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15 November: what is celebrated today
On 15 November, the international calendar fills with diverse causes centred on physical well-being, education, science and global justice. From preventing alcohol consumption to fighting organised crime, this date invites us to reflect on the challenges of health, scientific solidarity and respect for law and life.
World No Alcohol Day
World No Alcohol Day, promoted by the World Health Organization, seeks to raise awareness of the harmful effects of excessive consumption of this substance. Alcoholism, recognised as a disease since the 20th century, causes millions of deaths every year and is linked to more than 200 physical and mental disorders.
Social drinking, normalised in many cultures, conceals a silent dependency. Programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous, present in more than 180 countries, offer support to those seeking sobriety. The WHO recommends public policies of control, education and prevention, as well as limiting sales to minors and strengthening road safety.
This day proposes a day of reflection and rest for body and mind, a reminder that celebration does not require intoxication.
World Umbilical Cord Blood Day
15 November also marks World Umbilical Cord Blood Day, promoted by the American Save the Cord Foundation. Its aim is to inform people about the potential of the stem cells present in this blood, which can treat more than 80 diseases, including leukaemias, lymphomas and severe anaemias.
The campaign's message is clear: do not discard a resource that can save lives. In many hospitals, cord blood is still disposed of as medical waste. This date promotes donation, education and medical research around regenerative medicine. Every birth can also be an act of hope for others.
European Dystonia Day
Promoted by the Association for the Fight against Dystonia (ALDE), European Dystonia Day seeks to make visible this neurological disease that causes involuntary muscle contractions and tremors. Although rare, it profoundly affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
The slogan “United for dystonia” sums up the effort to create support networks among patients, families and researchers. Across Europe, information days and solidarity campaigns are held to promote early detection and investment in research. Understanding dystonia is also a step towards a more empathetic society.
World Multiplication Table Day
Celebrated on the third Friday of November, this day turns mathematics into a global game. The World Multiplication Table Day campaign involves pupils, teachers and schools around the world to reinforce, in a playful way, the learning of multiplication tables.
Through competitions, test patrols and quick challenges, it encourages memory, cooperation and teamwork. Learning through multiplication becomes an excuse to have fun, share and discover the pleasure of knowledge. Because educating is also multiplying curiosity.
International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against Transnational Organised Crime
Proclaimed by the UN in 2024, this day addresses one of the greatest global challenges: organised crime that crosses borders. Under the slogan “Crime steals, corrupts and kills”, the campaign seeks to strengthen international cooperation to combat human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) drives this global movement to make visible the harm transnational crime causes to development, security and human rights. The message is unequivocal: justice thrives only when there is solidarity among nations.
International Week of Science and Peace
From 9 to 15 November, this UN-sponsored week brings together scientific research and the promotion of understanding among peoples. Since 1986, the initiative has sought to show that knowledge, when shared, becomes a tool for peace.
Laboratories, universities and scientific communities devote these days to discussing ethics, cooperation and sustainability. Because every technological advance takes on real meaning when it is used to heal, protect and unite.
World Quality Week
Coinciding with these dates, World Quality Week (11–15 November) reminds us that excellence is not measured only in results, but in commitment. Under the slogan “Quality: from compliance to performance”, the international campaign promotes good practice in businesses and organisations.
Quality is also a form of ethics: doing what we do well, with respect for the environment and for people. This week invites us to review processes and cultivate a culture of responsibility, improvement and mutual trust.