World Hepatitis Day
2026-07-28 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/Dublin)
Each year, more than a million people lose their lives to hepatitis – and the number of deaths is rising. But why?

We have fast and accurate tests, effective and affordable treatments, and a proven vaccine that could prevent 95% of newborns from getting hepatitis B.

Low awareness, misinformation, myths and stigma are stopping people from accessing hepatitis services and leading to a lack of action by decision makers.

Let’s break it down.

This World Hepatitis Day, let’s break down the barriers holding us back from a hepatitis-free world. The World Hepatitis Alliance, our partners, allies, and our 400 members in 120 countries are calling for action to end this entirely preventable disease.

Our goals:

That everyone sees that hepatitis elimination is not only possible but achievable – if we all work together to make it happen.

That everyone has the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices about hepatitis testing, treatment and vaccination.

For decision makers to become advocates, providing the resources needed to improve the lives of affected communities.

An end to the stigma for people living with hepatitis, ensuring no one is left behind.

World Breastfeeding Week
2026-08-01 00:00 - 2026-08-07 23:59
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (August 1-7) is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”. Coordinated by WABA, this theme emphasizes building long-term, lasting support for families across workplaces, communities, and healthcare systems to improve breastfeeding rates and normalize nursing.

Key Focus Areas for 2026:

Health and Equity: Highlighting breastfeeding as a human right that reduces poverty and supports the health of mothers and babies.

Sustainable Support: Focusing on lasting infrastructure, such as workplace lactation rooms and community support groups, rather than just short-term awareness.

Actionable Goals: Encouraging policymakers, employers, and health systems to prioritize breastfeeding-friendly environments.

International Youth Day
2026-08-12 00:00 - 23:59
Youth Localizing the SDGs

The theme of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, highlights the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities. As development partners work to translate and implement the global goals within specific local contexts, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people are critical partners. They bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

This year’s IYD will also underscore the essential role of local and regional governments. Being the closest to the communities they serve, they are uniquely positioned to create inclusive policy environments, allocate resources, and establish mechanisms for youth participation in local planning and decision-making. By integrating youth priorities into local and regional strategies and fostering partnerships with youth organizations, authorities can collaborate with young people to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. When local governments provide spaces for innovation, mentorship, and civic engagement, they not only accelerate SDG implementation but also nurture future community leaders and changemakers.

This year’s IYD takes on added significance as it coincides with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. It remains a guiding framework for recognizing youth as key actors in sustainable development and participatory governance—principles directly echoed in this year’s theme. Discussions related to the 2025 IYD theme will also inform preparations for the Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in Doha in November.

As the world embarks on the final stretch toward 2030, IYD 2025 calls for real investments in inclusive policies and programmes that leverage local youth actions for the SDGs.

World Humanitarian Day UN
2026-08-19 00:00 - 23:59
A Call to #ActForHumanity

On 19 August, we mark World Humanitarian Day — a time to honor those who step into crises to help others, and to stand with the millions of people whose lives hang in the balance.

This year the message is clear: the humanitarian system is stretched to its limits; underfunded, overwhelmed and under attack.

Where bombs fall and disasters strike, humanitarian workers are the ones holding the line keeping people alive, often at great personal risk. But more and more those who help are becoming targets themselves.

In 2024 alone over 380 humanitarian workers were killed. Some in the line of duty, others in their homes. Hundreds more have been injured, kidnapped or detained, and there is reason to fear 2025 could be worse.

Too often the world looks away, even when these attacks violate international law. The laws meant to protect aid workers are ignored. Those responsible walk free. This silence and lack of accountability cannot continue.

The system is failing not just humanitarian workers, but the people they serve. We’re not at a crossroads anymore. We’re standing at the edge. Needs are rising. Funding is falling. Attacks on aid workers are breaking records.

International Overdose Awareness Day
2026-08-31 00:00 - 23:59
Our vision is a world without overdose

Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose.

It is a global platform that provides tools, resources and a space for communities to connect and drive change.

Through events – both in person and online – communities honor lives lost, educate their families, friends and peers, and explore evidence-based overdose prevention solutions.
