Celebrating Equity, Respect and Representation Across Cultures

At EdUHK, we recognise the importance of commemorating key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) observances throughout the year.  This calendar highlights meaningful dates relevant to local and regional communities, promoting awareness, education, and opportunities for engagement across our campus and beyond.

Key Dates – Hong Kong & Asia-Pacific Region in 2026

January

January 4 – World Braille Day

Celebrates the importance of Braille in promoting literacy, access to information, and equal rights for people with visual impairments

 

January 18 – World Religion Day

Promotes interfaith understanding, respect, and unity among people of all faiths

February

February 17 to 19 – Lunar New Year

Cultural celebration observed across East Asia

 

February 17 to March 19 – Ramadan

Islamic holy month of fasting, reflection, and community

 

February 21 – International Mother

Language Day

Promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity

March

March 1 – Zero Discrimination Day

Promotes inclusion, dignity and equality for all people

 

March 8 – International Women’s Day

Gender equality, women’s rights

 

March 16 to 20 – Neurodiversity
Celebration Week

Celebrates neurodivergent strengths and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological difference

 

March 21 – International Day for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Promotes racial harmony and justice

 

April

April 5 – Ching Ming Festival
Traditional Chinese day to honour ancestors

 

April 6 – Easter Monday

Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus; symbolises hope, renewal, and spiritual reflection

 

Mid April – Southeast Asian New Year (e.g. Songkran, Pi Mai, Thingyan, Chol Chnam Thmey)

Traditional New Year celebrated in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar; a time for renewal, cultural rituals, and community gatherings

 

May

May 1 – Labour Day
Promotes workers’ rights and social justice

 

May 10 – Mother’s Day

Family and caregiving roles

 

May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Cultural understanding and inclusion

 

May 24 – The Birthday of the Buddha

Commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha

June

June 1 to 30 – Pride Month

LGBTQ+ inclusion and rights awareness

 

June 19 – Tuen Ng Festival

Traditional Chinese festival dedicated to praying for good luck and health

 

June 21 – Father’s Day

Family and caregiving roles

July

July 1 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day

August

August 1 to 7 – World Breastfeeding Week

Promotes the health and rights of breastfeeding mothers and infants

August 12 – International Youth Day

Empowerment of young people

September

September 23 – International Day of Sign Languages

Advocates for linguistic rights and inclusion of deaf communities

 

September 25 – Mid-Autumn Festival

Cultural tradition celebrated across East Asia 

October

October 1 – National Day of the People’s Republic of China

 

October 10 – World Mental Health Day
Global focus on mental health awareness

 

October 18 – Chung Yeung Festival

Chinese festival for ancestor veneration and respect for elders

 

November

November 8 – Diwali

Festival of lights celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, Jain communities; signifies light over darkness

 

November 19 – International Men’s Day

Promotes positive male role models, men’s health, gender equality, and respectful relationships

 

November 25 – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Promotes to end gender-based violence

December

December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Disability inclusion, accessibility awareness

 

December 4 to 12 – Hanukkah
Jewish festival celebrating light, resilience and faith

 

December 22 – Winter Solstice

Culturally important day for many East Asian communities, symbolising reunion

 

December 25 – Christmas

Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus; widely observed in Hong Kong and globally

February 28 to March 29 – Ramadan

Islamic holy month of fasting, reflection, and community

March 1 – Zero Discrimination Day

Promotes inclusion, dignity and equality for all people

March 8 – International Women’s Day

Gender equality, women’s rights

March 17 to 23 – Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Celebrating neurodivergent strengths and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological difference

March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Anti-racism, promoting racial harmony

May 1 – Labour Day
Recognising workers’ rights and social justice

 

May 5 – Buddha’s Day

Commemorating the birth of Gautama Buddha

 

May 11 – Mother’s Day

Family and caregiving roles

 

May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Cultural understanding and inclusion

May 1 – Labour Day
Recognising workers’ rights and social justice

May 5 – Buddha’s Day

Commemorating the birth of Gautama Buddha

May 11 – Mother’s Day

Family and caregiving roles

May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Cultural understanding and inclusion

April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
Neurodiversity, inclusion of individuals with autism

April 4 – Ching Ming Festival
Traditional Chinese day to honour ancestors

Mid April – Southeast Asian New Year (e.g. Songkran, Pi Mai, Thingyan, Chol Chnam Thmey)Traditional New Year celebrated in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar; a time for renewal, cultural rituals, and community gatherings

April 20 – Easter (varies annually)Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus; symbolises hope, renewal, and spiritual reflection