World Development Information Day is observed annually on October 24th and is designed to draw the attention of the world’s public opinion to developmental problems each year. It also aims to highlight the need for international organizations to develop cooperation with one another so that large problems can be solved more quickly. This holiday has been observed since the 1970s and continues to serve an important purpose today.

The History of World Development Information Day

This holiday was created when the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, an agency also known as UNCTAD, proposed measures for the dissemination of information and the mobilization of public opinion regarding developmental and trade problems. This led to UN Resolution 3038—a measure that was passed on December 19, 1972. This resolution proposed that World Development Information Day be established to draw attention to development problems around the world. Another purpose of this day is to explain to the public why international cooperation is essential to solving significant issues. To further emphasize the importance of this holiday, it was decided that it would coincide with United Nations Day, thereby stressing the developmental work undertaken by the United Nations every day. The first celebration of World Development Information Day was held on October 24, 1973.

Facts About Global Development

Since this holiday is directly concerned with global development and how it can be addressed, we have decided to discuss some of the current global development challenges. Understanding these issues will help people remain focused on them and may contribute to their resolution.

• Approximately 22,000 children around the world die every day due to poverty.
• The deaths of children under the age of 5 have increased over the past 25 years.
• Approximately 28% of children living in developing countries are considered underweight.
• School enrollment rates are low worldwide. More than 115 million children are not enrolled in primary school, and more than 225 million children do not attend secondary school.
• Approximately 39,000 young girls become child brides every day.
• In 2011, more than 20 million children worldwide were not properly vaccinated.
• Water pollution is a worsening problem around the globe.
• About 80% of the world’s population lives on less than $10 a day.
• About 78% of people living in third-world countries lack electricity in their homes.
• The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 2 billion people lack key micronutrients in their daily diets.

Observing World Development Information Day

On this day, the United Nations focuses public attention on the projects it is currently working on through the internet, radio, television, and newspaper advertisements. Seminars and other events are also held for this purpose. Since this is not a public holiday but rather a global observance, government agencies and businesses remain open.