News & events

October – a month popular for spooky celebrations of pagan and secular traditions. What is lesser known to people is that the month is equally dedicated to celebrate the realm that stretches beyond earth’s atmosphere; an annual observance of the yonder that lies outside the Kármán Line. In particular, space exploration is commemorated during World Space Week, in which the achievements and benefits it brings to humanity is recognised throughout the 4th – 10th of every October.

There is no day more well-suited to highlight the important role of the maritime industry than World Maritime Day on the 26th of September. The first celebration was in 1978 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention’s entry into force in 1958. This day marks the maritime industry’s contribution to the global trade economy. Today, its celebration has grown to become a key platform for discussions regarding maritime issues. This year alone, the IMO has designated the theme of “Navigating the future: safety first!”, following its tradition of themes revolving around maritime safety. Such is a fitting theme to emphasise the IMO’s commitment in enhancing safety and security in maritime operations. Furthermore, this theme underscores the importance of protecting the marine environment by developing regulations that can anticipate future advancements in technology and innovation. The goal is to balance safety, technological innovation, and environmental concerns while maintaining the efficiency of international maritime trade.

Equality in wages has been a long-standing goal in accordance with the fulfilment of social and economic human rights enshrined under Article 7(a)(i) of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). In achieving this goal and raising awareness of existing inequality in wages, the United Nations marked the 18th of September as the International Equal Pay Day. The day also stands as a symbol of commitment from the United Nations in upholding human rights and fighting against gender pay inequality and all forms of discrimination against women and children. Various strategies have been implemented by states in regulating the issue of ‘wage gap’, with one of the strategies constituting the enforcement of positive discrimination policies that treat a specific group favourably based on certain criteria. This article examines the practice of positive discrimination and highlights how its utilisation is beneficial in achieving universal gender pay equality.

In 2009, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted Resolution 64/35. It declares the 29th of August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests, especially since this particular date signifies the closure of the Semipalatinsk Test Site of Kazakhstan in 1991. The former Soviet Union nuclear testing ground is a testament to the enduring human and environmental costs of these tests. Consequently, the resolution encourages mankind to commemorate this day as a reminder of the destructive power these nuclear weapons possess and to underline the purpose of creating a world free of nuclear testing. This international day does not only raise global awareness on the severe consequences of nuclear tests; its commemoration equally highlights the significance of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. In addition to the environmental implications associated with such tests, this article deduces that nuclear testing is a violation of international law.

The International Day of Biological Diversity was initially held on December 29th, 1993, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ever since then, Biodiversity Day is annually commemorated on May 22nd. This date was subsequently chosen since it coincided with the adoption of the final Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). One of the main purposes of commemorating this day is to increase awareness and to educate the public on the importance of biodiversity—the variety of life on Earth—as it plays a crucial role in the sustainability of ecosystems. Many are unaware of the direct threats facing biodiversity. On that account, a day that is designated to commemorate the realms of biodiversity equally serves to educate the public and lawmakers on the importance of safeguarding it.