A global day highlighting the role of the media in raising awareness of development issues and international cooperation.
Date24 October
TopicEducation & Awareness
Established1972
Ways to observe this day
Read a credible report or article about a global development issue
Follow media outlets that cover development and international cooperation
Share an accurate fact about a development gap between world regions
Encourage a family or school discussion on the importance of international cooperation
In 1972, the UN General Assembly decided to designate October 24, coinciding with United Nations Day, as World Development Information Day, under resolution 3038 adopted in December of that year, with the first observance held in 1973.
The day aims to draw global public attention, particularly among young people, to development challenges and the need for greater international cooperation to address them, by improving the flow of development-related information between developed and developing countries. It also highlights the role media can play in shaping a deeper public understanding of global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources.
The United Nations and its specialized agencies organize awareness activities around the day, including media seminars and educational materials aimed at journalists and content creators, encouraging more thorough and accurate coverage of development issues.