General Assembly High-level Week 2025
This year鈥檚 high-level week of the General Assembly highlights the urgency of delivering on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and reinvigorating global cooperation. Under the theme 鈥淏etter together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,鈥 the 80th session aims to renew global commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and shared action.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
The , adopted in 1987, united the world to phase out ozone-depleting substances and put the on a path to recovery. The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer raises awareness on the role of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth.
UNCCD 17th session of the Conference of the Parties
Land degradation is already affecting up to 40 per cent of the world鈥檚 land, with far-reaching impacts on food production, water availability, livelihoods and economic stability. The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) offers a pivotal moment for countries and partners to strengthen implementation and mobilize greater investment in drought resilience and sustainable land management.
International Day Conservation Mangrove Ecosystem
Mangroves function as unique, protective ecosystems between land and sea, supporting biodiversity, enhancing food security, and acting as natural defenses against storms. Despite this, mangrove coverage has been reduced by 50 per cent in the past 40 years.
International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
Sand and dust storms (SDS) present a formidable and wide-spread challenge to achieving sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. Sand and dust are integral parts of Earth鈥檚 bio-chemical cycles, but at least 25 per cent of global dust emissions originate from human activities.
High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development 2026 centers on 鈥淭ransformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.鈥 The 2026 HLPF with full appreciation for the integrated, indivisible and interlinked nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), will conduct in-depth reviews of SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17.
Innovate4Cities Conference
The 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) brings together governments, academia, civil society, and industry to bolster city climate action. Learn more about what cities around the world are doing to address climate change here.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
In many parts of the world, climate change is making droughts longer, more frequent and intense. Investing in drought resilience and land restoration is critical to protecting lives and livelihoods. Learn why land is critical to addressing climate change here.
64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies
The 64th Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies brings together Parties to discuss best climate practices, sustainable climate finances, and new technology. The session will push forward the year鈥檚 climate agenda ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Turk茂ye. Learn more here.
World Oceans Day
The ocean generates 50 per cent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by these emissions. Protecting the ocean from climate change impacts is vital.
World Environment Day
With rising temperatures, collapsing ecosystems, and disruptive weather extremes, humanity stands at a tipping point. World Environment Day 2026 focuses on the urgency of climate action, underscoring the need to rethink the systems that power our economies and repair our relationship with the climate.
World Bicycle Day
The world鈥檚 roadways are clogged with vehicles, most of them burning diesel or gasoline. Walking or riding a bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 鈥 and help your health and fitness. Everyone can help limit climate change.
International Day for Biological Diversity
Climate change is affecting biodiversity, altering marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems around the world. Conserving and restoring natural spaces, both on land and in the water, is essential to limit carbon emissions and adapt to the changing climate. Learn how the UN is tackling climate change and biodiversity together here.
International Mother Earth Day
From extreme heat and rising sea levels to biodiversity loss and pollution, Mother Earth is in peril and making a clear call to all of us to take urgent climate action. On Earth Day, speak up and take action to help save our planet with the UN's ActNow campaign.
World Health Day
Climate change is a major threat to people鈥檚 physical and mental health. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. Learn more about how climate change impacts our health here.
World Meteorological Day
Strengthening early warning systems is critical to protecting people against the more frequent and intense extreme events caused by climate change. Learn more about early warning systems and why they are an essential part of adapting to climate change here.
Earth Hour
In 2026, Earth Hour celebrates its 20th anniversary. As landmarks and homes across the planet take part in this light-off moment, join the movement and give an hour of your time to care for our planet.
World Water Day
From unpredictable rainfall patterns to shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, floods and droughts 鈥 most impacts of climate change come down to water. Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between the climate system, human society and the environment. Learn more on water and climate change here.
International Day of Forests
Forests are one of the planet鈥檚 most powerful tools against climate change, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. By locking carbon pollution in trees, roots and soil, forests reduce the heat-trapping gases and regulate Earth鈥檚 temperature. Learn more about forests here.
World Day for Glaciers
Nearly 2 billion people rely on water from glaciers, snowmelt and mountain run-off for drinking, agriculture, and energy production. But warming temperatures are putting these vital resources at risk. If temperatures increase between 1.5掳颁 and 4掳C, mountain glaciers worldwide are projected to lose 26 to 41 per cent of their total mass by 2100, compared to 2015. Learn more about glaciers here.
