2025 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during WWII; May 8/9th.

FORUM: “Observe a minute of silence.” 2025 Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for those who lost their lives during WWII. The Second World War had a profound impact on the international community, and established the conditions for the creation of the United Nations. This weekend marks the official remembrance of the tens of millions of civilians and soldiers who died during the War. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #8may, #9may, #WWIIhistory, #MinuteofSilence, #TimeofRemembrance, #RemembranceDay, #VictoryDay, #VEday, #GreatPatrioticWar.

EVENTS: On 8 and 9 May 2025; to mark the anniversary of the End of the Second World War, the United Nations invite the 193 member countries, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, to pay tribute to the victims of the war and participate to high-level talks. To observe the Eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War; A special solemn meeting will be held by the United Nations General Assembly. Read the concept note (A/RES/79/272) and Watch the United Nations General Assembly: 68th plenary meeting, 79th session!

The Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN is holding the Tsuretsky Choir & Soprano concert with its musical project dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the WWII Victory. Watch the concert Dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the WWII Victory: Turetsky Choir!

The Military Parade will be held on the Red Square in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.

In Moscow, Russia, On May 9th, the President will attend military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War; The Guests of honour at the parade will be President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith, and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo. Together with Vladimir Putin, the leaders will also take part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the afternoon, bilateral Russian-Cuban, Russian-Lao and Russian-Bissau-Guinean high-level talks will take place.


In Normandy France; A tribute to the military soldiers at the American cemetery will be observed.


At the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, the museum will will present the war through exhibits to honor the troops who perished in the fight, they were listed as missing in action or were prisoners of war; the veterans who returned; and the sacrifices of their families in the fight to preserve freedom.


The Defense Department will pay tribute to all who served the nation during World War II and to the Allied countries whose service members fought side-by-side with America’s forces


The Auschwitz museum in Poland will lay flowers to remember the millions of jewish murdered. Explore the memorial and exhibits!

EXHIBIT: A special exhibition relating World War II through photos will highlight the role of the CIS (former Soviet Union) in the defeat of fascism. Explore the Russian state library International events.

Beyond All Boundaries is shown daily in the Solomon Victory Theater with hourly screenings starting at 10:00 am. Final showings are at 4:00 p.m. every day. The experience is preceded by a seven-minute pre-show, also narrated by Tom Hanks. Advance tickets are highly recommended. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled seating. Elements of Beyond All Boundaries may aggravate certain medical conditions. These elements include loud noises, flashing lights, fog effects, and sudden chair movements. Stationary seating is available.The experience also contains images of a very graphic nature, including archival footage from the battlefields of World War II that may be too intense for younger viewers. Parental guidance is suggested. BUY TICKETS

PUBLICATIONS: Get and Read the Recommended books.

LIVESTREAM: Parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

World Press Freedom Day 2025; May 3rd.

FORUM: "Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media." World Press Freedom Day 2025. The  observance will focus on the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, media, and human rights. The Key topics include the transformative role of AI in content generation, information analysis, and dissemination, as well as the ethical challenges, accountability, and issues of mis/disinformation and bias it introduces. The World Press Freedom Day Conference 2025 aims to examine AI's impact on press freedom, exploring how Artificial Intelligence affects the free flow of information, media freedom, and the achievement of SDG 16.10 to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.

The discussion will:

• Reaffirm the universal commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom
• Explore AI's effects on media pluralism, diversity, and independence
• Assess AI impact on news and media content creation and dissemination
• Encourage media to make ethical use of AI systems in their operations
• Strengthen collaboration between media stakeholders
• Support enabling environments for media to have the rights and resources to effectively report on the benefits and harms of AI systems,
• Encourage global cooperation for journalists safety.
• Support media integration of AI, focusing on viability and representation
• Emphasize the importance of information integrity on AI impacts.
• Promote media and information literacy skills to strengthen critical thinking and competencies needed to understand the use and implication of AI systems.

Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#WPFD2025, #reportinginthebravenewworld, #ai, #WorldPressFreedomDay, #freedomofexpression, #PressFreedom, #journalism, #3may.

EVENTS: On May 7th 2025; From 09:30 to 18:00 Europe/Paris; A one-day signature global event will take place at Bozar, Center for Fine Arts in Brussels on information as a public good in the age of AI. This year the World Press Freedom Day global commemoration will focus on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media. AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI's role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability. The event will explore these complex issues, bringing together journalists, policymakers, media professionals, and civil society actors to ensure AI strengthens, rather than undermines, press freedom and democratic values. Durin the two plenaries, participants will debate on Plenary I: “AI and the future of Journalism” and Plenary II: “Freedom of expression and AI: Press Freedom, Information Integrity, and the Rule of Law”. Get the concept note, the Agenda Programme and before all Register to participate!

PARALLEL EVENTS: From May 2 to 6th, 2025, several parallel events will be held the commemoration of the Day at the UNESCO Liaison office in Brussels. If you are interested in attending the events at its new location, you are required to register again using this for contact wpfd@unesco.org. Explore the celebrations around the world and the lists the Side-events!

PRIZES: The observance will be also the occasion to award the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, which recognizes and honors the contributions of journalists, particularly those who risk their lives to provide essential information to the public. You can Watch in live the award ceremony!

 Statement of The United Nations Secretary-General on World Press Freedom Day 2025.

In a world plagued by conflict and division, World Press Freedom Day highlights a fundamental truth:

Freedom for people depends on freedom of the press.

Free and independent journalism is an essential public good.

It’s the backbone of accountability, justice, equality and human rights.

Journalists everywhere must be able to report freely and without fear or favour.

When journalists are unable to work, we all lose.

Tragically, this is becoming more difficult every year.

And more dangerous.

Journalists face attacks, detentions, censorship, intimidation, violence and even death — simply for doing their jobs.

We are seeing a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed in conflict areas - particularly in Gaza.

And now — as this year’s theme reminds us — press freedom faces an unprecedented threat.

Artificial intelligence can support freedom of expression — or stifle it.

Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway.

Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.

The Global Digital Compact adopted last year includes concrete steps to strengthen international cooperation to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space.

AI must be shaped in a way that is consistent with human rights and puts facts first.

And the Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year are supporting and informing this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let’s commit to make this a reality and safeguard press freedom and the press everywhere.

United Nations Secretary-General.

 Statement of the Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025.

PUBLICATION: RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025: economic fragility a leading threat to press freedom. Although physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom, economic pressure is also a major, more insidious problem. The economic indicator on the RSF World Press Freedom Index now stands at an unprecedented, critical low as its decline continued in 2025. As a result, the global state of press freedom is now classified as a “difficult situation” for the first time in the history of the Index.

World Tuna Day 2025; May 2nd.

FORUM: “Highlighting the importance of sustainably managed fish stocks in achieving the 2030 Agenda.” World Tuna Day 2025. For tuna populations to thrive, fisheries need robust management, effective enforcement, and reductions in catching unwanted or endangered species or bycatch. Between 2014 and now, the number of major tuna stocks experiencing overfishing went down from 13 to five. A new project developed aims to ensure that all major tuna stocks are fished at sustainable levels by 2027. This ambitious goal is part of its efforts towards more sustainable tuna fishing and biodiversity conservation. From 2014-2019, the Common Oceans Tuna project helped reduce the number of tuna stocks experiencing overfishing from 13 to 5. To make this happen, the Common Oceans ABNJ Program brought together scientists and fishery managers to develop sustainable and transparent tuna harvest strategies and processes based on computer simulation exercises. Learn more about the programme; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #2May, #WorldTunaDay, #BigBlueFuture, #sustainabletuna, #sustainablysourcedseafood.

EVENTS: On May 2nd; The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Organizations with sustainability claims on tuna, the Tuna fishing industries and the Environmental Groups or NGO’s involved within the tuna sector will hold a webinar to celebrate World Tuna Day 2025 at FAO Headquarters in Rome.

Get the list of RFMO’s upcoming events: IOTC Meetings, ICCAT Meetings, IATC Meetings and the WCPSC Meetings.

International Day of Jazz 2025; April 30th.

FORUM: “Embodying the power of jazz to unite in our shared humanity.’’ International Day of Jazz 2025. The 14th edition of International Jazz Day will focus a Jazz Journey and will be structured around several activities: round table and concerts highlighting cultural heritage and traditions. Each year on 30 April during International Jazz Day; Communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, its future and its impact. This art is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce that Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will serve as the Global Host of the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage defined as a tapestry of an Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and Jazz dating back decades. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #Jazzday, #InternationalJazzDay, #30April, #SymbolizingJazz.

EVENTS: on April 30th at 4 pm (EDT) - 1 pm (PDT) - 10 pm (CET); The 2025 All-Star Global Concert will be hosted in Abu Dhabi; The city will bring musical education to local schools across the city. Higher-education institutions like Berklee Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi and other UAE-based universities will also open their doors, offering workshops and masterclasses in their lecture halls, exhibition spaces and auditoriums. Special attention will be paid to the participation of young musicians, encouraging them to cultivate their interest in music and pursue a career in jazz. The celebration entailed a 14-year anniversary All-Star Global Concert co-hosted by Herbie Hancock and others. The global celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 culminates in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE), John Beasley (USA), Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), A Bu (China), Terri Lyne Carrington (USA), Kurt Elling (USA), José James (USA), Rhani Krija (Morocco), John McLaughlin (UK), Hélène Mercier (France/Canada), Marcus Miller (USA), Linda May Han Oh (Australia), John Pizzarelli (USA), Dianne Reeves (USA), Arturo Sandoval (USA), Naseer Shamma (Iraq), Danilo Pérez (Panama), and Varijashree Venugopal (India). The Additional artists announced are CLAUDIA ACUÑA, AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE, JOHN BEASLEY (MUSICAL DIRECTOR), LAKECIA BENJAMIN, TK BLUE, RICHARD BONA, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, BILLY CHILDS, MOREIRA CHONGUIÇA, SHEMEKIA COPELAND, DAR GNAWA, MANDISI DYANTYIS, ABDELLAH EL GOURD, KURT ELLING, ANTONIO FARAÒ, MELODY GARDOT, JAMES GENUS, TERREON GULLY, HERBIE HANCOCK, JAZZMEIA HORN, JEREMY IRONS (HOST), JOHNAYE KENDRICK, JK KIM, RHANI KRIJA, FEMI KUTI, ROMÁN LAJARA, MAGNUS LINDGREN, ROMERO LUBAMBO, MARCUS MILLER, YASUSHI NAKAMURA, PHILIPPE POWELL, SHARP RADWAY, TROY ROBERTS, ANTONIO SERRANO, JALEEL SHAW, JAHARI STAMPLEY, JOE LOUIS WALKER. Register to participate and watch the livestream on YouTube or Facebook!

Global Celebrations: In Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo,Trinidad and Tobago, Turkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Zambia several concert will be held. View the Jazz Day 2025 upcoming Events!

STATEMENTS: "We are thrilled to celebrate this International day on a high note in the UNESCO Creative City of Music Abu Dhabi. This edition will highlight the city's rich tapestry of creativity and cultural heritage while showcasing jazz's ability to connect communities and promote dialogue and peace across continents." Joint statement by the UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and Goodwill Herbie Hancock on International Jazz Day 2025; April 30th.

A series of Free online education programs will feature an array of acclaimed artists and educators presenting a multilingual selection of offerings that emphasize the richness and relevance of jazz to students of all ages.

5:00 PM UAE / 9:00 AM ET
Masterclass with Dan Tepfer (in English)

5:45 PM UAE / 9:45 AM ET
Masterclass with Melissa Aldana (in Spanish)

6:00 PM UAE / 10:00 AM ET
Arabic Masterclass and Performance with Mazen Lawand (in Arabic/English)

7:00 PM UAE / 11:00 AM ET
Timbalooloo Workshop for Kids with Oran Etkin (in English)

8:00 PM UAE / 12:00 PM ET
“The Evolution of Jazz” with the Herbie Hancock Institute Fellows and special guests Darynn Dean and Sachal Vasandani (in English)

9:00 PM UAE / 1:00 PM ET
Beyond Time: Rhythm, Improvisation and Unity with Terri Lyne Carrington & Danilo Pérez (in English)

11:00 PM UAE / 3:00 PM ET
A Conversation with Herbie Hancock and John Ridding, CEO of Financial Times Group (in English)

12:00 PM UAE / 4:00 PM ET
2025 International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025; April 28th.

FORUM: "Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The role of AI and Digitalization at work." World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025. The theme will focus on the impacts of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) on workers' safety and health. This theme will examine various new technologies through an occupational safety and health lens, including: Advanced robots; Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning; Exoskeletons; Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); Internet of Things (IoT); Virtual and Augmented Reality.The campaign will also shed light on new work practices, such as automation of tasks, big data analysis, smart digital systems and workers management through AI. New technologies have also given rise to new types of work, such as digital platform work and remote work/hybrid work/telework, which will be further examined. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #safeday25, #WorldDayofSafetyandHealthatwork, #28April, #SafeWorkingEnvironment, #HealthyWorkingEnvironment. #Rightatwork.

EVENTS: On April 28th from 13:30 to 15:30 PM GMT, The ILO commemorative event will bring together experts and constituents to discuss the implications it has for the world of work, as well as how to practically implement this right in the world of work. Looking at how the digital transformation of work may support safe and healthy working environments and what governments, employers and workers and other stakeholders are already doing to respond to these emerging challenges. Get ready to watch the Livestream!

STATEMENTS: Statement from ILO Director-General on World Day for Safety and Health at work 2025; April 28th.

Today is the World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Every worker, every way has the right to a safe and healthy working environment.

This is a fundamental right.

And yet millions of workers around the world continue to die or injured themselves or fall sick because of work.

Too many lose their lives trying to earn a living.

We must change this.

The use of technology for good can help us to make important strides.

Artificial intelligence and digital technologies can help transform the workplace into a safer and healthier space.

Robotics, automation and AI can operate in hazardous environments and take on the most dangerous tasks like operating in extreme temperatures, handling toxic materials, or navigating disaster zones.

They can also ease physical strain, supporting caregivers in hospital, assisting with heavy lifting in construction, and reducing repetitive work in factories.

Smart sensors and digital monitoring can detect risks before accidents happen by checking air quality tracking, fatigue or alerting to unsafe movement and behaviours.

But innovation can also carry significant risks.

The rise of worker surveillance and algorithm management can threaten workers rights, dignity, and well-being.

New technologies can also introduce new risks that are not yet fully understood.

We have a responsibility, irresponsibility to and that understand safety and health risks that come with technological innovation.

We have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used for good.

That is why the digital transition must be human-centred. It must make workplace safer and healthier and more sustainable and inclusive.

On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

I call on governments, employers, workers and innovators to build a future of work that is not only smarter, but also safer and healthier.

ILO Diretor-General.

PUBLICATIONS: Explore the findings of research on the implementation status of various provisions of the fundamental Convention No. 155 and the Convention No. 187.

World Intellectual Property Day 2025; April 26th.

 

FORUM: “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP." World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Music is a universal form of creative expression and intellectual property rights play a pivotal role in supporting a vibrant and diverse music landscape. From the rhythms that invite us to dance, to the lyrics that echo our emotions, music enriches every aspect of our lives. Music is a universal form of creative expression and intellectual property (IP) rights play a pivotal role in supporting a vibrant and diverse music landscape. Music permeates every sector, and IP fosters the presence of music beyond its own realm. From film, entertainment, and technology, to fashion, video games, and consumer goods, IP rights empower cross-industry connections with music, enabling creative synergies and innovation across sectors that fuel economic growth. Even when it's not on our minds, the beat and rhythm of music and IP are always present in our lives. The theme this year highlights how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, keep a thriving music scene that benefits everyone, everywhere. This year’s World IP Day invites us to explore how IP rights and innovation policies empower creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to bring fresh ideas to the music industry, safeguarding the work of songwriters, composers, performers, and all those who shape the music that moves us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #IPandmusic, #26April, #WorldIPday, #InnovationandCreativity, #IntellectualProverty, #Patents, #Trademarks, #Industrialdesign, #Innovations.

EVENTS: on 26 April, the WIPO will mark the World Intellectual Property 2025 across the globe by celebrating the contributions of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity to make music that brings people together, evokes powerful emotions, drives change, and inspires a more innovative future. Let’s come together to honor the universal language of music and the talented creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who continue to develop new sounds, styles, and technologies that shape the future of music and make us feel the beat of IP. The events will highlighting the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) in catalyzing the human innovation and creativity needed for achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore the Worldwide World IP Day 2025 celebrations and join the innovative, creative and enterprising women around the world.

Tuning in with the music of innovation and creativity, Participate to the World IP Day Youth Video Competition!

STATEMENTS: Read the full Message from WIPO Director General Daren Tang on World Intellectual Property Day 2025; April 26th.

This beautiful song is Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady. It's a song that I first listened to when I was a teenager, and it made me fall in love with jazz. And that's really the beauty of music. It accompanies you in your life, you know, in moments of joy and moments of sadness.
And when we decided to choose the theme of World IP Day this year, we wanted to do something that everyone could relate to. So we chose IP and music.
And whether you are a musician or whether you love listening to music, whether you're an innovator or creator, IP is so important to your journey to helping you to bring your ideas, your creative expressions, and your art to the world.
And so we want to make sure that this year on World IP Day, on the 26th April, we take a moment to celebrate music and creativity and innovation, to celebrate IP’s role in that, and to work together, right, in very concrete ways to help all of you, and all of these creators and musicians and artists and innovators, to remember the power of IP, the power of music, and the power of how they can come together to make the world a better place. Not just on World IP Day, on the 26th of April, but throughout the year as well.
Thank you very much.

Daren Tang.

CAMPAIGN: Promote the importance of music and IP for creators.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025; April 26th.

FORUM: “39 years since the tragedy occurred.” International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025. It is normal for people to seek an explanation for why the tragedy occurred. Through understanding, we seek to reassure ourselves that a similar event could happen again. Learn about the world's worst nuclear disaster that happened at Chernobyl by exploring the timeline of Events.

On April 25th, 1986, 1 a.m. - Chernobyl’s operators begin reducing power at reactor No. 4 in preparation for a safety test, which they have timed to coincide with a routine shutdown for maintenance. The test is supposed to determine whether, in the event of a power failure, the plant’s still-spinning turbines can produce enough electricity to keep coolant pumps running during the brief gap before the emergency generators kick in. Ironically, this safety test brings about the reactor’s destruction.

• On April 25th, 1986, 2 p.m. - Reactor No. 4’s emergency core cooling system is disabled to keep it from interfering with the test. Though this doesn’t cause the accident, it worsens the impact. At around the same time, the test and shutdown are temporarily delayed to accommodate the region’s power needs.
• On April 25, 1986, 11:10 p.m. - Operators receive permission to continue with the test and shutdown. By now, the less-experienced night shift is on the job, which purportedly never received proper instructions on how to perform the test.
• On April 26th, 1986, 12:28 a.m. - Power plummets to far below the level at which the reactor is considered stable. Operators respond by removing most of the control rods in violation of the plant’s safety guidelines, yet they still have trouble raising the power, in part due to xenon buildup in the core.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1 a.m. - The power stabilizes, albeit at a lower than preferred level, and plant supervisors order the test to proceed. The automatic emergency shutdown system and other safety features are subsequently turned off.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:04 a.m. - The test officially begins, and an unexpected power surge occurs.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:40 a.m. - An operator presses the emergency shutdown button, but the control rods jam as they enter the core.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:23:58 a.m. - The first explosion, to be quickly followed by at least one more, blows the 1,000-ton roof right off the reactor and shoots a fireball high into the night sky. A blackout roils the plant as the air fills with dust and graphite chunks, and radiation begins spewing out. Walls and equipment collapse, and dozens of fires start up, including one on top of the neighboring reactor. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the nuclear engineer in charge of the test insists that reactor No. 4 is still intact. He later dies of radiation poisoning.
• On April 26th, 1986, 1:28 a.m. - The first firefighters arrive at the scene. They have no knowledge of the radiation and wear no protective clothing.
• On April 26th, 1986, 2:15 a.m. - Local Soviet officials convene an emergency meeting at which they decide to block cars from exiting or entering Pripyat, a nearby city that was built to house Chernobyl’s workers. Police officers assisting with the roadblock likewise have no knowledge of the radiation and wear no protective clothing.
• On April 26th, 1986, 5 a.m. - Officials shut down reactor No. 3, to be followed the next morning by reactor Nos. 1 and 2. They are re-opened months later.
• On April 26th, 1986, 6:35 a.m. - By now, all fires have been extinguished except for a blaze in the reactor core, which will burn for days.
• On April 27th, 1986, 10 a.m. - Helicopters begin dumping sand, clay, boron, lead and dolomite into the burning core in an attempt to slow radioactive emissions.
• On April 27th, 1986: 2 p.m. - After telling residents nothing about the disaster for some 36 hours, Soviet officials finally begin evacuating roughly 115,000 people from Pripyat, as well as nearby towns and villages. Residents are informed it will be temporary and that they should pack only vital documents and belongings, plus some food. Soon after, however, an exclusion zone is set up around Chernobyl that prevents their return.
• On April 28th, 1986 - Swedish air monitors detect a large amount of radiation in the atmosphere, which is traced back to the USSR. Soviet officials admit that there’s been an accident, but they falsely state the situation is under control.
• On April 29th, 1986 - Spy satellite photos provide U.S. officials with their first glimpse of the devastation wrought by the Chernobyl disaster.
• On May 1, 1986 - Soviet officials refuse to cancel the May Day festivities in Kiev, even as radiation continues to be released unabated.
• On May 4th, 1986 - Liquid nitrogen is pumped underneath the dead reactor in order to cool it. Other aspects of the cleanup, which involves up to 800,000 workers, include bulldozing contaminated villages, shooting contaminated pets and livestock, and burying huge amounts of contaminated topsoil.
• On May 6th, 1986 - Radioactive emissions drop sharply, possibly because the fire in the core has burned itself out. Meanwhile, Soviet officials finally close schools in Kiev and advise residents to stay inside and to not eat leafy vegetables.
• On May 8th, 1986 - Workers finish draining about 20,000 tons of radioactive water from the basement under the core.
• On May 9th, 1986 - Workers begin pouring concrete under the reactor, which is later encased in an enormous concrete and metal structure known as the sarcophagus.
• On May 14th, 1986 - Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev speaks publicly about the incident for the first time, saying on state TV that "the worst is behind us."
• On August 25-29, 1986 - The International Atomic Energy Agency hosts a conference at which scientists blame the accident not just on human error and a subpar safety culture, but also on Soviet reactor design flaws.
• On December 15, 2000 - Unit 3, the last working reactor at Chernobyl, is shut down. Units 1 and 2 had been shut down in 1996 and 1991, respectively.
• On April 2006 - President Gorbachev writes that the Chernobyl disaster, "even more than my launch of perestroika, was perhaps the real cause of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since the United Nations agencies have shifted their focus from humanitarian assistance to prevention, recovery, remediation and capacity development, an integrated approach to sustainable development was adopted to address the needs of the affected regions and communities. Follow the conservations with the hashtags:#Chernobyl, #minuteofsilence, #chernobyldisasterday, #26April.

EVENTS: Minutes of silence for the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. On April 26th at 1:23:58 a.m GMT for International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2025; The United Nations General Assembly invites all Member States, relevant agencies of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society to observe the day. This year, we commemorate the 39th observance of the tragedy; Participants will pay a minute of silence to the victims during the candle lighting ceremony, The survivors and dignitaries later will mark the day with a night vigil.