Date: Monday, 20 July 2026; 5th Annual Day.
Proposer: The Moon Village Association
Sponsor: The United Nations
Objectives:
International Moon Day is celebrated each year with the following key aims:
- Increase public understanding of the importance of sustainable Moon exploration and responsible utilization of lunar resources.
- Encourage the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space, fostering international cooperation and collaboration.
- Highlight the essential role that space science and technology play in advancing sustainable development and improving life on Earth.
Inception:
The first International Moon Day was officially observed on July 20, 2022, marking the beginning of an annual global celebration dedicated to lunar exploration and innovation.
History:
On July 20, 1969, humans set foot on the Moon for the very first time during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone for humanity and space exploration.
In recognition of this pivotal event, the Moon Village Association submitted a proposal during the 64th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) to designate July 20 as International Moon Day, commemorating the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon.
On December 9, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared July 20 as International Moon Day, to be observed annually worldwide, through its resolution A/RES/76/76.
With the United Nations’ endorsement, International Moon Day now serves as a platform to encourage global collaboration among diverse stakeholders and to advance the sustainable use of space science and technology for the benefit of all humanity.
Annual theme in recent years:
2025 theme: “One Moon, One Vision, One Future.”
2024 theme: “Illuminating the Shadows.”
2023 theme: “Beginning the New Lunar Journey for Humanity.”
Official website:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/moon-day
