Prepared by Promotion and Public Reference Paper No. 34 Services Division and issued by February 1995 Meetings Coverage Section, DPI
Social issues will be the focus of major international conferences in 1995 and 1996: the World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995); the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (Cairo, 1-10 May 1995); the Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace (Beijing, 4-15 September 1995); and the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) (Istanbul, 3-14 June 1996).
In the area of disarmament, the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will convene in New York from 17 April to 12 May. The Conference is to decide whether the Treaty should continue in force indefinitely, or be extended for a fixed period or periods. The Conference convenes by the terms of the NPT, which calls for such a meeting to be held 25 years after the Treaty's entry into force (5 March 1970).
Environment and development will continue to be a central theme this year. The United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks will reconvene in New York (27 March-12 April and 24 July-4 August), and the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will convene in Berlin (28 March-7 April).
In 1995, the international community is celebrating the United Nations Year for Tolerance, as well as the World Year of Peoples' Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War. Preparations are under way for the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty (1996), the International Year of the Ocean (1998) and the International Year of the Elderly (1999).
The following pages contain information on United Nations conferences and special observances scheduled for 1995 and ensuing years, as well as various internationally recognized decades, years, weeks and days.
Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations
(1995)
The General Assembly, on 26 May 1994, recognizing that the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Charter of the United Nations -- on 24 October 1995 -- was an occasion of historic significance, agreed to convene a special commemorative meeting of the Assembly on that occasion, to be held in New York, from 22 to 24 October 1995, at the level of head of State or Government (resolution 48/215 B). The meeting is expected to adopt, on 24 October, a Solemn Declaration on the Fiftieth Anniversary reaffirming the principles of the Charter.
The theme of the Fiftieth Anniversary is "We the peoples of the United Nations ... United for a Better World". The Anniversary will be marked all over the world by a year-long programme of activities and projects (see also United Nations Day, p. 24).
Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(1995)
The Preparatory Committee held its fourth and final session from 23 to 27 January 1995 in New York. The Conference will be held in New York from 17 April to 12 May 1995, as per the terms of the Treaty, which calls for a conference to be held 25 years after the date of the Treaty's entry into force (5 March 1970) to decide whether the Treaty should continue in force indefinitely, or be extended for a fixed period or periods.
The NPT calls for nuclear-weapon States parties to the Treaty to make a commitment not to transfer to other countries any nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Non-nuclear-weapon States ratifying the Treaty undertake not to receive, manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. Parties to the Treaty also agree to facilitate a full exchange of equipment and information of the peaceful uses of atomic energy and to ensure that the benefits of any peaceful application of nuclear explosions are made available to all non-nuclear-weapon States, at the lowest cost.
(1997)
On 15 December 1994, the General Assembly decided, in principle, to convene, in 1997 if possible, the fourth special session of the Assembly devoted to disarmament, the date to be determined at the fiftieth session (resolution 49/75 I). The previous special sessions of the Assembly devoted to disarmament were held in 1978, 1982 and 1988.
(1990s)
On 4 December 1990, the General Assembly declared the 1990s as the Third Disarmament Decade (resolution 45/62 A). That followed the declaration of two earlier disarmament decades, in the 1970s and 1980s. In adopting the Declaration of the 1990s as the Third Disarmament Decade, the Assembly stated that, despite a noticeable improvement during the latter part of the 1980s in the way many States conducted their relations, the specific goals of the Second Disarmament Decade had not been fully realized. It identified common objectives of the international community in the 1990s, including reducing and eventually eliminating nuclear weapons; a comprehensive nuclear-test ban; strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime and halting the nuclear arms race; promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under agreed safeguards; and reducing conventional arms and armed forces.
Other objectives of the Decade included the negotiation of a convention prohibiting all chemical weapons; preventing an arms race in outer space; greater transparency in military matters; advancing the scope and techniques of verification; and promoting the use of science and technology for peaceful purposes.
The Decade has already witnessed major achievements in arms reduction and disarmament. In 1993, the Assembly welcomed the signing of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the United States on the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, in Moscow on 3 January 1993 (resolution 48/75 B). In 1992, the Assembly endorsed the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (resolution 47/39), which was opened for signature in Paris in January 1993, after more than 20 years of negotiations by the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The Assembly had also welcomed the signing of two Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties between the United States and the Russian Federation, as well as the unilateral cuts in nuclear arsenals announced by the two countries (resolution 47/51 K).
On 15 December 1994, the Assembly decided to undertake at its fiftieth session, the middle of the Decade, a review and appraisal of the implementation of the Declaration of the 1990s as the Third Disarmament Decade (resolution 49/75 B).
(24-30 October)
The annual observance of Disarmament Week, which begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, was first called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2). States were invited to expose the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament. Governmental and non-governmental organizations were invited to undertake annual activities to mark the Week. In 1979, at the Assembly's request, the Secretary- General drew up the elements of a model programme for the Week, which might assist States in developing their own observances.
In 1992, the Assembly commended States, international and national governmental and non-governmental organizations for their support for and participation in Disarmament Week (resolution 47/54 C). It also invited the Secretary-General to use the United Nations information organs as widely as possible to promote a better understanding among the world public of disarmament problems and the objectives of Disarmament Week.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
(29 November)
By a resolution adopted in December 1977, the General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (resolution 32/40 B).
On 14 December 1994, the Assembly once again took note of the action taken by Member States to observe the Day of Solidarity and requested them to continue to give it the widest possible publicity (resolution 49/62 B). Reaffirming that the United Nations had a permanent responsibility with respect to the question of Palestine until it was resolved in a satisfactory manner "in accordance with international legitimacy", the Assembly authorized the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to give special emphasis to the need to mobilize support and assistance for the Palestinian people (resolution 49/62 A). The Assembly also requested the Committee to continue to extend its cooperation to non-governmental organizations that were contributing to the heightening of international awareness of the facts relating to the question of Palestine.
World Summit for Social Development
(1995)
By resolution 47/92 of 16 December 1992, the General Assembly decided to convene in 1995, at the level of heads of State or Government, a World Summit for Social Development, and accepted the offer of Denmark to host it. The Summit will be held in Copenhagen on 11 and 12 March 1995, preceded by a meeting of personal representatives of Heads of State or Government or other high-level officials from 6 to 10 March.
Among the Summit's objectives, as set out by the Assembly in 1992, are: to express a shared world-wide commitment to put the needs of people at the centre of development and of international cooperation; and to address, in creative ways, the need to attain a balance between economic efficiency and social justice in a growth-oriented, equitable and sustainable development environment in accordance with nationally defined priorities.
The core issues affecting all societies to be discussed are: enhancement of social integration, particularly of the more disadvantaged and marginalized groups; alleviation and reduction of poverty; and expansion of productive employment.
The Assembly established a Preparatory Committee for the Summit, open to the participation of all Members States and members of the specialized agencies, which held its third and last substantive session from 16 to 28 January 1995 in New York.
(1995)
The General Assembly decided, in December 1992, in accordance with the mandate agreed upon at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), to convene in 1993 an intergovernmental conference under United Nations auspices, on straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks (resolution 47/192). Taking into account the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea concerning those fish stocks, the Conference was asked to identify and assess problems related to the conservation and management of such fish stocks; to consider means of improving fisheries cooperation among States; and to formulate recommendations on those matters.
The United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks held at United Nations Headquarters its organizational session from 19 to 23 April 1993 and its second session from 12 to 30 July 1993. Its third and fourth sessions were held from 14 to 31 March 1994 and from 15 to 26 August 1994.
As recommended by the Conference, the Assembly on 19 December 1994 approved the convening in New York of two further sessions of the Conference to enable it to complete its work (resolution 49/121). The sessions will be held this year from 27 March to 12 April and from 24 July to 4 August. The Conference is to complete its work before the Assembly's fiftieth session.
(1995)
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was opened for signature at Rio de Janeiro during UNCED, and entered into force on 21 March 1994. The Assembly, on 21 December 1993, decided to hold the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention from 28 March to 7 April 1995, and accepted the offer of Germany to host it in Berlin (resolution 48/189). The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Convention will hold its eleventh session in New York from 6 to 17 February 1995.
By resolution 47/188, the General Assembly established, under its auspices, an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the Elaboration of an International Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, as a forum for governments to negotiate such a convention.
The Convention was adopted on 17 June 1994, and opened for signature on 14 October 1994. Welcoming its adoption, the Assembly on 23 December 1994 decided that the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee should continue to function to prepare for the first session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (to be held after the Convention enters into force), and to carry out other functions (resolution 49/234).
For this purpose, the Assembly convened, in addition to the sixth session of the Committee, which was held in New York from 9 to 20 January 1995, a seventh session in Nairobi, from 7 to 18 August 1995, and, pending the entry into force of the Convention, further sessions in 1996 and 1997.
(22 March)
The General Assembly has declared 22 March as World Day for Water (resolution 47/193). The observance of that Day aims at promoting public awareness of the extent to which water resource development contributes to economic productivity and social well-being.
By resolution 2994 (XXVII)) of 15 December 1972, the General Assembly designated 5 June as World Environment Day, to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and enhance the environment. That date was chosen because it was the opening day of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), which resulted in the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Twenty years later, the Assembly convened the UNCED in Rio de Janeiro, where nations came together to take the decisions needed to rekindle the hopes of the 1972 Conference and to take up the challenges of a viable and equitable balance between environment and development and a sustainable future for the earth and its people.
(17 June)
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June, was proclaimed by the General Assembly on 19 December 1994, by resolution 49/115. States were invited to devote the World Day to promoting public awareness of the need for international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought, and on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
(16 September)
On 19 December 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed (resolution 49/114). States were invited to devote the Day to promote, at the national level, activities in accordance with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments. The ozone layer filters sunlight and prevents the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, thereby preserving life on the planet.
(29 December)
(1998)
As recommended by the Economic and Social Council by its resolution 1994/48 of 29 July 1994, the General Assembly, on 19 December 1994, proclaimed 1998 International Year of the Ocean (resolution 49/131). The proclamation of the International Year had been called for by the twenty-seventh session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (resolution 2.5), to call international attention to the decisive role played by the ocean in shaping the life of the planet.
High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Mid-term Global Review of the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries
(1995)
The Programme of Action was adopted at the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Paris from 3 to 14 September 1990. The Programme aims at arresting the deterioration in the socio-economic situation of the least developed countries, reactivating and accelerating their growth and development, and setting them on the path of sustained economic growth and sustainable development.
(1995)
(1991-2000)
The General Assembly, by resolution 45/199 of 21 December 1990, proclaimed the Fourth United Nations Development Decade, starting on 1 January 1991, and adopted the International Development Strategy for the Decade. The main aim of the Strategy was to ensure that the 1990s would be a decade of accelerated development in the developing countries and of strengthened international cooperation, a period that would witness a significant improvement in the human condition in those countries and a reduction in the gap between rich and poor countries. Sustained growth at a rate of 7 per cent was considered a necessary condition for a transformation of the economy in developing countries, with rapid increases in employment and poverty eradication, as well as the generation of resources needed to protect the environment.
To achieve such aims, interrelated goals were stated, among them: a development process that was responsive to social needs, sought to reduce extreme poverty, promoted the development of human resources, and was environmentally sound and sustainable; improvement of the international finance and trade systems; a stronger and more stable world economy; and special efforts to deal with the problems of the least developed countries. To reactivate development, action is recommended in areas such as external debt, development finance, international trade, commodities, science and technology, industrial policy and agriculture.
The first United Nations Development Decade, proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 1710 (XVI)) of 1961, stemmed from a recognition by the international community of its responsibility to seek a better life for all peoples. Broad policies and goals were outlined to help increase economic growth in developing countries by at least 5 per cent by the end of the Decade. Such policies and goals have been reaffirmed, expanded and revised in succeeding development decades and accompanying international development strategies. The Second Decade was proclaimed by resolution 2626 (XXV) of 1970, and the Third Decade by resolution 35/56 of 1980.
(1985-1996)
As proposed by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and recommended by the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly proclaimed, on 18 December 1984, the Transport and Communications Decade for Asia and the Pacific, starting on 1 January 1985 and ending on 31 December 1994 (resolution 39/227). The Assembly subsequently changed the second five-year period of the Decade to 1992-1996, to have it coincide with the 1992-1997 medium-term plan and facilitate preparations for a regional action programme (decision 46/453).
The objectives of the Decade include raising the transport and communications infrastructures of developing ESCAP member countries to a level commensurate with their development objectives and priorities, giving particular attention to the special needs of the region's least developed, land-locked and island developing countries; promoting a more efficient transport and communications network comprising all modes and means in an integrated way, particularly for development of intra- and interregional linkages; and encouraging coordination and cooperation in transport and communications in the region.
The strategy themes developed in the regional action programme for phase II (1992-1996) of the Decade focused on institutional and human resources development, as well as transport and communications operations and commercialization, with emphasis on the problems of urban transport and transport and communications in rural and remote areas.
(1991-2000)
The General Assembly, by resolution 43/179, declared the period 1991-2000 the Second Transport and Communications Decade in Africa, as recommended by the Economic and Social Council. A two-year preparatory period followed the end of the First Decade (1978-1988), and preceded the launching of the Second. By its decision 46/456, the Assembly endorsed Council resolution 1991/83, in which the Council had adopted the programme for the Second Decade.
The First Decade was proclaimed by Assembly resolution 32/160 of 1977. Its aim was to prepare and implement a global strategy for the development of transport and communications in Africa in order to solve problems in those fields, and mobilize technical and financial resources. In evaluating the First Decade, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) concluded that it had given a major boost to the development of transport and communications by equipping Africa with a policy and strategy, as well as institutions and mechanisms for their implementation.
(1993-2002)
On the recommendation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the General Assembly proclaimed the period 1991-2000 as the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (resolution 44/237). On 22 December 1992, the Assembly adopted the programme for the Second Decade and decided to adjust the period to 1993-2002 (resolution 47/177).
The Assembly had proclaimed the First Decade (1981-1990) in December 1980, on the recommendation of UNIDO, to mobilize greater political commitment, as well as financial and technical support for the industrialization of Africa. Among priority areas for the formulation of the Decade's policies and plans were the development of energy technology and equipment, the promotion of intra-African industrial cooperation and the mobilization of financial resources.
In December 1991, the Assembly adopted the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s, by which the international community committed itself to assisting Africa in achieving accelerated growth and human-centered development on a sustained and sustainable basis. The implementation of those programmes was expected to contribute to the realization of the goals of both the Industrial Development Decade and the Transport and Communications Decade.
(first Saturday of July)
On 16 December 1992, the General Assembly proclaimed the first Saturday of July 1995 to be International Day of Cooperatives (resolution 47/60). On 23 December 1994, recognizing that cooperatives are becoming an indispensable factor of economic and social development, the Assembly invited governments, international organizations, specialized agencies and national and international cooperative organizations to observe annually the International Day starting from 1995 (resolution 49/155).
(17 October)
The General Assembly has declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992). The observance of the Day aims to promote public awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries -- a need which has become a priority of development in the 1990s.
(20 November)
Within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa, the General Assembly proclaimed 20 November as Africa Industrialization Day (resolution 44/237 of 22 December 1989). The observance of that Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.
(1996)
On 19 December 1994, the General Assembly reaffirmed that the major activities for observing the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty (1996) should be undertaken at all levels, and that assistance should be provided by the United Nations system to create among States, policy makers and international public opinion a greater awareness that the eradication of poverty is fundamental to reinforcing peace and achieving sustainable development. The Secretary-General was requested to achieve, in consultation with States, specialized agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, the elaboration of the draft programme concerning the preparations for and observance of the Year (resolution 49/110). The Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development is the preparatory body for the International Year, and the Economic and Social Council is the coordinating body. The International Year was proclaimed by the General Assembly on 21 December 1993, by resolution 48/183.
United Nations Conference on Human Settlements
(1996)
The General Assembly decided to convene the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) from 3 to 14 June 1996 in Turkey (resolution 47/180). Convening in Istanbul, the Conference will address human settlements issues in the context of sustainable development. The Conference's two main themes are "Adequate shelter for all" and "Sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world".
Among its objectives are: to arrest the deterioration of global human settlements conditions and create the conditions for achieving improvements in the living environment of all people on a sustainable basis; to adopt a general statement of principles and commitments and formulate a related global plan of action capable of guiding national and international efforts through the first two decades of the next century; to review trends in national and international policies and programmes to implement recommendations adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat) (Vancouver, 1976); and to conduct a mid-term review of the implementation of the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 (resolution 43/181).
The Assembly established a Preparatory Committee for the Conference, open to the participation of Member States and members of the specialized agencies. It will hold its second substantive session from 24 April to 5 May 1995 in Nairobi, and its third session in New York early in 1996.
Second World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction
(2000)
On 2 December 1994, the General Assembly decided to convene, not later than the year 2000, a second world conference on natural disaster reduction to review the accomplishments of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (1990s) and map a strategy for disaster reduction activities into the twenty-first century (resolution 49/22 A). The first World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction was held in Yokohama, Japan, from 23 to 27 May 1994.
(1990s)
By resolution 42/169 of 11 December 1987, the General Assembly designated the 1990s as a decade in which the international community, under United Nations auspices, would pay special attention to fostering international cooperation in the field of natural disaster reduction. It proclaimed the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, beginning on 1 January 1990, and adopted an International Framework of Action for the Decade (resolution 44/236).
The Decade's objective is to reduce, through concerted international action, especially in developing countries, loss of life, property damage and social and economic disruption caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, and other calamities of natural origin, such as grasshopper and locust infestation. Among its goals are: to improve the capacity of each country to mitigate the effects of natural disasters, including by the establishment of early-warning systems; to foster scientific and engineering endeavours to close critical gaps in knowledge in order to reduce loss of life and property; and to develop measures for assessing, predicting, preventing and mitigating natural disasters through programmes of technical assistance and technology transfer, demonstration projects, education and training. The secretariat for the Decade, based at Geneva, is under the authority of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs.
In 1995, the seventh session of the Scientific and Technical Committee on the International Decade will take place in Geneva in September. The Special High-Level Council for the Decade will hold its fourth session in Geneva in October.
(Second Wednesday of October)
Within the framework of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, the General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, to be observed annually during the Decade in a manner befitting its objective and goals (resolution 44/236).
Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination
(1993-2003)
On 20 December 1993, the Assembly proclaimed the Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, beginning in 1993, and adopted the Programme of Action for it (resolution 48/91). The Assembly urged governments to take measures to combat new forms of racism. The Secretary-General was requested to continue the study of the effects of racial discrimination on the children of minorities, particularly those of migrant workers, and to submit recommendations for combating those effects. He was also requested to finalize the draft model legislation for combating racial discrimination, and to ensure that the necessary financial resources be provided for the activities of the Decade.
In 1973, the Assembly had designated the decade beginning on 10 December 1973 (Human Rights Day) as the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, and had adopted a Programme setting forth the goals of the Decade and the measures to be taken at the national, regional and international levels to achieve them (resolution 3057 (XXVIII)).
As that Decade came to an end, the Second World Conference to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination was convened at Geneva in August 1983 (the first World Conference had been held in 1978), to evaluate its accomplishments. After considering the Conference's report, the Assembly in 1983 noted with concern that, despite the efforts of the international community, the Decade had not attained its principal objectives and that millions of human beings continued to be victims of racism and racial discrimination.
On the Conference's recommendation, the Assembly proclaimed a Second Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, approved a Programme of Action for the Decade and called on all States to cooperate in its implementation.
(21 March)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the International Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).
(Beginning on 21 March)
As part of its programme for the first Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination, the General Assembly in 1979 called for the observance by all States of a Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination, beginning on 21 March (resolution 34/24).
United Nations Year for Tolerance
(1995)
The United Nations Year for Tolerance (1995) was proclaimed by the General Assembly on 20 December 1993 (resolution 48/126). On 23 December 1994, the Assembly, welcoming the fact that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) would assume the role of the lead organization for the Year, requested it to prepare a declaration of principles and a programme of action as a follow-up to the Year. Member States were called upon to cooperate with UNESCO in the observance of the programmes for the Year, and to participate in implementing the Year's activities. Interested intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations were invited to contribute to the programmes for the Year (resolution 49/213). The proclamation of 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance had been an initiative of the General Conference of UNESCO (resolution 5.6).
(1995-2005)
On 23 December 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, beginning on 1 January 1995, and welcomed the Plan of Action for the Decade submitted by the Secretary-General (resolution 49/184). In proclaiming the Decade, the Assembly expressed its conviction that human rights education should constitute a life-long process, by which people learn respect for the dignity of others.
The Assembly requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to coordinate the implementation of the Plan of Action. Governments were called upon to direct education towards the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Governmental and non-governmental educational agencies were urged to establish programmes of human rights education. The Secretary-General was requested to consider establishing a voluntary fund for human rights education.
(10 December)
All States and interested organizations were invited by the General Assembly in 1950 to observe 10 December as Human Rights Day (resolution 423 (V)). The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
International Decade of the World's Indigenous People
(1994-2004)
On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of the World's Indigenous People (resolution 45/164). The Year, having its theme "Indigenous people -- a new partnership", helped focus world attention on the problems faced by indigenous communities. Subsequently, on the recommendation of the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights (1993), the General Assembly proclaimed on 21 December 1993 the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People, starting on 10 December 1994 (resolution 48/163).
The goal of the Decade, as reaffirmed by the Assembly on 23 December 1994, was to strengthen international cooperation to resolve problems faced by indigenous people in such areas as human rights, the environment, development, education and health (resolution 49/214). Governments were encouraged to establish national committees or other mechanisms involving indigenous people to ensure that the objectives and activities of the Decade are planned and implemented on the basis of full partnership with indigenous people. The theme of the Decade is "Indigenous people: partnership in action". The Coordinator of the Decade is the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.
(9 August)
On 23 December 1994, the General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (resolution 49/214). The date marks the anniversary of the first day of the meeting, in 1992, of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities.
Fourth World Conference on Women
(1995)
The General Assembly, on 14 December 1990, decided to hold the Fourth World Conference on Women in order to conduct the second five-year review of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the year 2000 (resolution 45/129). In December 1992, the Assembly decided that the Conference would be held from 4 to 15 September 1995 and accepted the offer of China to host it in Beijing (resolution 47/95). Pre-conference consultations will be held on 2 and 3 September.
By the same resolution, the Assembly emphasized the importance of the total integration of women in development and called on Member States to establish specific targets to increase the participation of women in professional, management and decision-making positions in their countries. The Commission on the Status of Women decided, on 8 March 1991, that the World Conference should be entitled "Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace" (decision 35/101).
In addition to reviewing the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies, adopted in 1985 at the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace, the Conference will determine the measures necessary to ensure that the Nairobi Strategies achieve their objectives. It will provide a focus for national reviews and appraisals of policies for the advancement of women, set targets and mobilize interest in the issue. The Commission on the Status of Women, meeting in New York from 15 March to 4 April 1995, will deliberate the content of the Platform for Action for consideration by the Conference.
International Day of Disabled Persons
(3 December)
At the conclusion of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), the General Assembly, on 14 October 1992, proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons (resolution 47/3). The Decade had been a period of raising awareness and enacting measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunities. Subsequently, the Assembly appealed to Member States to highlight the observance of the International Day in order to further integrate people with disabilities into society (resolution 47/88).
(1993-2002)
The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) is intended to give fresh impetus to the implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons in the ESCAP region. It is also meant to strengthen regional cooperation in achieving the goals of the World Programme. The Decade was proclaimed on 23 April 1992 by ESCAP resolution 48/3, and endorsed by the General Assembly on 16 December 1992 (resolution 47/88).
International Day for the Elderly
(1 October)
In designating 1 October as the International Day for the Elderly (resolution 45/106 of 14 December 1990), the General Assembly appealed for contributions to the Trust Fund for Ageing, which supports projects in developing countries that benefit the aged. The Trust Fund was established as part of the implementation of the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted at the 1982 World Assembly on Ageing.
In further implementing the International Plan of Action, the Assembly, in December 1992, adopted a set of global targets on ageing for the year 2001 as a practical strategy for countries to follow in providing for the needs of the elderly (resolution 47/86). The Assembly urged the UNDP and other development agencies to include a component on ageing in their programmes and policies.
(1999)
By resolution 47/50 of 16 October 1992, the General Assembly decided to observe 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons, "in recognition of humanity's demographic coming of age and the promise it holds for maturing attitudes and capabilities in social, economic, cultural and spiritual undertakings, not least for global peace and development in the next century". On 20 December 1993, the Assembly decided to redesignate the Year as the International Year of the Elderly (decision 48/433).
World Decade for Cultural Development
(1988-1997)
In 1986, the General Assembly proclaimed the World Decade for Cultural Development (1988-1997), to be observed under the auspices of UNESCO (resolution 41/187). The Decade's four main objectives are: to acknowledge the cultural dimension of development; affirm and enrich cultural identities; broaden participation in culture; and promote international cultural cooperation. The idea for the Decade was first proposed by the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies (Mexico City, 1982).
On 19 December 1994, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General and the Director-General of UNESCO to submit in 1996 a progress report on the implementation of the Decade (resolution 49/105).
Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders
(1995)
The General Assembly on 23 December 1994 called on the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders to formulate recommendations for improving the effectiveness of United Nations activities and mechanisms in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. It decided that the theme for the Congress should be "Less crime, more justice: security for all" (resolution 49/157). The Congress will be held in Cairo from 1 to 10 May 1995, preceded by pre-congress consultations on 29 and 30 April.
The four topics of the Congress, as set out by the Economic and Social Council on 25 July 1994, are international cooperation and practical technical assistance for strengthening the rule of law; action against international and transnational economic and organized crime and the role of criminal law in the protection of the environment; management and improvement of police and other law-enforcement agencies, prosecution, courts and corrections; and crime prevention strategies, in particular, as related to crimes in urban areas and juvenile and violent criminality (resolution 1994/19). The Congress will also held a plenary discussion on corruption.
The United Nations has convened a Crime Congress every five years since 1955 to provide a forum for the exchange of experience and the mobilization of public opinion regarding global issues in crime prevention and control.
United Nations Decade against Drug Abuse
(1991-2000)
The United Nations Decade against Drug Abuse (1991-2000) was proclaimed by the General Assembly on 23 February 1990 (resolution S-17/2). Also adopted was a Global Programme of Action to fight illegal drugs on all levels, which focused on international cooperation against illicit production, supply, demand and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
On 23 December 1994, the Assembly reaffirmed the importance of achieving the objectives of the Decade, under the theme "A global response to a global challenge", by Member States, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme and the United Nations system (resolution 49/168 II).
A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in Drug Abuse Control had been adopted at Vienna in 1987 at the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. National authorities and interested organizations were urged to use the Outline for developing strategies that would attack all aspects of the drug problem, including illicit demand, cultivation of illicit drug crops, trafficking, misuse of the banking system, and treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers. States were asked to strengthen measures against profiting from drug trafficking, against illegal financial flows and against illegal use of the banking system.
(26 June)
The General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation at all levels to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. It took that action on 26 June 1987 (resolution 42/112), following a recommendation of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
On 23 February 1990, the Assembly adopted a Global Programme of Action to combat illegal drugs, and stated that the International Day was to be observed as part of the effort to raise public awareness about fighting drug abuse and to promote preventive measures.
International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism
(1990-2000)
In 1988, the General Assembly declared 1990-2000 as the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (resolution 43/47). On 19 December 1991, it declared that the ultimate goal of the Decade was the free exercise of the right of self-determination by the peoples of each and every one of the remaining on-Self-Governing Territories. In adopting proposals contained in a report of the Secretary-General to serve as a Plan of Action for the Decade, the Assembly invited Member States, the United Nations system, governmental and non-governmental organizations to actively support and participate in implementing that Plan.
The Assembly, by resolution 49/89 of 16 December 1994, reaffirmed its resolution 43/47 on the Decade and called on the administering Powers to take all necessary steps to enable the peoples of the Territories concerned to exercise fully, as soon as possible, their right to self-determination and independence. It requested the Special Committee on decolonization to continue to seek suitable means for the immediate and full implementation of the 1960 Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and to carry out actions approved by the Assembly regarding the Decade.
United Nations Congress on Public International Law
(1995)
In connection with the United Nations Decade of International Law (1990-1999), the General Assembly on 9 December 1993 decided that a United Nations congress on Public International Law be held in 1995 (resolution 48/30). On 9 December 1994, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to proceed with the preparations for the Congress and keep the Member States informed on the status of the preparations (resolution 49/50). The Congress is to be held in New York from 13 to 17 March 1995.
(1990-1999)
On 9 December 1994, the General Assembly adopted the programme of activities for the third term (1995-1996) of the United Nations Decade of International Law, and invited States and international organizations and institutions to undertake the activities outlined in the programme. It also expressed its appreciation to States and international organizations and institutions that undertook activities to implement the programme for the Decade's second term (1993-1994) (resolution 49/50). In declaring, in November 1989, the period 1990-1999 as the United Nations Decade of International Law, the Assembly outlined its main purposes as promoting acceptance of and respect for principles of international law; promoting means and methods for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States, including resort to and full respect for the International Court of Justice; encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification; and encouraging the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law (resolution 44/23).
In pursuit of these objectives, the programme for the third term of the Decade encourages States and international organizations to promote the acceptance of and respect for the principles of international law; become parties to multilateral treaties, particularly those relevant to the progressive development of international law and its codification; provide assistance and technical advice to developing countries to facilitate their participation in the multilateral treaty-making process. They, together with international law institutions, are invited to study the means and methods for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States, including resort to and full respect for the International Court of Justice.
In addition, States are asked to encourage educational institutions to introduce courses in international law; consider convening conferences of experts to study the question of preparing model curricula and materials for courses in international law and the training of teachers; organize seminars, symposia, training courses, lectures and meetings and undertake studies on various aspects of international law; and organize special training in international law for legal professionals, foreign affairs and military personnel. Cooperation is encouraged among persons in developing and developed countries involved in the practice of international law; States and other organizations are urged to publish important international legal instruments and studies; and international courts and tribunals are invited to disseminate more widely their judgements and advisory opinions.
World Year of Peoples' Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War
(1995)
On 2 December 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed 1995 as the World Year of Peoples' Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War (resolution 49/25). Recalling that 1995 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the War, the Assembly decided to hold a special solemn meeting on 18 October 1995 to commemorate the sacrifices wrought by the War.
World Press Freedom Day
(3 May)
On the recommendation of the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly on 20 December 1993 declared 3 May as World Press Freedom Day (decision 48/432). The initiative of proclaiming the Day stemmed from the General Conference of UNESCO. The General Conference adopted on 6 November 1991 resolution 4.3 on "Promotion of press freedom in the world", by which it recognized that a free, pluralistic and independent press was an essential component of any democratic society. It invited the UNESCO Director-General to transmit to the General Assembly the wish expressed by UNESCO member States to have 3 May declared "International Press Freedom Day". The date had been chosen to commemorate the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, adopted on 3 May 1991 by the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, organized by UNESCO and the United Nations in Windhoek, Namibia.
(15 May)
On 20 September 1993, the General Assembly decided that, beginning in 1994 -- the International Year of the Family -- 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families (resolution 47/237). The International Year of the Family had been proclaimed by the Assembly in 1989, to increase awareness of family issues and improve the institutional capability of nations to tackle serious family-related problems with comprehensive policies.
(11 July)
In June 1989, the Governing Council of the UNDP recommended that 11 July be observed by the international community as World Population Day. An outgrowth of the Day of Five Billion, celebrated on 11 July 1987, the Day seeks to focus public attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development plans and programmes, and the need to find solutions to the world's population problems. In 1994, world population grew by a record 91 million, to more than 5.6 billion people. Some 950 million will be added during this decade alone; most of this growth will take place in developing countries.
(Third Tuesday of September)
In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the third Tuesday of September, the opening day of the regular session of the General Assembly each year, "shall be officially dedicated and observed as the International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples" (resolution 36/67). In a message commemorating the Day on 20 September 1994, the Secretary-General said that "beyond the complexities of international life, our ultimate objective is peace. Through democracy and development, the path to peace can be found".
(First Monday of October
) Acting on a recommendation of the Commission on Human Settlements, the Assembly, in 1985, designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. The first observance of the Day, in 1986, marked the tenth anniversary of the first international conference on the subject -- Habitat: United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (May-June 1976, Vancouver, Canada) (resolution 40/202). In his message for World Habitat Day 1994, the Secretary-General said that "urban areas are where the interconnections between the urgent global concerns of our time have become most apparent... In today's world, the challenge of development has become the challenge of urban settlements".
(16 October)
The aim of World Food Day, proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity" (resolution 35/70).
(24 October)
The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter -- 24 October 1945 -- has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the Assembly recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by United Nations Member States (resolution 2782 (XXVI)). In a message commemorating United Nations Day 1994, the Secretary-General said that "with the active commitment of people, the United Nations can continue to play its indispensable role for peace and security, social and economic progress, and global human development". In 1995, the Day will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Organization.
(Week of 11 November)
In 1988, the Assembly proclaimed an International Week of Science and Peace, to be celebrated each year during the week of 11 November, as a special week of action devoted to "science and peace", in order to generate and increase public interest in this topic (resolution 43/61). The date was chosen to retain the date of the first International Week of Scientists for Peace (10-16 November 1986). Institutions of advanced studies, scientific academies, professional associations and individuals were urged to hold during that Week lectures, seminars, special debates and other activities conducive to the study and dissemination of information on the links between progress in science and technology and the maintenance of peace and security (resolution 45/70).
Other international days observed throughout the United Nations system include:
International Women's Day (8 March); World Meteorological Day (23 March); World Health Day (7 April); World Telecommunication Day (17 May); World No-Tobacco Day (31 May); International Literacy Day (8 September); World Maritime Day (during the last week in September); World Post Day (9 October); World Development Information Day (24 October); Universal Children's Day (20 November, varies); World AIDS Day (1 December); and International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (5 December).
Conferences World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, 6-12 March 1995) United Nations Congress on Public International Law (New York, 13-17 March 1995) United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (New York, 27 March-12 April and 24 July-4 August) Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Berlin, 28 March-7 April 1995) Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (New York, 17 April-12 May 1995) Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (Cairo, 1-10 May 1995) Fourth World Conference on Women: Action for Equality, Development and Peace (Beijing, 4-15 September 1995) Third United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices (Geneva, 13-24 November 1995) United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) (Istanbul, 3-14 June 1996) INDEX
International Decades and Years 1985-1996 Transport and Communications Decade for Asia and the Pacific 1988-1997 World Decade for Cultural Development 1990s International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990s Third Disarmament Decade 1990-1999 United Nations Decade of International Law 1990-2000 International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 1991-2000 Fourth United Nations Development Decade 1991-2000 Second Transport and Communications Decade in Africa 1991-2000 United Nations Decade against Drug Abuse 1993-2002 Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa 1993-2002 Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2003 Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination 1994-2004 International Decade of the World's Indigenous People 1995-2005 United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education 1995 United Nations Year for Tolerance 1995 World Year of Peoples' Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War 1996 International Year for the Eradication of Poverty 1998 International Year of the Ocean 1999 International Year of the Elderly
Annual Days and Weeks 21 March International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Beginning Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling 21 March against Racism and Racial Discrimination 22 March World Day for Water 3 May World Press Freedom Day 15 May International Day of Families 5 June World Environment Day 17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 26 June International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking First Saturday of July International Day of Cooperatives 11 July World Population Day 9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous People 16 September International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer Third Tuesday of September International Day of Peace 1 October International Day for the Elderly First Monday of October World Habitat Day Second Wednesday of October International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction 16 October World Food Day 17 October International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 24 October United Nations Day 24-30 October Disarmament Week Week of 11 November International Week of Science and Peace 20 November Africa Industrialization Day 29 November International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 3 December International Day of Disabled Persons 10 December Human Rights Day 29 December International Day for Biological Diversity Other international days