July 11 marks several important events, each of which has its own meaning and history.
World Population Day
This day was established by the United Nations in 1989 to commemorate the “Day of Five Billion”, when on July 11, 1987, the population of the Earth exceeded 5 billion people for the first time. World Population Day is a reminder of the importance of demographic issues such as family planning, gender equality, maternal health and human rights.
Interesting Facts:
- As of 2023, the world population will exceed 8 billion people.
- The most populous countries are China and India, each with more than 1.4 billion inhabitants.
- According to forecasts, the population of Africa could double by 2050, which will lead to significant socio-economic changes on the continent.
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day
The day aims to raise awareness of the long-term risks associated with the use of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive substances that are used to induce relaxation, help you fall asleep, and reduce anxiety and tension.
Interesting Facts:
- Benzodiazepines were first discovered in 1955 by chemist Leo Sternbach.
- According to the WHO, approximately 4% of the world’s adult population uses benzodiazepines to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Benzodiazepine use is associated with the risk of addiction, memory problems, and even an increased risk of dementia with long-term use.
Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Residents of Srebrenica in the EU
This day is dedicated to the memory of the victims of one of the most tragic episodes of the breakup of Yugoslavia (1991-1999). The Srebrenica genocide occurred in 1995, when Bosnian Serbs captured the city on July 11, and in the following days killed about 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers.
In 2004 The International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia officially recognized these events as genocide.
In 2010 In 2015, the European Parliament adopted a resolution declaring July 11 the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide.
Every year on this date, mourning events and reburials of identified remains of genocide victims take place in Potochari, where the memorial complex is located.
Other important events of the day:
1700 year – the Berlin Academy of Sciences was founded.
The Academy of Sciences was founded by Frederick I and became one of the most important scientific centers in Europe, attracting such outstanding scientists as Albert Einstein.
1888 year – a monument to Bohdan Khmelnytskyi was opened in Kyiv on Sofia Square during the celebration of the 900th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity.
The idea of creating a monument arose among the public at the initiative of the historian, professor of Kyiv University Mykola Kostomarov in the 1840s. The monument became a symbol of national consciousness and independence of Ukraine.
1944 year – the Ukrainian Main Liberation Council (UGVR) was founded.
UGVR became the political leader of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and played an important role in the struggle for Ukraine’s independence during and after World War II.
2008 year – Apple Inc. opened the iPhone App Store.
Since its launch, the App Store has become one of the most popular digital stores in the world, offering millions of apps for iPhone users.
2014 year – 36 Ukrainian soldiers were killed as a result of missile fire from Russian territory in the Zelenopil region.
This tragic incident became one of the largest attacks on Ukrainian forces during the Russian-Ukrainian war.
2021 year – the Euro-2020 final in London. The champion was the Italian national team, which defeated the English national team in a penalty shootout with a score of 3:2.
It was the first Euro final to be held in London since the tournament’s inception in 1960. The Italians won their first Euro victory since 1968.
