The 2026 theme is "Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!" and focuses on the importance of public participation and community science for migratory birds. 

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the need for international cooperation to collect data on bird populations, habitats, and environmental threats. Some of the challenges that impact tracking and conservation include gaps in scientific data across vast or remote regions, habitat loss, pollution, and building collisions.  

The campaign also emphasizes the need for proactive community action, such as participating in backyard bird counts and coordinated surveys, using digital monitoring platforms and tracking apps, and practicing ethical, respectful birding to protect local wildlife. 

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction focuses on the role of education in protecting and empowering children for a disaster-free future.

Many disasters, often worsened by climate change, pose significant threats to the well-being of children and youth. UNICEF reports that around one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts and related disasters. In addition to the risk of death and injury, children face further challenges in the form of disruptions in schooling, nutrition, healthcare, and protection issues in the aftermath of a disaster.

To protect children from disasters, countries need to consider their vulnerabilities and requirements when developing national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. It is equally important to empower children and youth and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to disaster risk reduction. Empowering children, particularly through education, can equip them to protect themselves and become agents of change in their families and communities by sharing what they have learned. 

Foods should be diverse, nutritious, affordable, and safe. A greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available in our fields, in our markets, and on our tables, for the benefit of all.

Collective action across 150 countries is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public. They promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger to ensure healthy diets for all. 

You Can Support Local Food Agencies!

Open Cupboard 8264 4th Street N. Oakdale, MN 55128 www.opencupboard.org