The Social Workers Association of Alberta 

In comparison to other commemorative days proposed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the acknowledgement of International Universal Health Coverage Day is relatively newer but equally as important. On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly proposed that every member state of the UN work towards the goal of implementing the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) into their respective national health policies. Five years later in 2017, the UN declared the 12th of December as the International Universal Health Coverage Day

Since its inception in 1992 from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been commemorated every year when December 3rd comes along. The purpose of this day is to promote the rights and well-being of people living with disabilities in all areas of life (ie. social, political, economic, cultural, etc.) within society and to raise awareness into the lives they live, including both their struggles and the achievements, and to strive towards creating a world that is more accepting and inclusive where they can live freely. The hope is that with increased accessibility and accommodations to meet the needs of people living with disabilities worldwide, that they can participate fully, equally and just as effectively in society in comparison to people who do not face these barriers throughout their lives.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 1995 as the “Year for Tolerance”, as a way to address global tensions worldwide regarding rising political issues surrounding cultural, religious and social differences in society. The following year in 1996, it was decided by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that moving forward, the International Day of Tolerance would be commemorated and celebrated annually on November 16th.