News
15 June: what is celebrated today
15 June is not a noisy date, but it is deeply meaningful. It is one of those days when invisible forces—wind, weather, care and health—take centre stage. From the energy that moves the world to the people who sustain it quietly, the day invites us to look more closely at what often goes unnoticed and is, precisely for that reason, essential.
Global Wind Day
The wind cannot be seen, but it transforms. Since 2007, Global Wind Day has been celebrated every 15 June, promoted by the European Wind Energy Association to remind us that this natural force is much more than an atmospheric phenomenon: it is a key ally in the energy transition. Wind travels across landscapes, shapes ecosystems and, converted into wind power, supplies cities without leaving a toxic footprint on the planet.
Today, wind turbines — onshore and offshore — symbolise a new relationship between technology and nature. Countries on different continents are investing in wind farms that harness steady air currents, even out at sea, where the wind blows more consistently. Celebrating this day means recognising that our energy future can also be clean, quiet and respectful of biodiversity.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
On the same day that we celebrate the energy of the wind, the calendar asks us to pause and listen to other voices, more fragile but just as urgent. Since 2011, the UN has dedicated 15 June to raising awareness of the abuse and mistreatment suffered by millions of older people around the world. It is not just about figures, but about stories marked by abandonment, loneliness and a lack of care.
This observance reminds us that growing older should not mean losing dignity. In a fast-moving society, protecting those who came before us is a collective responsibility. Taking better care of older people — in their homes, care homes and communities — is also a way of measuring our humanity and our commitment to fundamental rights.
International Day of Women in Mining
Deep within the earth, where it was traditionally thought there was room only for men, more and more women are blazing a trail. International Day of Women in Mining, celebrated since 2022, recognises their role in an industry with a history of inequality and highlights the need to build a more inclusive and sustainable sector.
Women engineers, geologists, technicians and executives now play an active part in the transformation of mining. Making their work visible is more than a symbolic gesture: it is an invitation to rethink employment models, break stereotypes and understand that economic development also depends on diversity and equity.
International Men's Health Week
Although it runs over several days in June, 15 June is one of this week's central moments. International Men's Health Week brings an uncomfortable reality to the table: many health problems affecting men are preventable, yet they are still not addressed in time because of a lack of information, stigma or everyday neglect.
Talking about men's health means talking about self-care, emotional wellbeing and responsible habits. Medical check-ups, physical activity and attention to mental health are part of a necessary conversation that seeks to break silences and promote a longer, healthier life for boys and men of all ages.