Students at an UN-backed development project site that supports vulnerable populations in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day.

Since the adoption of Security Council Resolution S/RES/2250 (2015) in 2015, there is growing recognition that as agents of change, young people’s inclusion in the peace and security agenda and in society more broadly, is key to building and sustaining peace. Another Security Council Resolution S/RES/2282 (2016) reaffirms the important role youth can play in deterring and resolving conflicts, and are key constituents in ensuring the success of both peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.

"Youth Building Peace"

International Youth Day 2017 is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development committed to fostering peaceful and inclusive societies and affirmed that “Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security”. Goal 16 aims to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The World Programme of Action for Youth, which provides a policy framework and practical guidelines to improve the situation of young people, also encourages “promoting the active involvement of youth in maintaining peace and security”.

More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population.

Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN

We take action to empower educators to inspire learning at all ages.

TEACHER TRAINING We share our knowledge and experience with educators and other professionals who work with vulnerable populations.

ADULT LITERACY Rotary members fight adult illiteracy by working with local advocates to offer community literacy programs.

ROTARY SCHOLARSHIPS Rotary members invest in the future by giving scholarships to students who have the potential to change our communities.

Children in Zataari Camp in Jordan. Photo credit UN/Sahem Rababah

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The United Nations Member States adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 because they understood that it would not be possible to build a peaceful world if steps were not taken to achieve economic and social development for all people everywhere, and ensure that their rights were protected.  The Sustainable Goals cover a broad range of issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environment and social justice.

Sustainable Development Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” calls for promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

A peaceful society is one where there is justice and equality for everyone. Peace will enable a sustainable environment to take shape and a sustainable environment will help promote peace.

A view from Port of Doraleh, Djibouti. (c) UN/Evan Schneider

In 2018, IMO celebrates 70 years since the Convention establishing the Organization was adopted.

The World Maritime Day theme for the year is "IMO 70: Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future".

This provides an opportunity to take stock and look back, but also to look forward, addressing the current and future challenges for maritime transport to maintain a continued and strengthened contribution towards sustainable growth for all.

Nearly 800 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty.

Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

We provide training and access to well-paying jobs and financial management institutions.

HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN

We create opportunities to help individuals and communities thrive financially and socially.

ADOPT A VILLAGE Rotary members use a multifaceted and coordinated strategy to break the cycle of poverty in extremely impoverished communities.

MICROLOANS Entrepreneurs use microloans to become street vendors, rickshaw drivers, weavers, and tailors.

AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES Entrepreneurs in rural communities can borrow money to buy livestock or plant crops, or get training in sustainable farming.

One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio

Our health is everything. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care. We believe good health care is everyone’s right.

Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.

Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.

HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN

Disease does not prevent itself. We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.

ALZHEIMER’S Our members use their extensive experience and leadership to fight Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through education and collaboration.

MALARIA We are dedicated to a malaria-free world through treatment and prevention.

POLIO We are dedicated to permanently ending polio. Rotary members have spent over 30 years fighting polio, which is now almost fully eradicated.

OUR IMPACT ON DISEASE

The Rotary Foundation is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the globe and in your own backyard.