Find out what's happening this September

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

September is all about heritage, democracy and the environment

On the 15th: International Day of Democracy

It was in 2007 when the United Nations General Assembly declared the 15th of September as the International Day of Democracy. Each year this key pillar of modern society is celebrated by parliaments around the world. Members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union are among many who take time to reflect on the importance of upholding democracy and ensuring all humans reap its benefits. “The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world,” says the United Nations. Almost thirty years into democracy, it’s as good a time as ever for South Africans to reflect on the state of our own democracy.

On the 16th: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

With ongoing conversations around the impact humans have on the environment growing more and more urgent, and the discourse shifting with each passing year, it’s easy to forget that the ozone layer sits at the very heart of damage humans have done. This makes the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer even more important. The 16th of September is the day when the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987. More than three decades later, the objective remains the same: Reduce the production and consumption of substances which can expose us to the harmful ultraviolet light emitted by the sun.

On the 21st: International Day of Peace

Each year the United Nations urges the world to stop all hostilities as we observe International Day of Peace. The inaugural celebration was held on the commencement of the General Assembly’s opening day in 1982. “The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire,” says the UN. “But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.”

On the 24th: Heritage Day

A public holiday in South Africa, Heritage Day is the embodiment of what the late Archbishop Desmond captured in his phrase “The Rainbow Nation”. Much like New York or London, South Africa’s metropolises are examples of how languages and cultures can collide to create a society which represents the width and breadth of humanity. Heritage Day celebrates the “cultural wealth of our nation”, recognising the traditions, history, languages, knowledge and practices of all who live in the rainbow nation. “Living heritage plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace and economic development,” says the South African government.

On the 26th: World Environmental Health Day

The theme for this year is “Strengthening Environmental Health Systems for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”. On this day the world reflects on the external factors which have an impact on the health of humans. Spearheaded by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), this day “is targeted towards preventing disease and creating health-supportive environments.” The IFEH notes how environmental health can further the realisation of seven SDGs, almost 20 targets and at least 30 indicators. “It is necessary to accept that there is an integral connection between the environment, health and the economy. It is therefore important to invest in healthy and green recovery, close to all communities…”

On the 30th: International Translation Day

In the first millennium, St. Jerome performed a task which would go on to have an indelible mark on humanity. The priest is considered the patron saint of translators, recognised as the first person to translate the Bible from Hebrew into Latin. “The day presents an opportunity for paying tribute to the work of translators, terminologists, interpreters and language practitioners in general who endeavour to make the world a slightly smaller place by breaking down language barriers and allowing great literature to be enjoyed far more widely,” says the South African government. In a country with a collage of languages, the legacy of St. Jerome is one that deserves to be honoured.

Sources: Inter-Parliamentary Union | United Nations | SA Gov| IFEH