September 16 marks International Identification Day, International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South, International Day of Interventional Cardiology.
On September 16, 1923, Lee Kuan Yew was born – the creator of the “economic miracle” of Singapore.
David Copperfield was born on September 16, 1956, one of the most famous illusionists of our time.
International Identification Day
International Identification Day is celebrated every year on September 16, it is a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of identification for every person. Identification is the basis for access to various rights and opportunities, such as education, health care, work and social services.
For Ukraine, the issue of identification is also important, especially in the context of war and internal population displacement. Thanks to the implementation of the latest digital technologies, such as “Diya”, citizens can access their documents in electronic form, which greatly simplifies procedures and helps to overcome bureaucratic obstacles. International Identity Day is a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone’s right to their own identity and access to vital services.
Interesting facts
The date of September 16 was not chosen by chance: it is a reference to Sustainable Development Goal #16.9, which calls for universal legal identification for all citizens by 2030.
About 1 billion people in the world do not have an official identity document. This is especially relevant for vulnerable population groups, such as refugees, homeless people, as well as residents of remote or underdeveloped regions.
Recognition of the right to identity is an important step in the fight against poverty, inequality and discrimination. People without identification are often excluded from the legal and social system.
Digital identification systems are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. Technologies such as biometrics (fingerprints, face scans) help create unified and secure systems for storing and accessing personal data.
Organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations are actively working on programs to provide legal identification. They support initiatives to create national registers and systems to provide documents to all citizens.
The pandemic has once again shown the importance of having identification documents. Many people without formal identification had difficulty accessing health services, vaccinations or financial assistance.
International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South
The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is celebrated annually on September 16. This is an important day aimed at raising awareness of the key role of science, technology and innovation in the development of the countries of the Global South. This initiative, launched by the United Nations, is designed to promote equal access to scientific and technical achievements and support efforts to develop innovative technologies in developing countries.
Ukraine, having significant scientific and technical potential, actively cooperates with the countries of the Global South within the framework of international projects aimed at the joint development of technologies and innovations. This approach allows not only to strengthen scientific ties, but also to promote innovative progress, which becomes the basis for economic recovery and technological modernization.
Interesting facts
The international day emphasizes the importance of the development of scientific and technological capacities in the countries of the Global South to solve urgent socio-economic and environmental problems.
The term “Global South” covers countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific region, which have significant potential for innovative development, but often face limited resources and infrastructure challenges.
Innovations in science and technology can contribute to economic growth, fight against poverty, improve health care and education. For example, technological developments in the field of renewable energy sources or modern agricultural methods can have a major impact on food security and access to energy.
Many countries in the Global South have made significant progress through innovation. For example, digital technologies are widely used to access banking services in India, M-Pesa mobile payment systems are used in Kenya, and new agricultural technologies are being actively implemented in Brazil.
This day is aimed at the development of international cooperation in the field of science and technology. The countries of the Global South are actively involved in joint projects with developed countries to exchange knowledge and technologies.
The UN supports scientific research and innovation through the Sustainable Development Goals, especially towards Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), which calls for the development of innovation and infrastructure that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
International day of interventional cardiology
The International Day of Interventional Cardiology is celebrated every year on September 16. This professional holiday is dedicated to the medical field, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases using minimally invasive procedures. Interventional cardiology has become a revolution in medicine, allowing effective treatment of heart diseases without the need for open surgery.
For Ukraine, the development of interventional cardiology is an important area of the medical field. Every year, thousands of Ukrainian patients get access to these treatment methods thanks to the latest technologies and modernization programs of medical institutions. However, there is still a need in the country to improve the availability of such procedures in remote areas.
Interesting facts
The origins of interventional cardiology date back to 1977, when Dr. Andreas Grünzig performed the first successful angioplasty, a procedure that widens narrowed arteries in the heart using a balloon catheter. This discovery was a breakthrough in the treatment of coronary heart disease.
The main procedures of interventional cardiology are angioplasty and the installation of stents – metal frameworks that keep the walls of the arteries open after dilation. Modern stents have innovative coatings that help reduce the risk of blood clots and re-narrowing of blood vessels.
One of the main advantages of interventional cardiology is minimally invasive procedures. This means a lower risk of complications, a shorter recovery time for the patient and a shorter hospital stay.
Patients undergoing interventional cardiac procedures can often return to their normal lifestyle within days, unlike traditional surgery, which requires a long recovery.
This innovative procedure allows you to replace the aortic valve of the heart without opening the chest. The technique has become a salvation for patients with a high risk of open surgery.
Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death in the world. Interventional cardiology helps reduce mortality by timely diagnosing and treating critical conditions.
Historical events on this day
In 1651 In Bila Tserkva, an uprising of Cossacks broke out, dissatisfied with the terms of the armistice, which was signed with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This speech was a response to the concessions, which, according to the Cossacks, limited their rights and freedoms, which caused deep indignation among a part of the Cossack army.
In 1658 Hetman of Ukraine Ivan Vyhovsky concluded the Treaty of Gadiac with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which aimed to restore peace and ensure greater autonomy for Ukraine within the common state. This agreement provided for the transformation of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth into a federation of three equal peoples — Polish, Lithuanian, and Ukrainian, but it was not fully implemented due to internal contradictions and the resistance of part of the Cossack elders.
September 16, 1810 Mexico declared its independence from Spain, starting a war for freedom from colonial oppression. This was the beginning of a long struggle for sovereignty, which ended with the successful achievement of independence in 1821, influencing the subsequent history of Latin America.
In 1859 British explorer David Livingstone discovered Lake Nyasa (now known as Lake Malawi) while exploring Africa. This discovery was an important contribution to the geographical study of the African continent, expanding the knowledge of its natural resources and landscapes.
In 1908 American entrepreneur William Durant founded the General Motors company, which later became one of the largest automobile corporations in the world. General Motors greatly influenced the development of the automobile industry, producing cars that became symbols of progress and innovation in the 20th century.
September 16, 1963 the city-state of Singapore officially joined the newly created Federation of Malaysia. However, this union was short-lived – already in 1965, Singapore declared independence, becoming a sovereign state and later one of the most economically developed cities in the world.
In 1971 a tragic plane wreck of a Tu-134 of the Hungarian airline Malev took place near Kyiv. The crash killed 49 people, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in the region at the time.
In 1975 Papua New Guinea declared independence from Australia, completing a long process of decolonization. This event was an important step for the peoples of the Pacific region, who sought self-determination and their own political system.
September 16, 1987 In 2008, the Montreal Protocol was signed, an international agreement aimed at protecting the Earth’s ozone layer. Considered one of the most successful environmental treaties, this document committed member countries to reduce the use of ozone-depleting chemicals and helped avert a global environmental catastrophe.
In 2007 There was a plane wreck in Thailand: a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 airliner on a domestic flight from Bangkok crashed into trees near the runway while landing at Phuket Airport. As a result of the disaster, 90 people died out of 130 people on board. It became one of the most tragic plane crashes in the history of Thailand, causing a significant response in international aviation circles.
On September 16, 1923, Lee Kuan Yew was born – the creator of the “economic miracle” of Singapore
Lee Kuan Yew was born on September 16, 1923 and became the first prime minister of the Republic of Singapore, going down in history as the creator of the “economic miracle” of Singapore. It was under his rule, which lasted for about thirty years, that the country escaped from poverty and achieved world leadership in such areas as competitiveness, comfort of life, high standard of living, fight against corruption, etc. This list can be continued almost endlessly, because Singapore under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew has become an example of success for many countries.
Lee began his path of reforms by attracting foreign capital. He said:
“We welcomed every investor. We literally went all out to help him start production.”
This was a key step in shaping Singapore’s economic growth. The next step was an uncompromising eradication of corruption: Lee Kuan Yew began to persecute even his associates who participated in corruption schemes.
“To fight corruption, start by imprisoning three of your friends. You know exactly what for, and they know what for…” is one of his most famous sayings.
During his rule, harsh legislation was introduced in the country, including the death penalty for serious crimes, including corruption.
In addition to the fight against corruption, Lee actively stimulated the development of education, considering it the foundation of the country’s success. One of his initiatives was tax exemption for men who married educated women. He believed that women’s education is the key to a healthy future generation:
“If a man with a higher education does not want to marry a woman with a higher education, then I can tell him that he is a fool. If you marry a woman without a higher education, you will have problems: some children will be smart, others not so much. You will tear your hair out.”
Lee Kuan Yew also introduced a number of bans unusual for other countries. For example, he banned the sale of chewing gum and graffiti. His tough approach to maintaining order and discipline in the country became legendary and often discussed in the world.
His critical attitude towards social assistance should be noted separately. Lee believed that aid should be given only to those who really needed it, and was against supporting “irresponsible and incompetent” people. His position was based on Confucian values, in particular on the principle: “to receive what is not earned is a shame.” He emphasized that the state should help people, but only when it is the only possible way out. Lee also emphasized on raising a new generation that will not repeat the mistakes of their parents.
Some of his quotes have become famous and widely known:
“Human ingenuity is almost limitless when it comes to turning power into personal gain.”
“If the power of the state we govern is not used to improve the lives of the majority, but to enrich the minority in the power hierarchy, we will have a bad time.”
“Talented people are the most valuable asset of the country.”
“I was convinced that under no circumstances should our people develop the habit of hoping for someone’s help. If we want to prosper, we must rely only on ourselves.”
“Weak people vote for those who promise an easy way, although in reality such ways do not exist.”
Lee Kuan Yew also paid attention to the problem of emigration. In the 1970s, he discussed with Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Razak the problem of “brain drain”, when educated citizens left the country. However, Tan Razak had a different opinion: he said that it was not a “brain drain” but a “problem drain”.
World leaders highly regarded Lee Kuan Yew as one of the greatest rulers of modern times. Margaret Thatcher even noted:
“Singapore used to learn from Great Britain, and now we learn from Singapore.”
David Copperfield was born on September 16, 1956 – one of the most famous illusionists of our time
On September 16, 1956, David Seth Kotkin, better known to the world as David Copperfield, was born in the American state of New Jersey – one of the most famous illusionists of our time, who is also called “Davino”. His name has become synonymous with magic and spectacular shows. During his career, Copperfield performed incredible stunts that impressed the imagination of millions of viewers.
One of the most impressive moments of his career occurred when he made the Statue of Liberty “disappear” in front of the crowd. This trick caused a real sensation and cemented his status as the greatest illusionist of his time. Copperfield also gained worldwide fame thanks to such stunts as “passage” over the Great Wall of China, flying through the Grand Canyon, escaping from the legendary Alcatraz prison, and “falling” from Niagara Falls.
David Copperfield is the richest magician in the world, holding more than 500 shows a year, and almost every year he creates new programs for his performances. To a large extent, his success is ensured by a team of professionals who constantly work with him, developing innovative illusions and unforgettable numbers.
Copperfield has received numerous awards, including the “Emmy” awards, which are considered the “Oscars” of the world of show business. He is the only illusionist in the United States to have his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in France he was awarded the title of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, one of the highest honors in the field of culture.
David Copperfield is also known for his aphorisms that convey his philosophy of success and attitude towards life:
“I fly because there is a demand for it.”
“I just work a lot, everything else takes its course.”
“If a person does not have money, it seems to him that it means everything in the world. I have neither yachts nor jewels. Luxury for me is having more free time.”
“We are illusionists. All you see is the game. But this is a virtuoso game. So enjoy it.”
Copperfield has become a true symbol of magic for many generations, creating unforgettable shows and giving new meaning to the art of illusion. His unparalleled stunts and charisma made him an icon of the world stage, and his legacy continues to captivate new generations of audiences around the world.
