment. It's a call to action for both tourists and industry stakeholders to embrace responsible practices—like supporting local businesses, respecting local customs, and minimizing environmental footprints—to ensure that the beauty and benefits of travel can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Ultimately, World Tourism Day is an invitation to reflect on the transformative power of travel. It encourages us to be conscious, ethical travelers who contribute positively to the places we visit, making tourism a force for a better, more connected, and sustainable world.
