PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Henry Herrera
Telephone: +1-301-801-0608
Email: info@menandboys.net
Campaign Calls for UN Recognition of International Men’s Day
November 2, 2026 – International Men’s Day has been observed since 1999. (1) This year, “Men Need Love Too” is inviting organizations to support the recognition of International Men’s Day, November 19, as an official United Nations (UN) observance. (2) Letters are being sent to UN-connected representatives, as supporters share the call under #MakeInternationalMensDayOfficial. (2)
The call addresses a clear gap. International Men’s Day is marked in more than 80 countries, organizers report. (1) Yet it still has no place on the UN list of international days. (3)
This year’s events show the global reach of International Men’s Day and Men’s Equality Month. As of October 29, more than 50 observances have been scheduled in 11 countries. (4) The International Council for Men and Boys (ICMB) now has 16 Regional Coordinators in 11 countries on four continents. (5)
Among the scheduled events:
- Trinidad and Tobago: The Tobago House of Assembly is holding an International Men’s Day debate in its chamber, in the country where the day began. (6)(1)
- Australia: Sarah Game, a Member of South Australia’s Legislative Council, is hosting a sold-out dinner in North Adelaide. (7)
- United Kingdom: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is presenting an evening talk in Northern Ireland. (8) Emergency services in South Yorkshire are holding a joint event for their staff. (9)
- India: A public awareness program is scheduled outside Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata. (5)
- Kenya: Challenge Aid Africa Trust and the Kenya Rugby Union are staging an all-star rugby tournament in Nairobi on November 17. (5)
On November 17, two days before International Men’s Day, the Global State of Men and Boys Report 2026 will be released at an international press conference. (5)
ICMB asks:
- Organizations: Join the #MakeInternationalMensDayOfficial campaign.
- Journalists: Cover the November 17 press conference and the events in your country.
- Lawmakers: Issue a proclamation for Men’s Equality Month and International Men’s Day, or host an event, and send a copy to ldemarco@menandboys.net.
- UN missions: Mark International Men’s Day, and support its recognition as an official UN observance.
The International Council for Men and Boys consists of over 100 organizations around the world that are working to end the 12 sex disparities that affect men and boys worldwide. https://www.menandboys.net. Donate to ICMB: go to: https://www.menandboys.net/donate/
Links:
- https://internationalmensday.com/media/
- https://menneedlovetoo.org/international-mens-day/
- https://www.un.org/en/observances/list-days-weeks
- https://www.menandboys.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ICMB_MEM-IMD-2026_Event-Sources-Appendix_2026-10-29.pdf
- https://www.menandboys.net/mem/2026-2/
- https://www.facebook.com/THALegislature/videos/hey-assemblers-%EF%B8%8Fits-throwbackthursdaylast-november-was-our-first-ever-internatio/1793509921779081/
- https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-mens-day-dinner-tickets-1993989060958
- https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events/2026/november/gavin-oates-confidently-lost-finding-joy-in-the-ch/
- https://lnkd.in/p/eK4zt8cu
