World Water Day

Water is one of the most valuable resources that we often take for granted. Many battles already exist surrounding the right to clean water, and scientists keep making dire predictions as to when the world may run out of water. While the latter fact may be debatable for the near future, the fact is that millions of people do not have regular access to clean drinking water worldwide. This has subsequently led to the spread of waterborne illnesses, malnutrition and even death. To recognize such issues, the United Nations established World Water Day in 1993 on March 22^nd.

History

In June 1992, the United Nations held a conference in Rio de Janeiro to discuss environmental concerns in relation to human activities. Formally referred to as the U.N. Conference on Environment and Development, the organization adopted a plan called Agenda 21 to deal with related environmental issues. A part of Agenda 21 was the formation of World Water Day. This holiday was established in 1993 as a way to increase awareness of water’s important role in health and daily living, as well as its effects on human rights.

Annual Themes

Every year, the United Nations has a different theme for World Water Day. To commemorate its 20^th celebration, 2013’s theme is designated as the “International Year of Water Cooperation.”

Since 2003, UN-Water has been responsible for coming up with annual themes for World Water Day. The first theme was in 1994, entitled: Caring for Water Resources is Everybody’s Business.” Other past themes include: “The World’s Water: Is There Enough?” (1997), “Water for Health” (2001), “Water and Disasters” (2004), “Coping with Water Scarcity” (2007), and “Water and Food Security” (2012).

The purpose of these annual themes is to focus on an important aspect of water in communities worldwide to increase awareness. For example, increasing education about the health impacts of unclean water may promote action among societies so people can find ways to obtain better water. While such issues are important year-round, the United Nations hopes to reach as many people as possible during each World Water Day and to equip individuals with knowledge that can last a lifetime.

Water for Life Decade

On March 22, 2005, the United Nations launched the Water for Life Decade. This initiative focuses on the roles women have in terms of clean water for their communities. The program is especially important in nations where women do not often have a say in community and government affairs; in this essence, the U.N. has provided opportunities for women to grow and enrich their lives, as well as the lives of others. The decade-long celebration will run through 2015.

Celebrations

While World Water Day is not considered a public holiday, it is widely celebrated in numerous ways. Under the direction of the United Nations, many organizations seek to increase the awareness of local issues related to the year’s theme. Since water issues often differ by region, it is important that these entities play a role in interpreting the annual theme as seen fit.

Much of the celebrations conducted for World Water Day encourage the public to see available water resources. Whether this is a boat ride or a swim, many people hold events at rivers and lakes, as well as the seaside. Other regions hold more serious events that involve protests against poor drinking water conditions.

World Water Day Gift Ideas

Rare Royal Doulton Coaching Days Series Ware Hot Water Pot -ca.1905-55 Very Nice
$450.0

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Citizen 7 Seven Para Water 23 Jewels Manual Date Day Watch Seos 81301-1a 60′s
$399.33

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Water Festival Day Orig Painting Thai Fine Art Novica
$367.95

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Rare – Ve Day Celebration Montreal Original Photo 1945 Water Fun,youth -c Harder
$188.88

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100% Authentic Water Proof Invicta Day Date Automatic Vintage Men’s Wrist Watch
$177.99

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Korean War Authentic/original Water Canteen. From My Father’s Days In Korea
$175.0

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Vintage Brass Fire Nozzle Water Cannon 2-1/2″ Powhatan Nh 73 – Used 60 Day Warr
$174.0

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Vintage Brass Fire Nozzle Water Cannon 2-1/2″ Powhatan Nh Wo – Used 60 Day Warr
$170.0

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100% Authentic Water Proof Rotary Day Date Automatic Vintage Men’s Wrist Watch
$165.99

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100% Authentic Water Proof Enicar Day Date Automatic Vintage Men’s Wrist Watch
$138.99

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100% Authentic Water Proof Enicar Day Date Automatic Vintage Men’s Wrist Watch
$131.99

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Nature’s Library Real Figure Box Salt Water Fish 15 Kinds Colorata Gift B’day
$115.0

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World Poetry Day

March 21^st is considered the ultimate day of poetry. The United Nations recognized this date as World Poetry Day to help promote the reading and writing of poems throughout the world. Not only is poetry considered in art form, but this type of writing also helps to promote literacy. Poems continue to capture our hearts and expand our way of thinking, and many poems of writers past contain a great deal of history to them.

History

World Poetry Day was officially established in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This U.N. agency is primarily responsible for promoting peace and equality through science and education, as well as worldwide cultural appreciation. Given the fact that poetry is produced in several forms from every region of the world, reading works from various countries can help promote literacy as well as cross-cultural understanding.

Some examples of different types of poems from around the world include:

• Haiku (from Japan)
• Ode (from ancient Greece)
• Ruba’i  (from Persian region)
• Canzone (from Italy)

Poetry is an important venue of self-expression for many writers. At the same time, this form of writing has been utilized to create famous political and religious pieces. UNESCO continues to support this art form to promote reading and writing across the world. The first World Poetry Day was established at the turn of the century on March 21, 2000.

Celebrations

Poets celebrate March 21^st of each year as the ultimate day to showcase their works. Libraries and bookstores often hold special readings on World Poetry Day where poets can read poetry to audiences. Some poets choose to read their own writings in conjunction with history’s most famous poems.

While World Poetry Day is one of the most popular days of the year for writers, it is certainly not exclusive to poets. Anyone who enjoys poetry is encouraged to participate by reading poems or even by creating their own works. This is an art form unlike any other, and the purpose of the holiday is to encourage celebration by all. Also, in contrast with other forms of writing, poetry doesn’t have as many rules, which provides more opportunities for expression.

Schools also celebrate World Poetry Day by emphasizing reading and writing. Elementary schools may introduce students to the structure of poetry for the first time. While the concept may seem new to children, they will likely remember the structures of some of the earliest poems they ever heard: nursery rhymes.

Alternative Dates

Prior to 1999’s designation of World Poetry Day, the holiday was observed on October 15^th. This date commemorated the birthday of the famous Roman poet, Virgil. His most famous writings include Aeneid, Eclogues and Georgics. Virgil’s influence on poetry was so great that he even had an appearance in Dante’s famous Divine Comedy. Some nations continue to commemorate October 15^th as World Poetry Day in lieu of the date established by the United Nations.

Special Considerations

In the United States, World Poetry Day is often considered as a kick-off to April’s National Poetry Month. Some schools, libraries and bookstores hold special poetry-related events throughout the end of March and the entire month of April. March 21^st is viewed as the start of the biggest poetry celebration of the year.

World Poetry Day Collectibles
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