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World Habitat Day is today! Sponsored by the United Nations, the day occurs on the first Monday in October. The day reminds us of the right to adequate shelter. It also celebrates towns and cities. This year’s theme is Urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery. The first celebration began in 1986 with a conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
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International Day of the Girl Child is today! The United Nations created the day in 2012, and this year’s theme is Digital Generation. Our Generation. The United Nations states, “On 11 October, International Day of the Girl, we are working alongside all girls to expand existing learning opportunities, chart new pathways and calling on the global community to rethink how to prepare them for a successful transition into the world of work.” Children can learn more at: Girl Child.
World Food Day marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. The organization is part of the United Nations. This year’s theme is Safe Food Today for a Healthy Tomorrow. Children could visit a website at: World Food Day.
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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is sponsored by the United Nations. The event can be traced back to 1987 when a group met in Paris to see what could be done to eliminate poverty. This year’s theme is “Dignity for All in Practice.” Children can learn more at: End Poverty.
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United Nations Day celebrates the founding of the organization in 1945. Membership has increased from 51 countries to 193 countries. António Guterres is the current Secretary General. Children could learn more at: United Nations.
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Universal Children’s Day is observed by the United Nations. The day was first marked in 1953. Over one hundred nations recognize this day. Children could combine the ideas of the Bill of Rights and Universal Children’s Day and propose ideas for a children’s bill of rights. Children can learn more at: Children’s Day
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World Soil Day is today! The day reminds us of the importance of healthy soil and its role in promoting a healthy earth. It was initiated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations on December 5, 2013. This year’s theme is Soil and Water: A Source of Life. Idea: Children could dig up some soil and look for plant remains and animals. They could also investigate how to compost.
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United Nations declares today as International Volunteer Day. This year’s theme is Volunteering Is Empathy in Action. Children could volunteer to help around the community. They could consider picking up litter or building bird feeders. Children could learn more at: Volunteer.
League of Nations was formed in 1920. Over 50 countries worked together to try to end war. Permanent nations included France, Italy, Japan, and Great Britain. Later Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics became permanent members. However, the United States was not a member. The League of Nations ceased to exist in 1946, but it became the basis for the United Nations.
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United Nations General Assembly held its first meeting in 1946 in London, England. Founded by 51 countries, the United Nations today is comprised of 193 countries. The four goals are:
• To keep peace between countries
• To develop friendly relationships between countries
• To help the world’s poor through medical and educational programs
• To be a catalyst so that progress can be made
Today the General Assembly meets in New York City. Other branches of the United Nations are located in Geneva, Switzerland, and Vienna, Austria. Children could learn more at: United Nations.
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science is today. Created by the United Nations in December of 2015, the day is dedicated to bringing gender equality to the fields of math and science. Presently about 97 percent of Nobel Laureates are men and only three percent are women. Women in the fields of math and science are often paid less than their male counterparts. “More women and girls in science equals better science,” stated Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General. Children can learn more at: Women and Girls in Science.