February Issues
February 20: World Day of Social Justice
In 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared that 20 February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice. Social development and social justice are indispensable for the achievement and maintenance of peace and security within and among nations. Globalization and interdependence are opening new opportunities through trade, investment and capital flows and advances in technology, including information technology, for the growth of the world economy and the development and improvement of living standards around the world, while at the same time there remain serious challenges.
February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
A 2022 study found that one in two female scientists having reported experiencing sexual harassment at work. A shift in the structure and culture of science workplaces is urgently needed. As women advance in their scientific careers, the gender gap continues to widen. In research management structures, the proportion of women in senior positions remains disproportionately low. Despite a shortage of skills in most of the technological field, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of graduates in computer science and informatics.
February 4: International Day of Human Fraternity
The General-Assembly of the UN took note of the meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the signing of the document entitled “Human fraternity for world peace and living together”. The UN ackowledges the importance of raising awareness about different cultures and religions, or beliefs, and the promotion of tolerance, which involves societal acceptance and respect for religious and cultural diversity. Education, in particular at school, should contribute in a meaningful way to the elimination of discrimination based on religion or belief.