International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People — November 29, 2025

What Is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People?

Observed every year on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is a United Nations observance dedicated to acknowledging the history, rights, and aspirations of the Palestinian people. It offers a platform for education, dialogue, and peaceful civic engagement. Each year, the day is marked by official UN meetings, cultural programs, public statements, and community events around the world.

The date carries particular historical resonance: on November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 181 (the Partition Plan), a pivotal moment in the history of the region. In 1977, the UN General Assembly formally established this observance to encourage member states and civil society to reflect on the unresolved dimensions of the question of Palestine, promote awareness, and support constructive efforts toward a just and lasting peace.

Origins and Historical Context

UN Foundations

In 1977, through resolution 32/40 B, the General Assembly designated November 29 as a day of solidarity. The UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) and the Division for Palestinian Rights (DPR) have since coordinated official programs, including special meetings, message readings from UN officials, and exhibitions at UN Headquarters and regional offices.

Why November 29?

November 29 references Resolution 181 (II) of 1947, commonly known as the Partition Plan. While interpretations of that historical moment vary widely, the date has become a focal point for reflection on international law, human rights, and the complex history underpinning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The observance underscores the role of the international community—especially the United Nations—in seeking peaceful, negotiated outcomes.

How the Day Is Observed Worldwide

Although it is not a public holiday in most countries, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is widely recognized across government bodies, NGOs, universities, faith communities, and cultural institutions. Activities often combine education, arts, and community service to foster understanding and empathy.

• United Nations events: Special meetings, high-level messages from the Secretary-General, cultural exhibits, film screenings, and panel discussions.
• Educational programs: University teach-ins, public lectures on international law and the history of the conflict, and student-led dialogues.
• Cultural observances: Poetry readings, musical performances, and art installations highlighting Palestinian culture and heritage.
• Civil society initiatives: Fundraisers for humanitarian organizations, interfaith gatherings, and community workshops focused on nonviolent engagement and human rights.

Traditions, Symbols, and Cultural Expressions

Though there is no single set of global traditions, certain symbols and practices commonly appear:

• Colors and motifs: Artwork and displays often feature colors associated with Palestinian cultural identity and the broader region.
• Literature and poetry: Public readings of poems and prose by Palestinian writers and regional authors help center lived experience and cultural memory.
• Cuisine and hospitality: Community gatherings may include traditional foods as a gesture of welcome and cultural sharing.
• Storytelling: Oral histories and personal testimonies highlight diverse perspectives and experiences.

Ways to Participate Respectfully in 2025

Engagement on November 29, 2025 can be both meaningful and measured. Consider approaches that prioritize listening, learning, and constructive dialogue:

• Learn the history: Explore reliable sources on the region’s history, international law, and UN resolutions to grasp the context behind the observance.
• Attend a panel or webinar: Many institutions host free public events with scholars, diplomats, and peacebuilders.
• Support humanitarian work: Contribute to vetted organizations providing medical aid, education, food security, and psychosocial support.
• Foster dialogue: Participate in moderated conversations that center empathy, accuracy, and nonviolence.
• Amplify cultural voices: Share books, films, art, and music that illuminate Palestinian culture and diverse narratives from the region.

Worldwide Observance and Participation

Because this is a UN observance, the day is recognized across continents. UN Information Centres and regional offices organize programs from New York and Geneva to Amman, Nairobi, and beyond. Local communities adapt the observance to their contexts, adding language-specific programming, youth engagement, and interfaith initiatives.

Media coverage varies each year, but many outlets report on UN speeches and humanitarian updates. Universities and think tanks publish commentaries or host expert roundtables, while NGOs mobilize campaigns focused on human rights, protection of civilians, and conflict-sensitive development. The overarching aim is to promote informed public discourse and encourage steps toward de-escalation and peace.

Key Milestones and Historical Notes

• 1947: UN General Assembly adopts Resolution 181 (II).
• 1967 and after: The conflict’s dynamics evolve, and the UN continues to pass resolutions addressing humanitarian, legal, and political aspects.
• 1977: The General Assembly establishes November 29 as the official UN day of solidarity.
• Ongoing: Annual messages by UN leaders, cultural programs, and civil society actions reaffirm the commitment to peaceful, negotiated solutions.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

• Global reach: Events take place in dozens of countries each year, including exhibits in multiple UN languages, showing the truly international nature of the observance.
• Academic engagement: Many universities use the day to assign readings on international humanitarian law, offering students a structured way to analyze complex issues.
• Art as dialogue: Installations and film screenings often feature Q&A sessions, turning art into a bridge for conversation rather than a one-way statement.

Balancing Sensitivity and Dialogue

Conversations about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict can be deeply personal and sensitive. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People encourages expressions of solidarity centered on human dignity, nonviolence, and respect for international law. Many organizers emphasize conflict-sensitive communication: verify facts, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and create inclusive spaces where people can listen as well as speak.

While the observance highlights the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people, it is often framed within a broader call for peaceful resolution and the protection of all civilians. In that sense, it contributes to a global conversation about human rights, justice, and sustainable peace—core priorities for the United Nations.

If You Only Have an Hour

• Read an overview from the UN website and one scholarly article to gain context.
• Watch a short documentary or panel discussion featuring diverse perspectives.
• Make a small donation to a reputable humanitarian organization working in the region.
• Share an educational resource with your community, inviting respectful dialogue.

Looking Ahead

As November 29, 2025 approaches, institutions and communities will tailor programs to current realities on the ground. Regardless of format—whether an academic seminar, a cultural exhibit, or a neighborhood discussion—the day’s purpose remains the same: to foster knowledge, empathy, and responsible action. By engaging thoughtfully, participants help keep the focus on constructive pathways toward peace, security, and human rights for all.