August 31 marks the International Day for People of African Descent. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of people of African descent around the world while recommitting to the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination.

This year's observance comes as the United Nations has proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). The initiative follows a resolution introduced on November 20, 2024, by Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), calling for renewed global action to combat racism and foster inclusion.

​The second Decade builds on progress from the first (2015-2024), which focused on recognition, justice, and development. By extending this commitment, the UN and its member states reaffirm that advancing racial equity and dismantling systemic discrimination requires sustained, long-term action.

For UNA-Atlanta, this observance is more than symbolic. It reflects our mission to support the United Nations' global goals while promoting inclusion and justice here in our own community. The Decade ahead offers opportunities to strengthen advocacy, expand education, and highlight the essential cultural, social, and economic contributions of people of African descent.

We invite our members, partners, and community to join us in celebrating this important day and to continue working toward a world where dignity, equality, and justice are not aspirations but realities.

​Learn more about the International Day for People of African Descent and the UN's initiatives.

This World Humanitarian Day, we join the United Nations in relaunching #ActForHumanity with renewed urgency, demanding protection, accountability, and action.

Now is the time to turn outrage into real pressure on those in power, calling on them to:

• Protect humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve
• Uphold international humanitarian law
• Fund the lifelines we claim to support

If we cannot protect those who save lives, what does that say about us? If we allow this to continue, we risk losing not just a system, but our very sense of humanity.

To truly make a difference, we need more people to raise their voices and take part. Join UNA-Atlanta to engage in humanitarian activities and help us advocate for a more just and compassionate world.

About World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is observed each year on August 19 to honor humanitarian workers and rally support for people affected by crises. The day was designated by the UN in memory of the 2003 attack on its Baghdad headquarters, which killed 22 staff. Led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the campaign spotlights global solidarity and action each year.

Watch the UN's official World Humanitarian Day video below and share it with your networks.