International awareness days and weeks are observed each month to help us learn more about issues affecting people around us as well as our environment. They enlighten us and bring people together to take action and also to celebrate languages, people, and more. From ‘World Tuna Day’ celebrated on May 2 to ‘World No-Tobacco Day’ observed on May 31, we have compiled a list of all the awareness days and weeks in May 2023 that you should know of.
May 2, 2023
World Tuna Day
Many countries and nations rely on tuna for employment, livelihood, food security, and much more. Therefore, World Tuna Day on May 2 helps raise awareness about the importance of tuna and to preserve it from crashing.
May 3, 2023
World Press Freedom Day
The World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 and this year marks its 30th anniversary. This day celebrates the principles of press freedom. Press freedom and freedom of expression is crucial during crises and conflicts. There is also an increasing threat to the safety of journalists and press freedom and this day helps spread awareness about these issues. The World Press Freedom Day also pays tribute to all the journalists that have lost their lives during service.
May 5, 2023
Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon
Millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate the festival of Vesak. It is the day Buddha attained enlightenment. He was also born on Vesak and passed away on the Day of Vesak when he was 80. Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon, falls on May 5 this year.
World Portuguese Language Day
Over 265 million people in the world people speak Portuguese. It is a language mainly spoken in the southern hemisphere. May 5 was designated as the World Portuguese Language Day in 2019. These days help promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.
May 8, 2023
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War
Millions of lives were lost in the Second World War and the devastation it caused is incomprehensible. Therefore, it is important to use peaceful means to settle disputes in order to prevent war, conflicts, and violence. Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War is observed on May 8. This day also highlights the importance of peace and international cooperation.
May 10, 2023
International Day of Argania
In addition to providing fruits, the resilient argan tree’s wood fuel is also helpful while cooking. Its seed is used to extract argan oil which is especially popular in cosmetic industries. The argan tree also provides fodder for herds, helps in generating income, and empowers women in rural areas. The International Day of Argania is celebrated on May 10 and acknowledges the importance of the argan tree which also adapts to climate change.
May 12, 2023
International Day of Plant Health
Plants play a very important role in our lives. It’s becoming increasingly important to take care of pants just as we take care of our health. Climate change is not only affecting us but the ecosystem and biodiversity as well. Agriculture is the primary source of income in rural areas and increasing pests and diseases are a threat to plants. Plants help generate income and protect our environment. The International Day of Plant on May 12 underlines how protecting plant health can protect our planet and its people by providing food and also helping the economy.
May 13, 2023
World Migratory Bird Day
This year, May 13 is World Migratory Bird Day. This day gives us an opportunity to spread awareness about migratory birds. It also puts an emphasis on conserving them as well as preserving their habitat. The 2023 slogan for World Migratory Bird Day is Water: Sustaining Bird Life.
May 15 – 21, 2023
Global Road Safety Week
The Global Road Safety Week will be observed from May 15 – 21 this year. Millions of people are injured in road accidents every year and over a million people also lose their lives. These road accidents lead to disabilities, injuries, and death. This year the Global Road Safety Week underlines sustainable transport. We need to walk and cycle more to ensure road safety.
May 15, 2023
International Day of Families
The International Day of Families on May 15 offers a chance to raise awareness of issues affecting families.
May 16, 2023
International Day of Living Together in Peace
Reconciliation, understanding others, and respecting them are necessary to live in peace. Unity, tolerance, harmony, and listening to others, will help ensure peace in society. The International Day of Living Together in Peace is observed on May 16 to promote cooperation and peace to prevent violence and conflicts or war.
International Day of Light
The International Day of Light is celebrated on May 16. The day marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960. This operation was by American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman. It celebrates the role light plays in our lives. From medicine, science, and education, to art and culture, it plays a massive role in development. The day also highlights establishing scientific cooperation as it could lead to sustainable development.
May 17, 2023
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Today, the internet is one of the most widely-used tools to stay connected to one another. From making digital payments; ordering food, groceries, and medicines online, to learning new skills, or staying informed about our world, the internet makes all these things possible and tasks simpler and hassle-free than ever before!
World Telecommunications and Information Society Day on May 17 underlines how telecommunication and information communication technology can help people be more independent. This technology helps fight discrimination based on age and can help people all around the world including the elderly stay connected.
May 20, 2023
World Bee Day
The contribution of bees and pollinators can help end hunger but they are under threat. Thanks to bees and pollinators, we can enjoy high-quality food such as fruits and vegetables. The World Bee Day on May 20 highlights the importance of bees and pollinators. It also gives us an opportunity to learn about their contribution to society. The day also aims to increase measures taken to protect bees and pollinators.
May 21, 2023
International Tea Day
Today, tea is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Many people begin their day with tea, which is also one of the most consumed drinks. The tea industry helps alleviate poverty and hunger by creating jobs in developing countries. However, this industry is under threat as regions where tea is grown are also affected by climate change which leads to a fall in income, quality of tea produced, and many other challenges and problems. The International Tea Day celebrated on May 21 also highlights the importance of tea and its health benefits.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21 promotes cultural diversity. The day was first celebrated in 2002 and focuses on intercultural dialogue.
May 22, 2023
International Day for Biological Diversity
We completely rely on our biodiversity for our survival. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity threatens us all. The International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 raises awareness about the reduction of species due to actions humans take.
May 23, 2023
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on May 23. An obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury. Though devastating, it can be prevented and treated. This day helps raise awareness about it and urges to increase actions to end obstetric fistula.
May 25 – 31, 2023
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories
Non-self-governing territories are those that don’t have self-governance. Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories is observed from May 25 – 31.
May 29, 2023
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated on May 29 and pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives while serving under the UN. The Day also honors people who have been working for and contributing to the work of the United Nations.
May 31, 2023
World No-Tobacco Day
World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31. It educates people about the risks or hazards of using tobacco.
