International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

 

On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, celebrated annually on May 29th, we honour the extraordinary contributions of peacekeepers towards international peace and security. Since the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions, helping countries navigate from war to peace.

Current Peacekeeping Missions and Their Impact

Currently, over 76,000 peacekeepers from more than 120 countries are deployed across 11 global operations. Their hard work and commitment help foster peace and stability for millions affected by conflict. Despite evolving challenges, peacekeepers remain steadfast in safeguarding civilians, saving and transforming lives, and promoting peace.

Honouring the Establishment of UN Peacekeeping

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers honours the establishment of the UN’s first peacekeeping mission, UNTSO, which was deployed in 1948. On this day, we recognize the bravery and commitment of all peacekeepers who serve globally and pay our respects to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of peace.

 

International Everest Day

International Everest Day is observed on May 29 every year in order to commemorate two brave climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa who climbed the highest mountain in the world on 29 May 1953.

International Everest Day is an opportunity to honour the bravery and endurance of those who have attempted the climb and to inspire others to take risks and achieve their goals.

International Everest Day: History and significance

The day holds great significance as it reminds people to not get away from hard steps in their lives. Climbing a mountain at a time when little to no resources were available to these climbers. Hillary and Sherpa were in their early years when they left everything and joined the 1935 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition headed by Eric Shipton, an English Himalayan mountaineer.

International Everest Day: How to celebrate

There are various ways to celebrate International Everest Day. Here are a few suggestions:

Join a Local Mountain Club or Organization: Engage with people who climb mountains despite the challenges and risks. Listen to their stories and learn how they motivate themselves to face such challenges. Congratulate them on their achievements on International Everest Day.

Go Hiking or Camping: Experience the outdoors by hiking up a hill or going camping. Even if you are not a mountain climber, a hike can be a great way to celebrate the day. It’s a fun activity that promotes fitness. Ensure you are accompanied by experienced individuals who can assist if needed.

Watch Mountain Documentaries or Attend Workshops: Learn more about the history and culture of mountains by watching documentaries or attending educational workshops. These activities will help you appreciate the significance of International Everest Day and learn about the courageous people who have climbed Mount Everest.

International Everest Day: Importance

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, International Everest Day is a significant opportunity to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

World Otter Day 2024

 

Every year, on the last Wednesday of May (29^th of May this year), the world comes together to celebrate a unique and playful creature – the otter. World Otter Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. It’s a day to learn, share, and contribute to the conservation of otters, a species that brings joy to many and plays a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Beautiful, sleek and playful, otters are a joy to watch as they twist and dive in the water but sadly otter species are at risk worldwide. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The 13 otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic, or marine. 12 of these species are decreasing; 7 of these are classed as vulnerable and 5 are endangered.

Otters are playful animals that exhibit a varied life cycle and can live up to 16 years. Their diet mainly consists of fish and sometimes frogs, birds, or shellfish, depending on the species. Otters are distinguished by their long, slim bodies, powerful webbed feet for swimming, and their dense fur, which keeps them warm and buoyant in water.