November 29 is celebrated in Ukraine as Logistics Day, in the world as World Information Day, International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders and Day of Electronic Greetings.
Logist Day in Ukraine
This is a professional holiday of people who ensure the efficient functioning of transport, warehouses, supplies and the entire logistics system in the country. The holiday is a recognition of the importance of the work of specialists behind the uninterrupted movement of goods, raw materials and finished products.
Logistics is a key component of the modern economy, covering the planning, organization and control of delivery processes, ensuring timeliness, quality and cost minimization. This industry is of particular importance for Ukraine, which is a major transit hub between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Logists play an important role in the development of such areas as international trade, industry, construction, agro-industrial complex and electronic commerce.
Interesting facts
The network of transport corridors of Ukraine is one of the densest in Europe, covering road, railway, river and sea routes.
The logistics sector has been significantly transformed by the introduction of digital technologies — from GPS tracking to the use of artificial intelligence to optimize routes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, logistics played a critical role in ensuring medical supplies and delivery of essential goods.
Ukraine is actively integrating into international logistics chains, taking advantage of the association agreement with the EU.
World Information Day
Every year on the last Friday of November, the world celebrates this day — an event that symbolizes the importance of information in modern society. This day is designed to draw attention to the role of information technology, communications and knowledge in the development of humanity, reminding of the need to use this powerful resource wisely.
In today’s world, information is a key tool influencing all aspects of our lives, from individual decisions to global change. It is the basis for the development of science, education, culture, economy and public administration. The information age has opened up unlimited opportunities for us, but at the same time it has posed a number of challenges: how to ensure access to knowledge for everyone, protect personal data, combat disinformation and fakes?
Information is not only a means of communication, but also the basis for making informed decisions. Its correct use can change the lives of millions of people, promote sustainable development and innovation. However, at the same time, it can be a tool of manipulation if it falls into the hands of unscrupulous persons. The ability to search, analyze and use data has become one of the main skills of the 21st century.
Interesting facts
About 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day in the world.
Most of the information we use has emerged within the last ten years.
More than 5 billion people are actively using the Internet, creating, exchanging and consuming data.
International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders
This holiday was established in 2005 at the initiative of the UN and other international organizations as a manifestation of respect and support for women who fight for human rights, freedom, equality and justice, often risking their lives. It is designed to draw attention to the contribution of women to the protection of human rights and social justice, to remind about the threats they face, including harassment, violence, discrimination, and to call on the international community to protect women human rights defenders and create safe conditions for their activities.
Women human rights defenders play a key role in the fight for human rights. They advocate for the elimination of violence, equality of opportunity, freedom of speech, environmental justice and social equality. However, because of their activities, many of them face discrimination, threats, arrests or even murders. The importance of this day especially increases in the context of conflicts, social instability or authoritarian regimes, where human rights activities are considered a “dangerous” challenge to the system.
Interesting facts
Malala Yousafzai became a symbol of the struggle for the right to education for girls. At the age of 17, she received the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest laureate in history.
Rosa Parks, known as the “mother of the civil rights movement” in the United States, changed history by refusing to give up her seat on a bus because of racial discrimination.
Leima Gbovi, an activist from Liberia, organized a nonviolent protest that ended the country’s civil war, for which she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
In today’s world, women human rights defenders are fighting for climate justice. For example, Greta Thunberg, who in her youth was able to unite millions of people around environmental activism.
Day of electronic greetings
This holiday is dedicated to modern ways of exchanging wishes that unite people regardless of distance. It’s a day when millions of people send greetings via email, messengers, social media and other digital platforms.
The day of electronic greetings was born as a recognition of the importance of digital communications that have changed the way the world communicates. At a time when traditional cards are becoming a thing of the past, electronic messages have become a convenient, fast and affordable way to express warm words, share joy or remind about important events.
Electronic greetings are not just words. They help keep in touch with loved ones, even if they are on the other side of the world; add a modern creative approach to the traditional culture of wishes (animated cards, GIFs, videos or emojis); contribute to saving time and resources, because they do not require paper and delivery; make it possible to welcome large groups of people at the same time, such as teams or communities.
Interesting facts
More than 300 billion e-mails are sent around the world every day, some of which are greetings.
The first e-cards appeared in 1994, and since then their popularity has only grown.
Most often, electronic greetings are sent on holidays, such as New Year, Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Modern platforms such as Canva or specialized e-card services allow you to create personalized greetings in just a few minutes.
Historical events on this day
1830 year
The Polish national liberation uprising began in Warsaw. It was an armed protest against Russian rule. The Russian prince Konstantin Pavlovich narrowly escaped death and retreated with his troops across the Bug. However, already in 1831, the uprising was brutally suppressed.
1899 year
Barcelona football club was founded in Spain. This club later became one of the most successful and famous in the world, a symbol of Catalan culture and sporting excellence.
1929 year
American pilot Richard Byrd, together with three companions, made the world’s first flight over the South Pole by plane. This became one of the significant achievements in the history of aviation and Antarctic research.
1945 year
The Yugoslav Assembly proclaimed the formation of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia. This marked the beginning of a new political era for the country after the end of World War II.
1947 year
The UN General Assembly adopted a decision on the division of the mandated territory of Palestine, which provided for the creation of two states – Jewish and Arab. This decision led to the emergence of the state of Israel and conflicts that continue to this day.
1959 year
The Grammy Awards ceremony was shown on American television for the first time. Honorees that year included legendary performers including Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington.
1963 year
US President Lyndon Johnson signed a decree creating a Commission headed by Supreme Justice Earl Warren to investigate the assassination attempt on President John F. Kennedy. The tragedy happened a week before, on November 22, 1963.
1990 year
The UN Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq if it did not withdraw troops from occupied Kuwait by January 15, 1991. This event became a prelude to the war in the Persian Gulf.
1994 year
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed on June 11, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. This became an important step for Ukraine in the direction of conservation of natural resources and environmental responsibility.
1996 year
The International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia issued its first verdict. Croatian Dražen Erdemović was sentenced to 10 years in prison for crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian civil war.
Official approval of symbols of presidential power in Ukraine
On November 29, 1999, in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the symbols of the head of state were officially approved. They include: the standard of the President of Ukraine, the sign of the President of Ukraine, the seal of the President of Ukraine and the mace of the President of Ukraine.
Until 1999, the standard was the only symbol of presidential power. Currently, this official flag of the President of Ukraine is made using the most modern technologies, similar to those used to create the flags of the Queen of Great Britain, the presidents of the United States and France. The standard symbolizes the unity of the head of state with the people and reflects his role as the guarantor of the Constitution.
The sign of the President of Ukraine has the form of an order chain, which is a symbol of power and high status. It consists of a pendant medallion decorated with finift, 6 medallions with enamel images and 16 decorative links.
All elements are made of 585 white and yellow gold and are connected by curly rings. This ornament is a unique piece of jewelry art.
The seal of the President of Ukraine has a round shape. In the center is an image of the small State Coat of Arms of Ukraine — the Trident. Above the coat of arms is the inscription “President of Ukraine” made in a circle. Under the Trident is a state award — the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, which symbolizes wisdom and justice as the principles of state administration.
Mace is another important symbol of the head of state. It is made of gilded silver and stored in a special case. Initially, it was planned to make a lock on the case, but it was decided to replace it with a figurine of a guardian angel, which symbolizes the protection and care of the country.
Symbols of presidential power are not only attributes, but also important elements of state identity. They embody stability, sovereignty and the role of the head of state as a guarantor of the Constitution and democratic values. The approval of these symbols in 1999 was another step in the formation of independent Ukrainian statehood.
Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko’s birthday
On November 29, 1778, Hryhoriy Fedorovych Kvitka, better known as Kvitka-Osnovyanenko, was born in the village of Osnova near Kharkiv, in a noble family. His nickname comes from the name of his native village. Kvitka-Osnovyanenko became one of the founders of Ukrainian literary prose, which began the history of literary classics of Ukraine.
The Kvitok family had a rich history. His great-grandfather was a colonel of the Kharkiv regiment, and his grandfather was a colonel of the Izyum Slobid regiment. The family had a close connection with the cultural life of the region, and Hryhoriy Skovoroda was a frequent guest in the house, which certainly influenced the formation of the worldview of the future writer.
At the beginning of his life, Hryhoriy Fedorovych tried his hand at military service, reaching the rank of captain. Later, he entered the Kuryaz monastery, where he spent four years, striving to find himself on the spiritual path. However, his passion for the theater and social activities surpassed his religious ambitions.
Kvitka worked in the Kharkiv Theater as an actor, playwright and director, and later became its director. He also contributed to the development of cultural life by founding a provincial library in Kharkiv and helping to open a cadet corps in Poltava. He achieved success in his administrative activities, holding the positions of the leader of the nobility of the Kharkiv district and the chairman of the Kharkiv Chamber of the Criminal Court.
Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko is the first Ukrainian writer who began to create fiction in his native language. His works had a distinct national flavor, combining humor, lyricism and love for the Ukrainian people. Among his famous works:
“Marusya” is the first Ukrainian sentimental novel;
“The Witch of Konotop” is a humorous story with elements of fiction;
“Hearty Oksana” is a touching social work”
“Historical and statistical essay of Slobozhanshchyna”;
“About freedom regiments”;
“History of the theater in Kharkiv”.
His fantastic story about the founding of Kharkiv by his ancestor Andrii Kvitka is especially interesting.
Kvitka-Osnovyanenko became an example for subsequent generations of writers. His work inspired such artists as Lesya Ukrainka, Ivan Franko, Marko Vovchok, Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi. The writer’s works have been translated into many languages, including Polish, Czech, and Bulgarian, which indicates international recognition.
Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko died and was buried in Kharkiv. His grave was originally located at the Kholodnohirsky cemetery, but in the 1930s, during the construction of the Labor Reserves stadium, the church at the burial site was destroyed. The tombstone was moved to the Pokrovsky Cathedral, and later to the second city cemetery.
Kvitka-Osnovyanenko remains one of the most influential and respected Ukrainian writers, who laid the foundation for the development of national prose and cultural identity. His work is still an important part of Ukrainian literary heritage today.
