International Days of Observance Quiz

Answer: Social Justice

In 2007, the UN first declared 20 February to be the "World Day of Social Justice". While this includes the eradication of poverty, it also includes promoting fair employment opportunities for all citizens, gender equity, and access to an equitable justice system.

Answer: False

Pi Day (denoted by its date in American usage, reflecting the first 3 digits of pi - 3/14) is an unofficial day. March is a busy month for UN Observance Days, including "International Women's Day" (21 March), "World Tuberculosis Day" (24 March) and "International Day of Happiness" (20 March).

Answer: Health

"World Health Day" marks the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been celebrated annually on April 7 since 1950. Each year, a special public health topic is chosen to highlight an important global issue. The first theme in 1950 was 'know your health services'.

More recent themes have focused on mental health (2001), climate change and health (2008) and hypertension (2013).

Answer: World No Tobacco Day

The first "World No Tobacco Day" was observed on 31 May 1988. The day has a specific focus each year, with recent themes being about banning advertising of tobacco products and limiting the take-up rate of smoking among young people around the globe. Many governments around the world promote "World No Tobacco Day" as part of a broader education package around smoking and its associated health issues.

Answer: International Day of Friendship

"International Day of Friendship" is a UN Observance Day, but is celebrated on 30 July. This day was proclaimed by the WHO in 2011 and focuses on the various aspects of friendship, peace and goodwill, both locally and across communities and countries. "World Oceans Day" is 8 June (proclaimed in 2008); "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" is 20 June (proclaimed in 2002) and "International Widows' Day" 23 June (declared in 2011).

Answer: Youth

12 August is "International Youth Day". Themes of the day have previously included 'youth action for sustainable development' (2002), 'tackling poverty together' (2006) and 'partnering with youth' (2012).

Answer: True

Established in 1981, the "International Day of Peace" is one of the longest-standing observance days declared by the UN General Assembly. This day calls for countries who are in the midst of hostilities to have a day of non-violence and ceasefire. It also asks all countries to educate their populations about peace and non-violent solutions.

Answer: World Teachers' Day

Endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "World Teachers' Day" highlights the need for quality teachers around the world. In 2013, the focus of the day (themed 'a call for teachers') was on the likely teacher shortages across the globe into the future, and the need for better training and employment conditions.

Answer: World AIDS Day

"World Pneumonia Day" is 12 November; "World Diabetes Day" is 14 November; and "World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day" is 16 November. "World AIDS Day" is on 1 December.

Answer: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Observances of the "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" has included focus on many significant issues for people with disabilities and their families, including accessibility issues; employment rights; and inclusion in various elements of society.