Addressing the challenges and opportunities of ageing, with an emphasis on empowerment, is the theme of the International Day of Older Persons for 2007. The role of older persons in economic and social development is a major feature of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, as is promoting democracy and the rights of older persons through their participation in all aspects of society. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Madrid Plan, and the launch of its first review and appraisal. Crucially, this will be based on an inclusive and participatory approach, engaging older persons themselves in the process.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing/

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

17 October

This year’s theme is “People living in poverty as agents of change: 20th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty”. The event will include an attempt to “stand up and speak out” to break the Guinness World record set in 2006 and the commemoration of the day including personal testimonies of extreme poverty. As part of the commemoration, an exhibit at UN Headquarters in New York will display the winning designs of an international children’s art competition.

For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlDay/2007intlday.html

United Nations Day

24 October

Simply put, it is the birthday of the United Nations. On 24 October 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States. Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the Organization.

World Development Information Day

24 October

The General Assembly instituted World Development Information Day in 1972 with the object of drawing the attention of world public opinion each year to development problems and the necessity of strengthening international co-operation to solve them. The General Assembly also decided that World Development Information Day should coincide, in principle, with United Nations Day to stress the central role of development in the work of the United Nations.