world bicycle day (3june)

The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2018 decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day. The day aims to draw attention to the benefits and sustainability of riding a bicycle. 

On 15 March 2022, the General Assembly adopted the resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasized that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

World Bicycle day: Date

World Bicycle Day is celebrated on 3 June every year.

World Bicycle day: History

The history of World Bicycle Day dates back to April 2018 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 3 June as the official day to celebrate the bicycle. 

The initiative to establish World Bicycle Day was led by Turkmenistan, with the support of numerous other countries where Turkmenistan proposed the idea to acknowledge and promote the bicycle's role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The declaration of World Bicycle Day was a testament to the recognition of the bicycle's versatility and positive impact on various aspects of society. It emphasized the need to promote cycling as a mode of transportation that can address pressing global issues such as climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion, and sedentary lifestyles.

World Bicycle day: Significance

World Bicycle Day tends to emphasise on the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation.

The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. A sustainable transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, noted UN.

World Bicycle day: Celebration

In order to celebrate World Bicycle Day, the General Assembly welcomed initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society

Commonwealth Day (24May)

Commonwealth Day took place on Monday 13 March, 2023, marking the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities around the globe – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.

Commonwealth Day 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013. 

This was the first Commonwealth Day since Her Majesty’s passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.

On Commonwealth Day, 56 nations spanning five geographical regions, including some of the largest economies on earth as well as the smallest of islands, celebrated their unity of vision and common commitment to peace and justice in an increasingly polarised world.

In London, Commonwealth Day was marked on 13 March with a series of events, including a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of fallen Commonwealth servicemen and women, followed by a special service at Westminster Abbey and a reception for visiting dignitaries hosted at Buckingham Palace.

During the Commonwealth Day Service, His Majesty King Charles III addressed the gathering as Head of the Commonwealth for the first time. Delivering his Commonwealth Day Message from the Great Pulpit, he hailed the “extraordinary potential” of the Commonwealth, stating:

“The Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future – one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.

“The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more.”

King Charles III highlighted pressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health and economic cooperation, as areas where the Commonwealth could play an indispensable role. He emphasised, “Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.”

Commonwealth values

The congregation of about 2,000 people included the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Foreign Ministers and dignitaries from across the UK and the Commonwealth, as well as faith leaders, youth advocates, athletes and more than 750 school children.

At end of the service, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, delivered the Commonwealth Day Affirmation, enjoining the congregation to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth.

The programme also featured performances by the Rwandan National Ballet Urukerereza, saxophonist Yolanda Brown, West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera, and the all-female Amalgamation Choir from Cyprus. Young Samoan environmental advocate Brianna Fruean delivered a special reflection.