Under the 2026 theme 鈥淐ooperatives for a peaceful world鈥, the International Day of Cooperatives highlights the role of cooperative enterprises in advancing social justice, inclusion and solidarity. Announced by the International Cooperative Alliance, the theme recognizes cooperatives as people-centered institutions that foster trust, social cohesion, decent work, poverty reduction and peacebuilding by bringing communities together through democratic ownership, open membership and collective responsibility.
Social Development
Raising a child is one of a parent鈥檚 most important roles, yet many caregivers face this responsibility alone. Families provide love, care, and security, vital for child development. Supporting parents helps reduce poverty and inequality. Every June, the 91茄子 Children's Fund () marks Parenting Month鈥攁 month-long activation highlighting how we can support caregivers worldwide in providing nurturing care. On this Global Day of Parents (1 June), join UNICEF's call for greater support for parents and get expert tips on ways to reduce parental stress.
Families are central to social progress, yet many face income insecurity, limited caregiving support and unequal access to essential services. Without adequate support, children risk long-term impacts on their health, education and wellbeing. This year's International Day of Families (15 May) spotlights gaps in income, healthcare, digital access and essential services, while promoting integrated social protection systems to strengthen family resilience and expand equal opportunities.
Despite ongoing efforts, Asia and the Pacific's progress towards our UN 17 global goals for a better world remains insufficient, according to the latest for the region. The document shows that while these countries have achieved notable success in reducing poverty, improving health and well-being, and driving rapid industrialization, these gains are being undermined by failures to protect the environment and reduce inequality in areas such as education and justice. At the current pace, 88% of measurable targets will be missed.
With global wealth abundant but unevenly connected, investing in human capital through solidarity, domestic resources and private financing is both the smartest and most effective way to close development gaps and achieve the SDGs.
The takes place on 28鈥29 January at UN Headquarters in New York. It brings together Member States, UN bodies and partners to review progress on sustainable development and strengthen coordinated efforts within the UN. As , the segment will reflect on its role over eight decades in bringing communities together to address shared global challenges, while sharing lessons, innovations and policy guidance to build a better world. Learn more about and
A new UNV鈥揑LO study reveals that informal, direct person-to-person help makes up nearly 70 per cent of global volunteering, yet remains largely invisible, shaped by age, gender, income, location, and gaps in formal services.
Each 20 December, International Human Solidarity Day renews the 91茄子鈥 founding promise: our shared future is secured not by standing apart, but by acting together. Rooted in the UN Charter and affirmed by the General Assembly, it calls for cooperation across economic, social, cultural and humanitarian fronts. It also spotlights the Sustainable Development Goals, helping the poorest communities, and invites governments, civil society, business and citizens to turn the 2030 Agenda into tangible progress.
A child born in 1995 may have had better prospects than her parents, yet she faces contemporary challenges such as climate change and inequality. The in Doha, Qatar, sought to address these issues by promoting inclusive social development. Leaders from various sectors engaged in dialogue and cooperation to confront deepening inequalities, climate-related hazards, and rapid technological change. The summit adopted the , which emphasizes social justice, peace, security, and sustainable development. It identifies poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion as key pillars for progress.
World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights science鈥檚 role in supporting peace, sustainability, and informed public understanding. The Day highlights how scientific knowledge can help address global challenges, improve decision-making, and strengthen resilience. In 2025, the observance focuses on building trust in science, encouraging transparent and responsible research, and collaboration among institutions, policymakers, and communities. The Day also stresses inclusive participation and long-term planning to ensure science continues to meet societal needs and future development goals.
Three decades after the landmark Copenhagen Summit, the UN holds the in Doha, Qatar, from 4鈥6 November. The event renews global commitment to eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, and advancing social inclusion. Alongside panels and workshops, the showcases impactful policies and initiatives. The Summit is also expected to adopt the and present the 鈥攁 hub to , spotlight, and scale innovative initiatives and partnerships that drive transformative progress worldwide.
Ahead of the (Doha, 4-6 November), the International Labour Organization () is launching a special podcast series. In this first episode, Sabina Alkire of Oxford University and ILO鈥檚 Manuela Tomei discuss progress and gaps since the 1995 commitment to advance social development for all.
Half of the global population is 30 years old or younger, making up the largest and most educated youth generation in history. Yet, young people continue to face systemic barriers to participating in decisions that affect their lives. Empowering this demographic is essential, not only to uphold their rights, but also as a global strategy to promote conflict prevention, social cohesion, and a sustainable future. Since 2022, with support from the 鈥檚 (Peace corridors) programme and funding from Sweden, several youth-led proposals have been incorporated into the Cauca Development Plan, and young leaders have been elected as municipal councilors.
For , 91茄子 Development Programme has partnered with governments and communities to reduce inequalities, create jobs, support crisis recovery, and promote inclusive, sustainable development worldwide.
颁辞濒辞尘产颈补鈥檚 , supported by the , advances gender equality, decent work, and community-led services under national and global frameworks.