CEDARE

Desertification and Drought Day (UNCCD)
2026-06-17
The United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is annually observed on June 17 to highlight the urgent need to curb the desertification process. It also aims to strengthen the visibility of the drylands issue on the international environmental agenda.
Background
In December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The assembly acknowledged that desertification and drought were global problems because they affected all regions of the world. The assembly also realized that joint action by the international community was needed to combat desertification and drought, particularly in Africa.
Desertification and Drought Day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly as “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” (Resolution A/RES/49/115). Since 2019, it has been known simply as Desertification and Drought Day and is observed on 17 June to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
Each year, a country is selected to host global celebrations for Desertification and Drought Day. The host country works with the UNCCD Secretariat to organize a programme of activities aimed at policymakers, other key stakeholders and the public at large in support of the Day’s objectives. In addition to the main global observance event, countries and communities around the world organize activities to mark Desertification and Drought Day.
Previous global Desertification and Drought Day celebrations took place in Germany (2024), USA (2023), Spain (2022), Costa Rica (2021), Republic of Korea (2020), Türkiye (2019), Ecuador (2018) and Burkina Faso (2017).
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World Oceans Day
2026-06-08
World Oceans Day was first introduced in 1992 to raise awareness of the crucial role the sea plays as sources of food, oxygen and medicine. It was officially recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 2008 and is observed on June 8 each year.
Background
The world’s oceans play a key role for life on Earth. According to the UN, they are “the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, [as well as] a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.”
In the past few decades, the threats from pollution, overfishing and other forms of exploitation to marine habitats have increased dramatically.

World Environment Day
2026-06-05
World Environment Day is held each year on June 5. It is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations (UN) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
Background
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP. It is hosted every year by a different city and commemorated with an international exposition through the week of June 5.

International Day for Biological Diversity
2026-05-22
On May 22, 1992, the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the of the United Nations at a conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Since 2001, the International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated each year on the anniversary of this date.
Background
In 1992 state and government leaders agreed on a strategy for sustainable development at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as “The Earth Summit”, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sustainable development is a way to meet the needs of people all over the world and ensuring that planet earth remains healthy and viable for future generations. One of the most important agreements reached during the Earth Summit was the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Convention on Biological Diversity came into force on December 29, 1993, and each anniversary of this date was designated the International Day for Biological Diversity. From 2001 onwards the date of this celebration was moved to May 22 due to the number of holidays that fell in late December. On this date in 1992, the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at a United Nations at a conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
Each year, the International Day for Biodiversity focuses on a particular theme. Recently, the themes have been: Biodiversity and Poverty Alleviation (2003); Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All (2004); Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World (2005); Protect Biodiversity in Drylands (2006); and Biodiversity and Climate Change (2007); and Biodiversity and Agriculture (2008).

International Day of Plant Health
2026-05-12
The International Day of Plant Health is an annual observance that takes place on May 12th. This date is designated to raise global awareness about the critical importance of plant health in maintaining food security, protecting the environment, and boosting economic prosperity.

Key Aspects of the Day

Global Awareness:
The primary goal is to highlight how protecting plants from diseases and pests is essential for overall human, animal, and environmental well-being.

Purpose:
By promoting plant health, the day aims to end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable development.

Call to Action:
Organizations and individuals are encouraged to participate by raising awareness, taking action to protect plants, and getting involved in events or campaigns related to plant health.

International Mother Earth Day
2026-04-22
Earth Day is a name used for two similar global observances. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the March Equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year.
Earth Day and aims to inspire awareness and appreciation for Earth’s environment. The United Nations calls the event International Mother Earth Day.
Background
The April 22 Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water, and soil pollution.

International Day of Zero Waste
2026-03-30
The International Day of Zero Waste is observed annually on March 30. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 14, 2022, to designate this day to raise awareness about waste management and promote sustainable practices.
Date: March 30 each year.
Purpose: To highlight the importance of sustainable waste management and encourage the transition to a circular economy.
Organizers: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitate the observance.

Earth Hour
2026-03-28 20:30 - 21:30 (Africa/Cairo)
Earth Hour is an annual environmental campaign that brings attention to the effects of climate change by asking people to switch off lights at homes and businesses for an hour at 8.30 pm (20:30), local time, usually on the last Saturday of March.
In 2025, CEDARE supported Earth Hour by raising awareness on its official website and Social Media and marking the occasion with a special online initiative.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF (formerly known as World Wildlife Fund) climate change initiative. It is an event that aims to create awareness of people taking responsibility toward a sustainable future by turning the lights off. Earth Hour is not to be confused with Earth Day.
Background
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. This event saw 2.2 million homes and businesses turn their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change that year. Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating in 2008. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the CN Tower in Toronto, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness for Earth Hour. In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour.
WWF, which organizes the annual Earth Hour event, aims to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment. It also focuses on building a future where people live in harmony with nature.

World Water Day
2026-03-22
The United Nations’ (UN) World Water Day is held on March 22 each year. Events are organized on or around this day to increase people’s awareness of water’s importance in environment, agriculture, health and trade.
Background
Agenda 21 is a worldwide action plan for areas where human activities may affect the environment. It was adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. Agenda 21 recommended various measures, including creating World Water Day.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 22, 1992, declaring March 22 to be the World Day for Water each year. Countries were encouraged to develop activities to highlight local needs for water. The first World Day for Water was observed in 1993.
The Water for Life Decade was launched on World Water Day in 2005. This decade will run from 2005 to 2015 and give a high profile to women’s participation and the UN’s water-related programs.

International Day of Forests
2026-03-21
Celebrate International Day of Forests
The UN works with governments, community organizations, and the general public to promote both local and global activities for the International Day of Forests. Activities include:

Tree planting campaigns.
Photo exhibits that portray the importance forests and trees.
Sharing infographics, videos, news and messages via social and other media.

Public Life
International Day of Forests is a global observance and not a public holiday.
About International Day of Forests
Forests cover about one third of the world’s land mass. Roughly 1.6 billion people, including more than 2000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihood. Forests are vital to the planet for many reasons, including:

Providing shelter for more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
Contributing to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air.
Protecting watersheds, which supply fresh water to rivers.

The UN first celebrated the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2013. This initiative follows from the International Year of Forests.
Did You Know?
Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, according to the UN.

International Women’s Day
2026-03-08
International Women’s Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
Women’s Achievements and Challenges
The purpose of International Women’s Day (IWD) is to uphold women’s achievements, recognize challenges, and focus greater attention on women’s rights and gender equality. It is celebrated worldwide to spotlight women, their issues and achievements, and has a different theme each year.
“The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality.” writes the United Nations, and has set a goal for gender equality by 2030. The UN sees International Women’s Day as “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.”
Events and Marches
According to the United Nations, women earn 23% less than men globally and occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide. On International Women’s Day, March 8, various events are held worldwide. Like seminars, marches, and concerts, the events celebrate women and highlight the inequalities that women experience worldwide. The focus at the events picks up on various themes such as innovation, the portrayal of women in the media, or the importance of education and career opportunities.
Women of all backgrounds: Political, community, and business leaders, as well as leading educators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and television personalities, are usually invited to speak on the day.
Public Holiday in Many Countries
International Women’s Day is a public holiday in Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (half-day for women), Eritrea, Germany (some areas), Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Laos (women only), Madagasgar (women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Nauru, North Korea, Russia, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.
International Women’s Day is a national observance in many other countries.
The History of International Women’s Day
We observe it on March 8. This date was chosen by the United Nations as International Women’s Day to commemorate a women’s demonstration in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg), Russia, in 1917 that marked the turning point in the Russian revolution. In 1917, Russia still followed the Julian calendar, so the demonstration took place on February 23, which in the western Gregorian calendar is March 8.
The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women’s Year. It also convened the first conference on women in Mexico City that year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development. International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19 each year.

World Wildlife Day
2026-03-03
World Wildlife Day is on March 3 every year to raise awareness of endangered animals and plants, and ways to fight against wildlife crime.
About World Wildlife Day
Wildlife trade is one of the most profitable illicit trades in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually. Illegal wildlife trade of elephant ivory, rhino horns, and tiger products, is widespread in many countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. It is controlled by dangerous crime syndicates that traffic wildlife like drugs or weapons.
On December 20, 2013, the UN added World Wildlife Day to its calendar as an official event to be celebrated from March 3, 2014, onwards. It declared the day out of concern that wildlife crime had negative economic, environmental and social impacts worldwide.

World Wetlands Day
2026-02-02
World Wetlands Day is annually held on February 2 to celebrate how wetlands, which are lands saturated by water, help maintain biodiversity on Earth.
Celebrate World Wetlands Day
Governments, community groups, and individuals around the world celebrate World Wetlands Day with special campaigns to promote the important value that the wetlands play in our lives.
About World Wetlands Day
Wetlands are found near the sea or inland and can be seasonal – they are water logged only during parts of the year, or perennial. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by:

Preventing flooding by absorbing water.
Ensuring that the soil provides a unique breeding ground for vegetation that feeds fish.
Giving shelter to animals.
Purifying water by removing sediment.

World Wetlands Day has been observed since February 2, 1997. The day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The convention is a treaty on the preservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

International Day for Clean Energy
2026-01-26
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly (resolution A/77/327) as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions, serve as a platform for international cooperation, and provide data and analyses on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment.

World Soil Day
2025-12-05
World Soil Day is annually held on December 5 to highlight soil’s importance on Earth. We need soil for basic survival – food and energy. It is linked with the United Nations’ (UN) Year of Soil.
Background
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.
Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage
Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.
However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life, and decreasing the level of vitamins and nutrients in food.
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

Twentieth meeting of the Conference of the Parties
2025-11-24 - 2025-12-05
Silkroad Samarkand Expo Center, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 24 November – 05 December 2025

World Fisheries Day
2025-11-21
World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November to highlight the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries.
Key Facts:
First observed in 1997, following the World Fisheries Forum held in New Delhi, India.
Recognizes the vital role of fisheries in providing food security, livelihoods, and economic support for millions of people worldwide.
Highlights the challenges of overfishing, habitat destruction, and the need to protect marine biodiversity.
Celebrated through rallies, workshops, cultural programs, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns in fishing communities around the world.
Objectives:
Promote sustainable fishing practices.
Protect marine resources for future generations.
Raise awareness about the social, economic, and environmental importance of fisheries.

COP30
2025-11-10 00:00 - 2025-11-21 23:59 | BELEM, Brazil
COP30 to take place 10-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference will take place from 10-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. It will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to discuss priority actions to tackle climate change.

International Day Against Climate Change
2025-10-24
The International Day Against Climate Change is observed every year on 24 October to raise global awareness about the urgent need to take action against climate change and its devastating impacts on the planet.
Key Facts:
It is a day dedicated to educating communities, inspiring governments, and mobilizing individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Highlights the severe consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and sea-level rise.
Encourages global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy solutions.
Objectives:
Raise awareness about the causes and effects of climate change.
Advocate for policies and actions that mitigate global warming.
Empower individuals and communities to contribute to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Call to Action:
Each of us has a role to play. From reducing carbon footprints to supporting green initiatives, small actions can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.

World Food Day
2025-10-16
World Food Day is annually held on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Each year has a different theme.
Background
At the FAO’s 20th session in Rome, Italy, in November 1979 the conference called for the observance of World Food Day on October 16, 1981, and on the same date each year. The UN General Assembly ratified this decision on December 5, 1980, and urged governments and international, national and local organizations to contribute to observing World Food Day. World Food Day has been held each year since 1981.

Arab Environment Day
2025-10-14
Arab Environment Day is celebrated annually on October 14 to raise awareness and protect the environment in Arab countries. It was established in 1986 following a meeting of Arab Ministers in Tunisia, which also created the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment (Camre) to promote regional environmental cooperation. The day serves as a reminder for Arab nations to address environmental issues like climate change and desertification through collective action and sustainable practices.
Origin and Purpose
Tunisian Meeting: The day originated from a 1986 meeting in Tunisia where Arab environment ministers established Camre to enhance cooperation on environmental matters.
Regional Awareness: October 14 was chosen as the day to commemorate this crucial decision and foster cooperation on environmental challenges within the Arab world.
Themes: Each year, activities focus on specific themes, such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting a “paperless” day, or focusing on the impact of electronic waste.

Cairo Water Week (CWW 2025)
2025-10-12 - 2025-10-16
Cairo Water Week: Cairo Water Week: Where Global Currents Converge to Drive Climate Resilience and Water Sustainability
Cairo Water Week (CWW) has emerged as a cornerstone event for global water discourse, uniting governments, organizations, and innovators who share a common vision: safeguarding water as the lifeblood of sustainable development. Over the years, CWW has transcended regional boundaries to become a catalyst for actionable strategies, fostering dialogue on urgent water and climate challenges across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
More than a forum, CWW is a dynamic nexus where global momentum meets local action. It bridges critical international processes—most notably, translating the groundbreaking commitments of the UN 2023 Water Conference into tangible progress. By aligning stakeholders, policies, and innovations, CWW drives collective efforts to turn pledges into measurable impact for communities and ecosystems.
Program: https://platform.cairowaterweek.eg/schedule
Location: Triumph Luxury Hotel
