World Development Information Day: Fostering Global Awareness and Cooperation
World Development Information Day is an annual observance established by the United Nations to raise awareness about global development issues and promote international cooperation in addressing these challenges. It aims to improve the dissemination of information and mobilize public opinion, particularly among young people, to foster greater understanding of development problems and encourage efforts towards sustainable solutions.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 24th annually
- Tagged as: United Nations observance
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorldDevelopmentInfoDay
- When was it founded?: 1972
- Who founded it?: United Nations General Assembly
History of World Development Information Day
The United Nations General Assembly established World Development Information Day in 1972 through Resolution 3038 (XXVII). The date was chosen to coincide with United Nations Day, emphasizing the central role of development in the UN’s work. The day also marks the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade in 1970.
Timeline
- 1970: Adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second UN Development Decade
- 1972: UN General Assembly establishes World Development Information Day
- 1973: First celebration of World Development Information Day
- 2015: Adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- 2021: Theme focused on “Action for Sustainable Development Goals”
World Development Information Day Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 24 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 24 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 24 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 24 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 24 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 24 | Thursday |
Observed World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day is observed globally through various events, campaigns, and discussions. Organizations and institutions conduct seminars, conferences, and workshops to highlight development challenges and the role of information in addressing them. Many events focus on engaging journalists and media professionals to enhance the dissemination of development-related information.
The day serves as a platform for raising awareness about issues such as education, health, the environment, and economic development. It encourages dialogue between developed and developing nations, fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing.
In recent years, the observance has increasingly emphasized the role of modern information and communication technologies in solving development problems and bridging the digital divide.
Fun Facts About World Development Information Day
- The day coincides with United Nations Day, doubling its significance.
- It promotes the use of information technology to solve development issues across countries.
- Rwanda leads the world in women’s parliamentary representation, a key development indicator highlighted on this day.
- The day emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12.
- It encourages repairing and donating items instead of discarding them, promoting sustainable practices.
Quiz
- When is World Development Information Day celebrated?
- Which organization established World Development Information Day?
- What year was World Development Information Day first observed?
- What is one of the main objectives of World Development Information Day?
- How many Sustainable Development Goals are there?
- (Answers: 1. October 24th, 2. United Nations General Assembly, 3. 1973, 4. To raise awareness about development problems, 5. 17)
FAQs
Q: Why was World Development Information Day created?
A: It was created to draw attention to development problems and strengthen international cooperation to solve them.
Q: How does World Development Information Day relate to the UN’s work?
A: It emphasizes the central role of development in the UN’s mission and coincides with United Nations Day.
Q: What kind of events are held on World Development Information Day?
A: Events include seminars, workshops, media campaigns, and discussions focusing on development issues and information dissemination.
Q: How has the focus of World Development Information Day evolved?
A: It has increasingly emphasized the role of modern information technologies in addressing development challenges.
Q: Who is the target audience for World Development Information Day?
A: While it aims to reach the general public, there’s a particular focus on engaging young people and media professionals.
Importance of World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day plays a crucial role in enhancing global awareness about development challenges faced by countries worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global issues and the importance of information in driving sustainable development.
By promoting the dissemination of information and mobilizing public opinion, the day encourages active participation in addressing development problems. It fosters a sense of global solidarity and highlights the need for collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.
The day also emphasizes the potential of information and communication technologies in providing innovative solutions to development challenges. It underscores the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to information and knowledge across all nations.
Related
- United Nations Day
- International Development Strategy
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Information and Communication Technologies for Development
- Global Partnership for Sustainable Development