United Nations International Years

Each year, the United Nations (UN) designates a topic or theme to focus on in order to raise awareness, promote action and unite countries to actively participate. Many of the observances are declared by the specialized agencies of the United Nations that may include UNESCO, UNICEF, FAO and others when the issue is related to their focus and then adopted by the UN General Assembly.

2027

International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism ( A/RES/78/260 )

This year will promote sustainable tourism practices that contribute to economic development, social inclusiveness, cultural and natural heritage preservation, and environmental protection. It also emphasizes the need for resilience in the tourism sector to face global challenges.

2026

International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists ( A/RES/76/253 )

Focuses on the importance of healthy rangelands for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the livelihoods of pastoralist communities worldwide. It aims to raise awareness about the value of sustainable pastoralism.

International Year of the Woman Farmer ( A/RES/78/279 )

Seeks to recognize and raise awareness of the crucial role of women in agriculture and food systems. It aims to promote gender equality in agriculture and address the challenges faced by women farmers globally, ensuring they have equal access to resources and opportunities.

International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development ( A/RES/78/127 )

Highlights the significant contribution of volunteers to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to recognize, promote, and facilitate volunteerism as a powerful means of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

2025

International Year of Peace and Trust ( A/RES/78/266 )

Emphasizes the importance of dialogue, negotiation, and mutual understanding in maintaining peace and security at all levels. It encourages initiatives to foster trust in international relations and within societies.

International Year of Glaciers' Preservation ( A/RES/77/158 )

Aims to raise awareness about the critical role of glaciers in regulating the global climate and providing freshwater, highlighting the urgent need for their preservation in the face of climate change. It will focus on the impacts of melting glaciers on ecosystems and human populations.

International Year of Cooperatives ( A/RES/78/289 )

Highlights the vital role of cooperatives in fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion. The theme "Cooperatives Build a Better World" will underscore their contributions to addressing global challenges.

International Year of Quantum Science and Technology ( A/RES/78/287 )

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the development of quantum mechanics and seeks to promote public understanding of this fundamental science and its potential for technological advancements across various fields.

2024

International Year of Camelids (A/RES/72/210)

2023

International Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace (A/RES/77/32)

International Year of Millets (A/RES/75/263)

2022

International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development (A/RES/76/129)

International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (A/RES/76/14)

International Year of Glass (A/RES/75/279)

International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (A/RES/72/72)

2021

International Year of Peace and Trust (A/RES/73/338)

International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development (A/RES/74/198)

International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (A/RES/74/244)

International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour (A/RES/73/327)

2020

International Year of Plant Health (A/RES/73/252)

International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife [WHO]

2019

International Year of Indigenous Languages (A/RES/71/178)

International Year of Moderation (A/RES/72/129)

International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (A/RES/72/228)

2018

No dedicated topics for the year

International Year of the Seafarer

2009

International Year of Reconciliation (A/RES/61/17)

International Year of Natural Fibres (A/RES/61/189)

International Year of Human Rights Learning (A/RES/62/171)

International Year of Astronomy (A/RES/62/200)

Year of the Gorilla [UNEP and UNESCO]

2008

International Year of Planet Earth (A/RES/60/192)

International Year of Languages (A/RES/61/266)

International Year of Sanitation (A/RES/61/192)

International Year of the Potato (A/RES/60/191)

2007

International Polar Year (WMO)

2006

International Year of Deserts and Desertification (A/RES/58/211)

2005

International Year of Microcredit (A/RES/53/197)

International Year for Sport and Physical Education (A/RES/58/5)

International Year of Physics (A/RES/58/293)

2004

International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery and its Abolition (A/RES/57/195)

International Year of Rice (A/RES/57/162)

2003

Year of Kyrgyz Statehood (A/RES/57/248)

International Year of Freshwater (A/RES/55/196)

2002

United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage (A/RES/56/8)

International Year of Mountains (A/RES/53/24)

International Year of Ecotourism (A/RES/53/200)

2001

United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations (A/RES/53/22)

International Year of Volunteers (A/RES/52/17)

International Year of Mobilization against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (A/RES/53/132)

2000

International Year of Thanksgiving (A/RES/52/16)

International Year for the Culture of Peace (A/RES/52/15)

1999

International Year of Older Persons (A/RES/47/5 A/RES/50/141)

1998

International Year of the Ocean (A/RES/49/131)

1996

International Year for the Eradication of Poverty (A/RES/48/183)

1995

United Nations Year for Tolerance (A/RES/48/126)

World Year of Peoples’ Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War (A/RES/49/25)

1994

International Year of the Family (A/RES/44/82)

International Year of Sport and the Olympic Ideal (A/RES/48/10)

1993

International Year for the World's Indigenous People (A/RES/45/164 A/RES/47/75)

1992

International Space Year (A/RES/44/46)

1990

International Literacy Year (A/RES/42/104)

1987

International Year of Shelter for The Homeless (A/RES/36/71 A/RES/37/221)

1986

International Year of Peace (A/RES/37/16 A/RES/40/3)

1985

Year of the United Nations (A/RES/39/161 A)

International Youth Year: Participation, Development, Peace (A/RES/34/151)

1983

World Communications Year; Development of Communication Infrastructures (A/RES/36/40)

1982

International Year of Mobilization for Sanctions Against South Africa (A/RES/36/172 B)

1981

International Year for Disabled Persons (A/RES/31/123)

1979

International Year of The Child (A/RES/31/169)

1978/79

International Anti-Apartheid Year (A/RES/32/105 B)

1975

International Women's Year (A/RES/3010 (XXVII))

1974

World Population Year (A/RES/2683 (XXV))

1971

International Year for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Prejudice (A/RES/2544 (XXIV))

1970

International Education Year (A/RES/2306 (XXII) A/RES/2412 (XXIII))

1968

International Year for Human Rights (A/RES/2081 (XX))

1967

International Tourist Year (A/RES/2148 (XXI))

1965

International Co-operation Year (A/RES/1907 (XVIII))

1961

International Health and Medical Research Year (A/RES/1283 (XIII))

1959/1960

World Refugee Year (A/RES/1285 (XIII))