World days 2023
Our #Compassion4theSDGs project is running throughout 2023. Through a series of resources, social media activity and events we highlight how compassion is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Repositioning compassion to achieve system change
Download and read this overview of Compassion and the SDGs:
Download the Lancet article (July 2022):
#Compassion4theSDGs Resources
On relevant ‘world days’ during 2023, we are releasing one-page resources on each Sustainable Development Goal – highlighting how a compassion-in-action perspective is the foundation for achieving the ambition underpinning the goals.
As the resources become available, relevant PDFs will be added to the listing below. We are also hosting a series of events. Follow us on twitter for updates and further information
World Days 2023
DATE | WORLD DAY |
SDG RESOURCE (PDFs published on the relevant World Days) |
|
16-20 Jan | World Built Environment Forum Week |
SDG9: Industry, innovation & infrastructureBuild resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive & sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. A compassionate approach to infrastructure, industry, and innovation starts with communities instead of commodities. |
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24 Jan | International Day of Education |
SDG4: Quality educationEnsure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Education is not just about knowledge acquisition — it changes attitudes and social norms, which accelerates progress toward many sustainable development goals. |
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|
28 Feb- 3 March | World Sustainable Energy Days |
SDG7: Affordable & clean energyEnsure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Repositioning access to clean and affordable energy as a human right may counter the governing global economic system that profits from fossil fuel consumption. |
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8 March | International Women’s Day |
SDG5: Gender equalityAchieving gender equality and empower all women and girls Achieving gender equality requires attention and action on eliminating the root causes of discrimination against women. |
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21 March | International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination |
SDG10: Reduced inequalitiesReduce inequality within and among countries Compassion implores us to see inequality as intersectional. |
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22 March | World Water Day |
SDG6: Clean water & sanitationEnsure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is foundational to human and planetary health and well-being. But meeting targets requires a four-fold increase in the pace of progress. |
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7 April | World Health Day |
SDG3: Good health & wellbeingEnsure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Healthy populations are critical to sustainable development, but progress remains uneven and inequitable. |
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22 April | Earth Day |
SDG15: Life on landProtect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Compassion provides the motivation and understanding to end land exploitation so that we may promote human health and ensure human flourishing. |
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2-3 May | World Economic Forum Global Summit |
SDG8: Decent work and economic growthPromote sustained, inclusive & sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Healthy and sustainable economic growth is only possible if workers are valued as contributing to a united humanity and paid a living wage. |
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8 June | World Oceans Day |
SDG14: Life below waterConserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The ocean is the planet's largest ecosystem—and it's endangered. |
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19 Sept | International Day of Awareness of Food Loss & Waste |
SDG12: Responsible consumption & production |
|
21 Sept | International Day of Peace |
SDG16: Peace, justice & strong intuitions |
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25 Sept | Global Day of Climate Action | SDG13: Climate action | |
16 Oct | World Hunger Day |
SDG2: Zero hunger |
|
17 Oct | International Day of Eradication of Poverty | SDG1: No poverty | |
31 Oct | World Cities Day |
SDG11: Sustainable cities & communities |
|
20 Dec | International Day of Human Solidarity | SDG17: Partnerships for the goals |
During 2023, a number of case studies will also be released and available to download via this page. Follow us on Twitter or join our mailing list to get notifications and updates.
Our humanness and deep emotional connection to the suffering of others defines why and how we should act – collectively and synergistically across the 17 interconnected goals.
Related links
- Global Health Academy Twitter
- Sign up to our mailing list
- Read our 'Compassion in action' page for more details on the #Compassion4theSDGs project