Celebrated on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) emphasizes this year's theme: "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future." The theme highlights the central role of individuals with disabilities in shaping a more equitable world, resonating with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future. Events around the globe, including a flagship gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, focus on promoting the leadership, inclusion, and active participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. UNESCO plays a pivotal role in advocating for inclusive education, grounded in the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education (1960) and SDG 4. These principles emphasize equity and quality education as cornerstones of global development. Through awareness, dialogue, and collaboration, IDPD serves as a call to action for governments, civil society, and communities to recognize the rights, achievements, and contributions of persons with disabilities while addressing persistent challenges to inclusivity worldwide.

To learn more read UN flagship Disability and Development Report 2024 prepared by the Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.

Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December, marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a transformative document that has shaped global commitments to equality, justice, and dignity since its proclamation in 1948. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, emphasizes the immediate and transformative power of human rights to build peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies. Education lies at the heart of this mission. Article 26 of the UDHR proclaims education as a fundamental right, highlighting its role in fostering respect for human rights and freedoms. Education empowers individuals, promotes critical thinking, and equips communities with the tools to challenge discrimination and combat hate speech. As UNESCO champions inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, it advances the UDHR’s vision of a world where knowledge fosters understanding and respect among diverse peoples. Through initiatives that prioritize human rights education, UNESCO continues to shape societies built on dignity, equality, and freedom—laying the foundation for a better tomorrow.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) holds the distinction of being the world's most translated document, available in an impressive 577 languages ranging from Abkhaz to Zulu.

Learn more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

World Arabic Language Day, celebrated annually on 18 December, recognizes Arabic's profound cultural and linguistic contributions to global heritage. Despite being spoken by over 450 million people and holding official status in nearly 25 countries, Arabic constitutes only 3% of online content, posing a significant digital gap. This year's event, supported by the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation and organized in collaboration with the Permanent Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, highlights the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bridging this divide. The event begins with opening remarks by distinguished speakers and proceeds with sessions on Arabic AI innovation, linguistic preservation, and digital empowerment. The day concludes with a mesmerizing light calligraphy show, celebrating Arabic's role in fostering social cohesion, peace, and sustainable development. Through this initiative, UNESCO underscores Arabic as a legacy for humanity, promoting cultural exchange, regional diversity, and inclusive knowledge production.