On the first year of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations celebrates Nowruz, “an ancient tradition with modern relevance,” as an occasion to strengthen the international community's resolve to leave no one behind in the collective journey to a better future.

Underscoring “our vision for a life of dignity for all people,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message on the Day: “Let us enable all people who celebrate Nowruz to celebrate with joy and meaning – and let us spread its essential message of hope and renewal around the world."

Mr. Ban also pointed out that this was also the first year of the historic Paris Agreement on climate change, which “possesses enormous potential to open a new future.”

In 2009, Nowruz was inscribed on the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and was, the following year, proclaimed by the General Assembly.