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24 September: what is celebrated today
The calendar holds dates that seem small but contain big messages. 24 September is one: a day joining the voice of endangered gorillas, the silent laughter of children in schools, the hope of scientific research and even the defence of free software. It invites reflection on how we want to build the future: fairer, healthier and more conscious.
World Gorilla Day: guardians of the forest
Gorillas, those peaceful giants that look at us with almost human eyes, are disappearing. Poaching and the destruction of their habitat are pushing them ever closer to the brink. That is why World Gorilla Day is celebrated on 24 September, with the aim of raising global awareness of their conservation.
In national parks such as Bwindi (Uganda), Virunga (Republic of the Congo) and Volcanoes (Rwanda), just over a thousand mountain gorillas survive under protection. However, many others continue to fall victim to illegal trafficking and deforestation. Protecting them also means protecting the balance of our ecosystems.
World School Milk Day: a glass full of future
The last Wednesday in September pays tribute to a food as simple as it is powerful: milk. World School Milk Day, promoted by the FAO since 2000, reminds us that this basic resource is essential for the physical and cognitive development of millions of children.
School programmes in more than 60 countries provide milk daily, helping to reduce malnutrition, improve learning and secure a better future for those who need it most. A simple glass can make the difference between exclusion and opportunity.
World Cancer Research Day: science as hope
Every 24 September, the scientific and medical community comes together to promote research in the fight against one of the most complex and challenging diseases: cancer.
With more than 200 types of tumour and hundreds of possible mutations, finding effective treatments is not easy. However, remarkable advances have been made over the past 50 years: preventive vaccines, precision therapies and less aggressive drugs. This day seeks not only to encourage innovation, but also to guarantee access and support for patients and their families.
World Thyroid Cancer Day: timely diagnosis, lives saved
Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers, especially among women. That is why 24 September is also dedicated to raising awareness of this disease and highlighting the importance of early detection. Recognising the symptoms and having regular check-ups can make the difference between life and death.
World Day Against Software Patents: freedom to create
Technology also has its place on this day. 24 September marks World Day Against Software Patents, an initiative that began in Europe to protect small developers from the restrictions imposed by large corporations.
This movement, supported by groups such as the Free Software Foundation, champions the idea that knowledge should be shared rather than monopolised. Because free software not only drives innovation, it also represents a fairer model of access to technology.