International Day of the Markhor Observed on 24 May 2025.
Important Days
The United Nations (UN)'s International Day of the Markhor is observed annually across the globe on 24th May to raise global awareness about the ecological significance and conservation needs of the markhor (Capra falconeri), a wild goat species native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- 24th May 2025 marked the 2nd observance of the International Day of the Markhor.
- The Markhor, distinguished by its broad hooves and spiral horns, is the world’s largest wild goat species and has been officially recognised as the national animal of Pakistan since 1972.
- The first observance of the Day was held on 24th May 2024.
Main Point :- (i) On 2nd May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/78/278, officially declaring 24 May as the International Day of the Markhor.
(ii) The resolution was proposed by Pakistan and co-sponsored by Afghanistan, China, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
(iii) The resolution calls upon the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), along with all UN Member States, civil society, and relevant stakeholders, to support the observance and promote regional cooperation in markhor conservation.
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