International Days of Recognition are occasions that help promote discussions on topical issues in schools. Here are a number of International Days taking place over the summer period to promote discussion and be aware of.

Summer 2025

National Writing Day

25 June – an annual celebration of all things writing with the aim to inspire people across the UK to write.  Children are more inclined to write creatively if they see adults doing so this is a day for all the family that will hopefully become a more regular activity for those young minds.

Armed Forces Day

28 June – gives an opportunity to show support for the men and women of the Armed Forces Community with events taking place all over the United Kingdom.

Plastic Free July

July  – a global movement that aims to encourage people to refuse single-use plastics and be part of the solution to plastic pollution across the globe.

World Population Day

11 July – Five Billion Day is the day in 1987 when the world population figure reached its latest milestone. The Day focuses on the importance of population issues, especially as it is expected that there will 8 billion people on the planet by 2023.

International Day of Friendship

30 July – designated by the United Nations General Assembly, the day encourages community groups, governments and other organisations to coordinate events and activities to celebrate the importance of friendships.

World Humanitarian Day

19 August – dedicated to recognising humanitarian people and the sacrifices that they make helping people around the world. It is also gives people time for reflection and an opportunity to remember those that have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

International Literacy Day

8 September – reminds the public of the importance of literacy as we try and achieve a more literate and sustainable society.  A staggering 773 million young people and adults still lack basic literacy skills across the world today – that is almost 1 in every 10 humans on earth.