United Nations International Years Master List

Each year, the United Nations General Assembly chooses specific global topics or environmental themes that they want countries around the world to focus on. Explore the complete annual themes below:

UN Decade 2027 - 2036

International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations: This massive ten-year global initiative focuses on rebuilding international trust and ending long-term geopolitical conflicts. It advocates for active diplomacy, conflict resolution education, and inclusive global policies that ensure children and young adults inherit a stable, non-violent world.

2029 UN International Years

In 2029, these are:

• International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defense: This global scientific campaign highlights international efforts to track near-Earth objects and protect our planet from potential space impacts. The year 2029 was intentionally chosen because on Friday, April 13, 2029, a massive 1,230-foot-wide asteroid named Apophis will safely glide closer to Earth than many weather and communication satellites, offering a historic, naked-eye viewing opportunity for billions of people to learn about space science.

2028 UN International Years

In 2028, these are:

• Year of International Law: This global diplomatic initiative emphasizes the crucial role of the UN Charter and international legal structures in keeping global peace and security. Throughout the year, it encourages member states and universities to host educational workshops, improve legal training, and use peaceful legal dialogue to resolve territorial or environmental disputes globally.

• Final Review of the International Water Decade: March 2028 marks the official conclusion of the UN's decade-long global campaign, Water for Sustainable Development (2018–2028). The UN will hold a massive world conference to review progress on clean water management and international sanitation projects

• UN Global Ocean Conference: The UN officially selected Busan, South Korea, to host the world's largest high-level conference dedicated to restoring marine health, managing ocean pollution, and tracking sustainable commercial fishing.

2027 UN International Years

In 2027, these are:

• International Year of Legal Literacy: This educational awareness campaign centers on empowering people around the world with a basic understanding of their legal rights and the law. It aims to break down barriers to justice, fight public corruption, and ensure everyday citizens can confidently navigate legal and governmental systems.

• International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism: This massive global initiative focuses on reshaping the travel industry to protect ecosystems, support local economies, and preserve native cultures. It encourages eco-friendly travel practices that generate jobs while helping coastal, mountain, and rural communities recover safely from environmental or economic disruptions.

2026 UN International Years

In 2026, these are:

• International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists: This observance aims to protect the planet’s grasslands, savannas, and prairies, which cover over half of the Earth's land mass. It honors the 1 billion pastoralists and herders worldwide who care for livestock while preserving these fragile ecosystems.

• International Year of the Woman Farmer: This global initiative spotlights and empowers women in agriculture, who make up roughly 40% of the world's farming workforce. It focuses on closing gender gaps in land ownership, financing, and agricultural education to boost global food security.

• International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development: Marking 25 years since the first international year of volunteering, this campaign promotes community action worldwide. It encourages governments to support volunteers who donate their time to hit global sustainability and environmental goals.

2025 UN International Years

In 2025, these are:

• International Year of Glaciers' Preservation: This environmental campaign raises awareness about the rapid melting of global glaciers and ice sheets due to changing climates. It focuses on securing water resources for the billions of people who rely on seasonal glacial meltwater for drinking and farming.

2024 UN International Years

In 2024, these are:

• International Year of Camelids: This unique observance celebrates the vital role that camels, llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas play in human survival. In over 90 countries, these resilient animals provide essential food, textiles, and transportation for millions of families in deserts and high mountain ranges.

2023 UN International Years

• International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace: This global diplomatic initiative focuses on resolving international conflicts through inclusive negotiation and political dialogue instead of violence. It works to mobilize countries to rebuild trust, practice mutual respect, and foster a shared culture of peace to support global security and human rights. 

• International Year of Millets: This food campaign highlights the outstanding nutritional benefits and drought-resistant nature of millets. It inspires farmers and consumers to embrace this ancient whole grain to combat global hunger and adapt to changing agricultural climates.

2022 UN International Years

In 2022, these are:

• International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture: This initiative shines a bright spotlight on small-scale fishers and fish farmers who support coastal communities. It promotes sustainable fishing practices and ensures small businesses have fair access to global seafood markets.

• International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development: This conservation month raises awareness about the unique environmental threats facing mountain ecosystems and cultures. It focuses on reducing poverty in mountain regions and protecting their vital biodiversity and freshwater sources.

• International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development: This global educational initiative highlights how foundational sciences—like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics—are absolutely critical to solving world challenges. It focuses on how basic scientific research drives the breakthroughs needed for global medicine, clean energy, safe water management, and sustainable agriculture.

• International Year of Glass: This tech and art celebration honors the profound impact of glass in everyday modern life. It highlights how glass drives innovation, from fiber-optic communication cables and solar panels to beautiful artistic masterpieces.

2021 UN International Years

In 2021, these are:

• International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development: This initiative celebrates how cultural creativity, arts, and digital innovation drive economic growth globally. It focuses on supporting local artists, designers, and small creative businesses to build a more inclusive and resilient global workforce.

• International Year of Fruits and Vegetables: This vital health campaign promotes the essential nutritional benefits of eating a colorful variety of fresh produce every day. It works to reduce global food waste, improve supply chains, and support small-scale farmers who provide healthy foods to communities.

• International Year of Peace and Trust: This diplomatic observance focuses on rebuilding international relationships and resolving global conflicts through open dialogue. It encourages world leaders to prioritize mutual respect, reduce political tensions, and foster long-term global harmony.

2020 UN International Years

In 2020, these are:

• International Year of Plant Health: This environmental campaign highlights the critical importance of protecting wild and agricultural plants from invasive pests and diseases. It raises awareness about how safeguarding plant health protects global food security, stops poverty, and preserves natural ecosystems.

• International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife: Dedicated to the backbone of global healthcare systems, this observance honors the immense sacrifices and dedication of nurses and midwives. It advocates for increased public funding, safer working environments, and better medical training opportunities worldwide.

2019 UN International Years

In 2019, these are:

• International Year of Indigenous Languages: This cultural initiative focuses on preserving, revitalizing, and promoting the unique languages spoken by indigenous communities around the world. It highlights how native languages carry rich history, traditional knowledge, and irreplaceable cultural identity.

• International Year of Moderation: This social initiative explores how practicing moderation, open-mindedness, and dialogue can combat extreme political and religious divisions. It works to build peaceful, inclusive communities by encouraging mutual understanding and rejecting hostile rhetoric.

• International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements: Marking the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev's foundational discovery, this educational theme celebrates the incredible impact of chemistry in modern society. It highlights how understanding elements drives breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, and global technology.

2018 UN International Years

None!

2017 UN International Years

In 2017, these are:

• International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development: This travel initiative explores how responsible tourism can directly protect local environments and celebrate unique cultural heritages. It encourages travelers to support eco-friendly businesses, reduce waste, and directly fund conservation efforts.

2016 UN International Years

In 2016, these are:

• International Year of Pulses: This nutritious food observance shines a beautiful spotlight on the immense health benefits of eating dried beans, lentils, chickpeas, and split peas. It highlights how these affordable pulses provide clean, plant-based protein while naturally improving soil health.

2015 UN International Years

In 2015, these are:

• International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies: This tech and science celebration highlights how light science drives modern energy, communications, and medicine. It focuses on how innovations like fiber-optics and solar power improve quality of life and support sustainable global development.

• International Year of Soils: This critical agricultural campaign focuses on the vital importance of healthy soil for global food production and environmental balance. It educates communities on reversing soil degradation, promoting organic land management, and protecting the living ecosystems right under our feet.

2014 UN International Years

In 2014, these are:

• International Year of Crystallography: This scientific theme honors the groundbreaking study of atomic structures in materials, crystals, and minerals. It highlights how this hidden science forms the structural foundation of modern pharmaceuticals, computer engineering, and advanced aerospace technologies.

• International Year of Family Farming: This agricultural initiative celebrates the millions of small-scale family farms that provide over 80% of the world’s food supply. It advocates for policy changes that secure land rights, protect traditional farming methods, and support rural economies.

• International Year of Small Island Developing States: This geographic awareness campaign highlights the distinct environmental and economic vulnerabilities faced by small island nations. It focuses on driving global action to combat rising sea levels, manage climate changes, and build resilient local infrastructures.

• International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People: This diplomatic observance focuses on raising awareness about the ongoing struggles, civil rights, and cultural history of the Palestinian population. It encourages international dialogue and peaceful cooperation to support stability and humanitarian efforts.

2013 UN International Years

In 2013, these are:

• International Year of Quinoa: This ancient grain food observance celebrates the incredible nutritional value and climate adaptability of quinoa. It highlights how this high-protein, nutrient-dense crop can thrive in poor soils, offering a powerful tool to combat global hunger.

• International Year of Water Cooperation: This global conservation initiative emphasizes the vital importance of peaceful, cooperative management of shared freshwater resources. It works to improve clean water access, build sustainable irrigation, and protect fragile aquatic ecosystems across international borders.

2012 UN International Years

In 2012, these are:

• International Year of Cooperatives: This economic initiative highlights how community-owned cooperatives and small member-led businesses drive local financial growth. It celebrates how cooperative values put people over profit, creating stable jobs and supporting fair trade markets.

• International Year of Sustainable Energy for All: Launched during the very birth year of our holiday website, this clean energy initiative focuses on expanding global access to modern power. It promotes clean solar, wind, and battery systems to reduce poverty and protect the environment.

📚 Sources and Additional Resources

• Official United Nations Observances Directory: For more information on upcoming global initiatives, historical resolutions, and a complete calendar of international days and weeks, visit the official United Nations International Years Registry.

🌍 A Global Legacy of Celebration

Tracking these global initiatives reminds us how connected our world truly is. We have been proudly logging these United Nations themes back to 2012—the very year our Holidays and Observances website was officially born on the epic date of 12-12-12!

As the years march forward, we will continue updating this master registry to give you a front-row seat to the official environmental, cultural, and scientific milestones shaping our global family.

Ready to see how these annual themes tie into your daily schedule? Head over to our [Holiday Calendar] or browse our [Holidays by Month] guides to start planning your next meaningful family tradition!

---