World Radio Day 2026
World Radio Day 2026: Celebrating Radio's Legacy and Future Impact
Observed annually on February 13, World Radio Day honors radio’s unique role in bridging communities, disseminating information, and fostering social engagement. Established by UNESCO in 2011, this day underscores radio’s power to reach diverse audiences worldwide, serving as a medium for education, connection, and public safety. World Radio Day celebrates radio’s enduring significance and adaptability in an evolving digital landscape.
Origins and Global Significance
World Radio Day was conceived in 2010, following a proposal by the Spanish Radio Academy, with UNESCO’s endorsement formalized in 2011. Celebrated on February 13 to mark the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946, the day has gained global recognition, with broadcasters, listeners, and communities uniting to highlight radio’s contributions across cultures and continents. Each year, UNESCO encourages active participation, emphasizing radio’s potential to reach even the most remote communities.
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
World Radio Day aligns with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Radio serves as an accessible educational tool, particularly in remote or underserved areas.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Radio amplifies voices advocating for equality, promoting inclusive dialogue.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – By providing a platform for diverse perspectives, radio strengthens communities and promotes social harmony.
Advocating for Resilient Communication
As radio approaches its next century, its resilience remains a vital asset for communities. World Radio Day 2026 encourages investment in radio’s future, from advancing digital radio technologies to supporting community stations that give voice to marginalized groups. Radio’s adaptability continues to make it a trusted source of information during crises, from natural disasters to public health emergencies.
Join the Celebration
World Radio Day provides a unique platform for broadcasters, organizations, and individuals to celebrate radio’s past achievements and its future potential. On February 13, 2026, communities around the globe are invited to take part in broadcasts, discussions, and educational events that spotlight the lasting influence of radio. Join the global celebration to support radio as a powerful force for unity, education, and cultural exchange.
World Radio Day Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Radio in the First Half of the 20th Century | Reflecting on radio's historical impact and its role in early 20th-century communication. |
| 2014 | Gender Equality in Radio | Focused on promoting gender equality and women’s representation in radio. |
| 2015 | Youth and Radio | Highlighted the role of youth in radio, encouraging young voices and perspectives. |
| 2016 | Radio in Times of Disaster and Emergency | Emphasized radio's crucial role in disaster preparedness and emergency response. |
| 2017 | The Radio Is You | Celebrated radio's role in listener engagement and community connection. |
| 2018 | Radio & Sports | Explored the relationship between radio and sports broadcasting, celebrating sports’ unifying power. |
| 2019 | Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace | Promoted radio as a platform for fostering dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. |
| 2020 | Diversity | Encouraged diversity in radio programming, including various voices and perspectives. |
| 2021 | New World, New Radio | Reflected on radio's evolution and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. |
| 2022 | Radio and Trust | Focused on the importance of trustworthiness in radio journalism and information sharing. |
| 2023 | Radio & Peace | Promoted radio as a tool for peace, fostering unity and understanding. |
| 2024 | Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining, and Educating | Celebrated radio’s 100-year legacy of informing, entertaining, and educating audiences worldwide. |
| 2025 | Radio and Climate Change | Highlights the role of radio in raising awareness and educating communities about climate change issues, encouraging action toward sustainability. |
| 2026 | Radio and Artificial Intelligence | Examines how artificial intelligence relates to radio production, distribution, and audience trust in broadcasting contexts. |
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
World Radio Day has been referenced in UNESCO materials in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals in contexts that emphasize institutions, rights, and access to information. Where UNESCO has explicitly associated World Radio Day content with a specific SDG, that linkage can be documented without extending beyond the stated relationship.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – World Radio Day is associated in UNESCO materials with themes of access to information and institutional conditions that support inclusive societies.
How the Event Is Observed
World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13 through institutional communications and media activity in many countries. UNESCO publishes an official World Radio Day page for each annual edition, including the stated theme and supporting materials that describe the year’s focus.
For World Radio Day 2026, UNESCO’s materials highlight “Radio and Artificial Intelligence” and provide topic framing related to the role of artificial intelligence in radio. Observance may also be reflected through broadcasts or discussions that align with the year’s theme, but the day is not defined by a single required set of activities or a centralized program.
Key Facts at a Glance
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Recognized as: An international day proclaimed by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly
Established by: UNESCO Member States (proclaimed in 2011); adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (2012)
First observed: 2012
Why February 13: Anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946
Theme: Radio and Artificial Intelligence
Frequently Asked Questions – World Radio Day 2026
What is World Radio Day 2026?
World Radio Day 2026 is an international day observed on February 13, 2026, recognizing radio as a global medium. World Radio Day 2026 follows the UNESCO proclamation of the day and its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly. The event provides an annual reference point for documenting radio’s ongoing role in communication.
When is World Radio Day 2026 observed?
World Radio Day 2026 is observed on Friday, February 13, 2026. World Radio Day is observed each year on February 13 as set by UNESCO’s proclamation and subsequent UN recognition. The date corresponds to the anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946.
Who recognizes World Radio Day?
World Radio Day is proclaimed by UNESCO Member States and recognized through adoption by the United Nations General Assembly. World Radio Day 2026 is presented in UNESCO materials as part of UNESCO’s international days and observances. The UN system also references the day as a recognized international observance.
What is the official theme for World Radio Day 2026?
World Radio Day 2026 has the theme “Radio and Artificial Intelligence,” as stated in UNESCO’s official materials for the 2026 edition. World Radio Day 2026 uses this theme to frame discussion of how artificial intelligence relates to radio and broadcasting practices. The theme is specific to the 2026 annual edition.
Why does World Radio Day use February 13?
World Radio Day uses February 13 because UNESCO identifies the date as the anniversary of the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946. World Radio Day 2026 maintains this same date as part of the established observance. The date selection is presented in UNESCO materials as part of the event’s origin explanation.
When was World Radio Day established?
World Radio Day was proclaimed by UNESCO Member States in 2011 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. World Radio Day 2026 falls within this established timeline of annual observance. The first year of observation is documented as 2012 in UNESCO materials.
Where can official information about World Radio Day 2026 be found?
World Radio Day 2026 information is published on UNESCO’s official World Radio Day pages, including the main 2026 page and supporting materials that describe the annual theme. World Radio Day 2026 is also referenced by UN-affiliated pages that document international observances. Official UNESCO pages are used as primary reference sources for dates, themes, and historical editions.
References
World Radio Day 2026 – UNESCO
UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio
Last update: Not stated on page (accessed January 2026)
13 Ideas for Celebrating 13 February (World Radio Day 2026 theme information) – UNESCO
UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/13ideas
Last update: Not stated on page (accessed January 2026)
World Radio Day Past Editions – UNESCO
UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/world-radio/past-editions
Last update: 5 December 2025
World Radio Day 2021 – UNESCO (SDG association shown on page)
UNESCO
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-radio-day-2021
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Radio provides accessible, real-time medium to bridge divides, UNESCO says on World Day – United Nations Academic Impact
United Nations
https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/radio-provides-accessible-real-time-medium-bridge-divides-unesco-says-world-day
Publication date: Not stated on page (accessed January 2026)
