The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. Celebrated on 3 december around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all. UN agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector are encouraged to support IDPD by collaborating with organizations for people with disabilities to arrange events and activities. More information. Photo: Marcus Aurelius | Pexels

In preparation for the Regional Conference on Higher Education (CRES+5), scheduled from March 13 to 15, 2024, in Brasilia, we urge you to join the virtual Public Consultations. We call upon networks, higher education institutions, interested groups, and other stakeholders involved in higher education. The second public consultation of AXIS 1, titled "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in the Valorization and Dignification of Teaching Professions: from early education to higher education," will take place on December 4, 2023, at 2:00 PM (Mexico), 3:00 PM (Colombia), and 5:00 PM (Brazil, Argentina, and Chile). This open dialogue will involve the participation […]

The COP28 session "Greening higher education: Transforming competences and practices" will highlight the different roles, responsibilities, and potentials of higher education in promoting the achievement of all the SDGs in connection with and with an emphasis on SDG 13. It will also define and describe the process by which sustainability competencies can be integrated into all degree programs, knowledge production and sharing, science, technology, and innovation transfer at the higher education level. UNESCO IESALC, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and University of Helsinki, along with other Greening Higher Education partners, will come together in moving forward the conversation […]

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December – the day on which the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights empowers us all. The principles enshrined in the Declaration are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings. In December 1948, UNESCO was the first United […]

On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day. Migration is a global phenomenon driven by many forces. These start with aspirations for dignity, safety and peace. The decision to leave home is always extreme, and, too often, the beginning of a dangerous, sometimes fatal journey. Through UNESCO's International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, we promote a welcoming approach towards migrants at the local level. We are bolstering the capacities of journalists to address negative narratives and bring the stories of migrants to […]