From 1 September - 10 September:
First Week of September: In India, every year is celebrated as National Nutrition Week. The week is observed every year from September 1st-7th.
Purpose: To raise awareness among the general public about the value of healthy eating practices and proper nutrition for uploading a healthy lifestyle. The government launches programs to promote nutrition awareness throughout the week that emphasize good nutrition, and whole nutritious food, which is essential for healthy development and function.
Theme: "World of Flavours"- 2022, "Feeding smart right from start"- 2021.
History: National Nutrition week was established in 1975 by the American Diabetic Association (ADA), now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The center plans various activities to impart education on the importance of nutrition and general health improvement through a good diet. Examples of food: protein-rich diet, grain, cereals, water, fresh fruits, and vegetables. In 1982 this week was the first time introduced in India.
2nd September: World Coconut Day- It is celebrated every year. It is observed on 2nd September to commemorate the formation of the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) in 1969. Since then, every year under the APCC by the authority of UN-ESCAP (United Nations economic and social commission for the Asia Pacific). The APCC is headquartered in Jakarta (Indonesia) and all major coconut-growing countries including India are members of APCC.
The day is remarked to emphasize and spread knowledge of the value and advantages of coconut. Coconut is a member of the drupe family and it is a fleshy fruit that has been planted in tropical regions. A rich source of electrolytes and lauric acid, coconut contains many antioxidants and is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. The coconut palm is often called the 'tree of life' owing to its versatile uses in food, fuel, medicine, cosmetics, building materials, and various other uses.
Coconuts are produced in more than 80 countries around the world with Indonesia at the top. India holds currently the 3rd largest coconut producer country. The day is celebrated in India with the support of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) across the states such as Kerala, Tamilnadu, Goa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odhisa, etc.
Theme 2022: "Growing coconut for a better future and life".
Theme 2021 was: "Building a safe inclusive resilient and sustainable coconut community amid the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond".
5th September: International Day of Charity- The day was established to sensitize and mobilize people, NGOs, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities.
The date of 5th September was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace".
History: Mother Teresa, a renowned nun, and missionary was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910. In 1928, she came to India, where she devoted herself to helping the destitute. In 1948, she became an Indian citizen and in 1950, she established Missionaries of Charity (MCs) in Calcutta (Kolkata), which became noted for its work among the poor and dying in the city. For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity's expansion. Mother Teresa's work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world and she has received several awards, recognitions, and distinctions, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa died on 5th September 1997, at 87 years of age.
UN Resolution: In the recognition of the role of charity in mitigating humanitarian crises and human suffering among nations, as well as the efforts of charitable organizations and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa on September 5, was declared as the International Day of Charity, by the resolution adopted by United Nations, General Assembly (UNGA) on 17 December 2012. The resolution was co-sponsored by 44 UN member nations.
7th September: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies- It is observed globally to promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality.
Theme: "The air we share", focuses on the transboundary nature of air pollution, stressing the need for collective accountability and action. It also highlights the need for immediate and strategic international and regional cooperation for more efficient implementation of mitigation policies and actions to tackle air pollution.
A two-fold problem:
Health Impact: Tiny, invisible particles of pollution penetrate deep into our lungs, bloodstream, and bodies. These pollutants are responsible for about one-third of deaths from stroke, chronic respiratory disease, and lung cancer, as well as one-quarter of death from heart attack. Ground-level ozone is produced from the interaction of many different pollutants in sunlight and is also a cause of asthma and chronic respiratory illness.
Climate Impact: short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are among those pollutants most linked with both health effects and near-term warming of the planet. They persist in the atmosphere for as little as a few days or up to decades, so reducing them can have almost immediate health and climate benefits for those living in places where levels fall.
The updated WHO global air quality guidelines levels as well as interim targets of pollutants: PM2.5 and PM10, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Carbo monoxide (CO).
About: During the 74th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted and resolution to hold on 19th December 2019. The resolution also encouraged the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to facilitate the day's observance in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. In the lead-up to the passing of the resolution, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition collaborated with UNEP and the Republic of Korea to advocate for the day.
UN member States recognize the need to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination by 2030, as well as to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention air quality and municipal other waste management by 2030.
Clean Air and Sustainable Development Goals: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development, outlines a road map to achieving sustainable development, environmental protection, and prosperity for all, and recognizes that air pollution abatement is important to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Important takeaways:
UNEP Headquarters- Nairobi (Kenya)
UNEP was founded- in 1972
UNEP founder- Maurice Strong
UNEP Executive Director- Inger Andersen (Danish economist and environmentalist)
8th September: International Literacy Day (ILD)- The day is celebrated to promote literacy and let people know their rights for social and human development. Literacy is an essential tool to eliminate poverty, lowering child mortality, population control, and attain gender equality. This day is celebrated to encourage people towards getting continuous education. UNESCO has been at the top for the last while promoting overall global literacy and has also helped in promoting International Literacy Day.
Some interesting reasons why literacy can help; Improves health, Promotes lifelong learning and building skills, Improves the economy, Democracy, and peace, Build self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Theme: "Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all"- 2022, "Literacy for a human-centered recovery: Narrowing the digital divide"- 2021.
About: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), declared this day an opportunity for governments, civil society, and stakeholders to highlight improvements in world literacy rates, and reflect on the world's remaining literacy challenges. The 14th session of UNESCO's General Conference on October 26, 1966, declared 8th September as an International Literacy Day. Since 1967, celebrations have taken place annually around the world on this day to spread awareness about the importance of literacy to individuals, society, and communities.
Important takeaways;
UNESCO was founded: on 16th November 1945 (London, United Kingdom)
UNESCO Headquarters: Paris (France)
UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay (French Civil Servant)
UNESCO member: 190 countries.
9th September: World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day- It is observed every year to educate people about the need for electric vehicles.
About: The first world EV day was observed in 2020 and it was an initiative of the Sustainability Media Company Green TV.
Aim: To make people aware of the benefits of switching to electric vehicles. Using EVS can transform the world for the better and save the environment as well as energy. It helps to emphasize the importance of e-mobility and sustainable transport facilities. Air pollution is majorly caused by transportation and EVs are one of the considerable alternatives to decrease air pollution.
Electric Vehicles in India: India has sold more than 3,00,000 units of EVs from 2020 to 2022 and there is a growth of 168% in the performance and sales in India. Tata is the largest leading brand of EVs in India.
9th September: Himalaya Diwas- The day is celebrated every year to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem and region. The National Mission for Clean Ganga organizes Himalaya Diwas on 9 September with the association of the Naula Foundation.
Theme: "The Himalayas will be safe only when the interests of its residents are protected"- 2022, "Contribution of the Himalayas and Our Responsibilities"- 2021.
Problems: This day is celebrated to mark the importance of the Himalayas. The Himalayan hill cities face many challenges due to poor building planning and design, unprecedented felling of trees, and poor infrastructure like roads, water supply, sewage, etc. This results in serious ecological issues.
Significance: The day is observed highlighting that there is an urgent need to develop eco-sensitive hill town plans and designs. The Himalayas are a source of strength and valuable heritage for the entire world. So it needs to be protected. Apart from promoting scientific knowledge, the day helps to raise awareness and community participation.
History: In 2015, 9 September, the day was officially declared Himalaya Diwas by Harish Rawat, then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. The Himalayas play an important role in saving and maintaining nature and protecting the country from adverse weather conditions. Apart from being rich in biodiversity of flowers and fauna, the Himalayan range is also responsible for bringing rain to the country. The Diwas is also an excellent day to raise awareness among the general public and bring about community participation in conservation activities.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Then Union Minister Arun Jaitley announced the implementation of Namami Gange on July 10, 2014.
On 12 August 2011, the NMCG was listed as a society under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860. The consortium acts as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), which was constituted under the provision of the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, and was established to address pollution challenges in the Ganga river.
Aim: The operational area of this project compromises the Ganges Basin and all states through which the river flows, including Delhi. The objective of the NMCG is to reduce pollution and to ensure the rejuvenation of the Ganga river. This can be achieved by promoting intersectoral coordination for comprehensive planning, management, and maintaining minimum ecological flow in the river, to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
10th September: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD)- The day is celebrated every year and it is organized by International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Theme: "Creating hope through action", reflects the need for collective, action to address this urgent public health issue. This has been the triennial theme from 2021 to 2023.
History: It was established in 2003 by IASP with WHO. It draws attention to the problems, reduces stigma, and educates agencies, the government, and the public, with a unique message that suicide can be prevented.
Significance: According to the experts at WHO, the purpose of WSPD is to make people understand that suicide is not the only way to stop their problems. Everyone like family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments should show their participation and prevent suicide in their region.
10th September: World First Aid Day- Every year, people around the world observe this day on the second Saturday in September. In 2022, it was celebrated on September 10. Over 100 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies host events and ceremonies on that day to raise awareness of the need for first aid.
Purpose: To raise awareness of the value of first aid, which is a crucial fundamental skill, and to highlight how it can save the lives of people in unexpected emergencies. To build public understanding and spread awareness among the people about the value of first aid as a means of empowering individuals and as a foundation for a more comprehensive resiliency strategy.
First Aid: It is a quick and efficient intervention that reduces pain and injury, improving the odds of survival for those who need it. This is about the care patients receive before they seek medical care.
Theme: "Lifelong First Aid"- 2022, "First aid and road safety"- 2021.
Objectives of the World First Aid: To take the necessary actions to save the lives of those who are ill or injured, to take care of an injured person's condition by providing first aid and making an effort o prevent infection, and to immediately take the injured person to the hospital.
Following the Battle of Solferino (on June 24, 1859), Henry Dunant saw the misery that people were experiencing and he decided to start the IFRC. After the incident, he became worried about people's health and authored the book "Memories of Solferino". The book contained details about the group created to give first aid to those in need.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
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