These are the international years currently observed by the United Nations. The United Nations designates specific days, weeks, years and decades as occasions to mark particular events or topics in order to promote, through awareness and action, the objectives of the Organization. Usually, it is one or more Member States that propose these observances and the General Assembly establishes them with a resolution. On occasion, these celebrations are declared by the specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as UNESCO, UNICEF, FAO, etc., when they concern issues that fall within the scope of their competencies. Some of them may be later adopted by the General Assembly.
2010
International Year of the Seafarer
2009
Year of the Gorilla [UNEP and UNESCO]
2007-2008
International Polar Year (WMO)
2001
International Year of Mobilization against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance