Approval of Three New International Days at the Natural Sciences Commission Meeting: A Step Towards Supporting Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development
During the meetings of the Natural Sciences Commission at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, held on 7 and 8 November 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, representatives of Member States took an effective step towards raising global awareness of environmental challenges, protecting natural resources, and highlighting the role of science in sustainable development by approving three new days in UNESCO’s international calendar. |
The meetings of UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Commission, held within the framework of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, took place on 7 and 8 November 2025, with the participation of representatives of Member States, scientific experts, and officials from UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector.
The agenda included several items, such as the review and approval of the program and budget document for UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector for the next four years, consideration of proposals to designate three international and world days, the establishment of four UNESCO Category 2 Centres, and reports from countries on the implementation of the Recommendation on Open Science.
During the meeting, Sahar Ahmadizadeh, Head of the Natural Sciences Department of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, expressed Iran’s support for the resolution concerning the designation of the “International Day of Caves and Karst” and emphasized the importance of preserving geological heritage and the role of scientific education and awareness-raising in protecting natural ecosystems.
Approval of Three New World and International Days
On Saturday, 8 November, the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, currently taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, took another step towards promoting global awareness of environmental challenges and the role of science in sustainable development by approving three new days for inclusion in UNESCO’s international calendar.
According to the decision of the Conference members:
25 April was designated as International Day of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
13 September was designated as International Day of Caves and Karst.
27 November was designated as International Day of Science Engagement for Sustainable Development.
The proposal to designate an International Day of Small Island Developing States was submitted by Armenia. The aim of this day is to draw the international community’s attention to the particular vulnerabilities of these countries to climate change and natural disasters, while celebrating their unique cultures and identities.
The International Day of Caves and Karst was proposed by Slovenia. Its purpose is to raise global awareness of the importance of cave science in water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of geological heritage.
At the same meeting, Ukraine’s proposal to designate the International Day of Science Engagement for Sustainable Development was also approved. This designation falls within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033) and aims to promote public engagement in science and emphasize the role of science as a global tool for human progress.
