International Days are annual observances designated to raise global awareness, encourage reflection, and catalyze action on issues that align with UNESCO’s mandate in education, science, culture and communication. These days bring people together across nations to celebrate shared values, highlight critical challenges, and promote dialogue on themes such as cultural diversity, literacy, heritage, human rights, and sustainable development. Each year, UNESCO highlights a programme of International Days that serve as opportunities for governments, civil society, educational institutions and communities to engage in events, campaigns, and policy discussions. Through these observances, UNESCO encourages inclusive participation and collective commitment to build more peaceful, sustainable and equitable societies. Examples include internationally recognized days such as World Radio Day, International Mother Language Day, World Book and Copyright Day, World Water Day, and the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. These observances not only honour diverse cultural and intellectual heritage but also support the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering understanding, learning and cooperation.