World Metrology Day:
Day – May 20
Theme 2026 – “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making”
Observed by – UNESCO
Observed since – 2000
World Metrology Day:
Day – May 20
Theme 2026 – “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making”
Observed by – UNESCO
Observed since – 2000
International Day of Light:
Day – May 16
Theme 2026 – “Light for a Sustainable Future”
Observed since – 2018
Commemorating – The anniversary of Theodore Maiman’s first successful laser operation in 1960
Five outstanding female scientists have been honoured with the “UNESCO–L’Oréal International Awards for Women in Science 2026”, presented jointly by the UNESCO and the Fondation L’Oréal.
The laureates for 2026 include Professor Liesl Zühlke from South Africa, Professor Felice Jacka from Australia, Professor Sarah A Teichmann from the UK, Professor Raquel Chan from Argentina, and Professor Gordana Novakovic from the United States (US).
World Press Freedom Day:
Day – May 03
Theme 2026 – “Shaping a Future at Peace”
Observed since – 1994
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary has inaugurated the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in Asia on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development at the Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) in Pune, Maharashtra.
The launch took place during the international conference “Women Leading the Future of Work”, organised in collaboration with UNESCO. Dr Swati Mujumdar, the Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, has been named the UNESCO Chairholder. The university has also introduced the “Kushal Saathi” initiative to provide structured mentorship for girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and career opportunities.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 12 new Global Geoparks, bringing the total number of sites to 241 across 51 countries. The new additions are located in China, France, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Russia, Uruguay, and Tunisia, with the Dahar site being the first-ever for Tunisia. The total area covered by these geoparks exceeds 8.82 lakh sq km.
The label of UNESCO was established in 2015 and uses a “bottom up” approach involving local stakeholders. The status is valid for 4 years, after which the sites must undergo a revalidation process to retain the title.
International Day for Monuments and Sites:
Day – April 18
Theme 2026 – “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions”
Observed by – International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
Also known as – World Heritage Day