International Reggae Day 2025: One Love, One Voice, One Day ^{CEFR B2}

International Reggae Day celebrated its 31st year under the theme "One Love, One Voice, One Day," a slogan organisers say should prompt a renewed refocus of reggae as a vehicle for activism. This year the emphasis fell on climate justice and the environment, stressing reggae’s traditional messages of love, unity and peace.

As part of the observance, IRD announced its second annual Winnie Mandela Humanitarian Award. The 2025 recipient is Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, whom organisers praised for leadership on climate justice and for advocating the interests of Small Island Developing States. Observers suggested the theme may encourage the Jamaican music industry and current artists to revive reggae’s long-standing spirit of social engagement.

Events took place around the world: last year’s 30th anniversary included drone shows and other events in Jamaica’s capital, which was designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2015. This year’s celebrations ranged from the opening of the "Bob Marley Hope Road" attraction in Las Vegas to radio and social media events in Nairobi and Malaysia, while the Greensboro Public Library promoted free access to music.

• In Jamaica, Irie FM kept reggae centre stage and honoured dub poet Mutabaruka at a live uptown Kingston event on July 1.
• The University of the West Indies Press highlighted reggae books, and IRD founder Andrea Davis appeared on morning television.
• Allied groups used the day to link reggae to human rights causes and encouraged followers to "plant a reggae tree" for the UN Trillion Tree Challenge, a move inspired by Wangari Maathai.