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March1–7

Universal Human Beings Week – March 1-7, 2024

Universal Human Beings Week, every March 1 – March 7, is an annual observance commemorated in different parts of the world. It is aimed at various things such as reminding us to reset and renew our sense of purpose, key into our true essence and rid ourselves of hardened exteriors. We are also reminded to embrace love and unity, foster human rights promotion, and make the world a better place. Founded by the International Society of Friendship and Good Will, it urges us to break free of the shackles of individualistic and materialistic dictates, and truly go back to base. It reminds us to take positive, impactful actions to serve and foster the good of humanity.

History of Universal Human Beings Week

Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, ushering in the fast-paced life with its many accompanying pleasures, man traded the joys of true simple pleasures for instant gratification. Consequently, the rat race of life started — a competition to outdo our fellow man. According to Wikipedia, a rat race is ‘an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit’. The phrase compares humans to rats vainly trying to earn a reward such as cheese. It also refers to a competitive struggle to thrive financially or in life. The term is linked to an exhausting, repetitive lifestyle that leaves no time for rest or fun.

The Universal Human Beings Week is observed to celebrate the value of humanity and to give importance to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life. It thus tries to get the focus away from the rat race and more to what is really important to mankind. It also focuses on unity between all people, despite all their differences. Love, art, history, and music are all focused on celebrating the common humanity of man. Kindness is also emphasized.

The Universal Human Beings Week, a brainchild of The International Society of Friendship and Good Will (I.S.F.G.W.), founded by Dr. Stanley J. Drake in 1978, helps remind us to break free of dividing factors such as politics and religion. It asks us to realign our focus amid the quest for financial freedom, preaching love, peace, progress, and the advancement of humanity.

Universal Human Beings Week timeline

1945
The United Nations is Born

On the heels of the Second World War, 51 countries worldwide team up in 1945 to establish the United Nations to foster international peace, security, better living standards, and human rights.

1948
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Announced

The former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the United Nations (U.N.) Commission on Human Rights Chair, together with 50 members of the body announce 30 rights each human is entitled to.

1963
Martin Luther King delivers “I Have A Dream”

One of the most recognizable and powerful speeches of the 20th century calling for freedom and equality, Martin Luther King Junior's “I Have A Dream” speech remains timeless.

1978
I.S.F.G.W. Becomes a Reality

The International Society of Friendship and Good Will, (ISFGW) is founded by Dr. Stanley J. Drake in 1978 to foster better living standards for humanity.

Universal Human Beings Week FAQs

When is Universal Human Rights Month?

Since December 9, 2001, when former President George W. Bush declared the first Human Rights Week, the month-long holiday urging all humans to stand up and fight for equal rights, to be held in December.

What is the meaning of Universal Human Beings Week?

These are celebrations of our common humanity. We honor humanity and just laws. We put human beings and ethical behavior above material wealth, borders, and strife.

What can you do in Universal Human Beings week?

Any form of kindness would be good — from donations to those who are less fortunate, to greeting cashiers, workers, and people in your neighborhood.

How To Observe Universal Human Beings Week

  1. Make a commitment

    Change begins with individuals. To truly see the change we so desire, we must endeavor to do better ourselves — it starts with yourself. Treat others how you want to be treated. Stop waiting for others to step up, be the change!

  2. Spark up the conversation

    So you've made a commitment. Don't just stop there, get the conversation rolling. We're stronger together. You could go all out with campaign t-shirts with inscriptions promoting love, unity, peace, dignity, and respect without consideration of skin, age, status, religious, or political views.

  3. Join the conversation on social media

    As long, you heat up the conversation, you're an active participant. If going all out isn't your thing, you could see what others are saying on social media through the hashtag #UniversalHumanBeingsWeek and lend your voice as well.

5 Mind-blowing Facts About Human Beings

  1. Earliest known homo specimens

    In 2015, scientists discovered a 2.8 million-year-old jawbone of one of the first humans in Ethiopia, which was 400,000 years older than earlier fossils.

  2. Homo sapiens are the modern humans

    Science suggests Homo sapiens originated from Africa and evolved from their predecessors Homo erectus between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago.

  3. Human language dates back 4,500 years

    Although linguistic evidence pinpoints about 6,000 years ago, when writing began, the Tamil language — ‘Tamil Sangam' dating back 4,500 years suggests otherwise.

  4. Worst countries for human rights

    Egypt, Syria, Yemen, China, and Iran rank as the worst countries for human rights and rule of law as of 2021, according to Statista.

  5. Kindness increases energy levels and confidence

    Studies show that being kind gives people energy and increases their sense of self-worth.

Why Universal Human Beings Week Is Important

  1. It reminds us all humans are equal

    Humans, regardless of race or gender, are equal and deserve to be treated with equal respect and love. This significant observance helps us shun racism and discrimination to create a better standard of living for all.

  2. It reminds us to focus on humanity

    Materialism, religious sentiments, ethnicity, and tribalism are global challenges that must be tackled if we want a peaceful, happy, thriving world. It reminds us to focus on ourselves as humans.

  3. It reminds us to do better

    Some of our actions have resulted in deeply saddening and tragic occurrences. This significant day urges us to reflect on those actions and strive to do better in the future to prevent a recurrence.

Universal Human Beings Week dates

YearDateDay
2024March 1Friday
2025March 1Saturday
2026March 1Sunday
2027March 1Monday
2028March 1Wednesday
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