The
Citizen Advocate Summary:
Declaring April 11 as Safe ePay Day
Proposing April 11 as Safe ePay
Day to mark UPI’s pilot launch on April 11, 2016, by NPCI with 21 banks,
initiated by Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan in Mumbai. This initiative celebrates UPI’s
seamless integration of banking and merchant payments.
June 25 – Appeal No 36
April 11 – Declare ‘Safe ePay
Day’, Yes, April 11 is vacant in the UN Observance Day calendar
UPI 10th
Birthday -April 11 2026 – 290 Days to go
June 25 – International Day of the
Seafarer. UN Observance
Honored annually on June 25, this day recognizes the
dedication and vital contributions of more than 2 million seafarers who keep
global trade and economies afloat, often under challenging conditions (imo.org). Organized by the IMO and backed
by the UN since 2011, it's also a platform to shine a light on important issues
like harassment, safety, mental well-being, and fair treatment at sea (imo.org).
Did you ever travel into the sea?
Did you ever felt the need to show gratitude to the Seafarer?
June 25, 2025:
Building Safer Ships for Seafarers Worldwide 🛠️
Celebrating Seafarers and Secure
Payments: A Dual Call for Recognition
🌊 International Day of the Seafarer 2025:
My Harassment-Free Ship
On June 25, 2025, the world
unites to celebrate the International Day of the Seafarer, a United
Nations-recognized observance established by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) in 2010 during the Manila Diplomatic Conference (IMO
Day of the Seafarer).
This day honors the 1.5 million
seafarers who form the backbone of global trade, transporting over 80% of the
world’s goods by volume, from food to fuel, ensuring the seamless flow of
essentials to markets and homes worldwide. Seafarers endure long voyages,
personal sacrifices, and risks like piracy and geopolitical conflicts, yet
their contributions often go unnoticed.
This observance provides a
platform to recognize their vital role in international seaborne trade, the
global economy, and civil society.
The 2025 theme, “My
Harassment-Free Ship,” addresses a critical issue: workplace harassment at sea.
Research suggests that over 50% of female seafarers and many male seafarers
experience harassment, leading to emotional distress and career setbacks. Many
incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in
reporting systems.
The IMO’s 2025 campaign
emphasizes zero-tolerance policies, encouraging stronger leadership training
and global collaboration to foster safe, inclusive workplaces. Key activities
planned include:
- Interactive World Map: A
digital resource providing flag state-specific support for seafarers to
report harassment.
- IMO Secretary-General’s Video Message: A
call to action to promote harassment-free environments.
- Seafarer Influencer Videos:
Social media influencers, including maritime vloggers and crew members,
will share stories to raise awareness.
- Social Media Campaigns:
Engagement on platforms like X (IMO on X),
Facebook (IMO on Facebook),
Instagram (IMO on
Instagram), and LinkedIn (IMO
on LinkedIn) to amplify the message.
- Digital Campaign Board: A
Trello board showcasing campaign logos and visuals (Day of the
Seafarer 2025 Trello).
- Hashtag Engagement:
Seafarers and supporters are encouraged to share pledges for
harassment-free workplaces using #MyHarassmentFreeShip.
These initiatives aim to equip
seafarers with resources, promote accountability, and ensure their mental
well-being and career progression are protected. Governments, shipping
companies, and the public are invited to organize events—ranging from small gatherings
to community activities at libraries or schools—to honor seafarers’
contributions.
For example, hosting a local
event to discuss seafarer safety or sharing stories of their resilience can
foster greater appreciation (Days
of the Year).
The International Day of the
Seafarer also reflects on past themes, such as 2024’s focus on safety tips
at sea (#SafetyTipsAtSea) and 2023’s emphasis on protecting the marine
environment (#OceansWorthProtecting). These evolving themes highlight the
multifaceted challenges seafarers face, from workplace safety to environmental
stewardship.
By celebrating this day, we
acknowledge the risks seafarers undertake and advocate for their safety and
dignity, ensuring they are not collateral victims in geopolitical conflicts or
piracy incidents (UN
Secretary-General Message).
💡 A Vision for Safe ePay Day on April 11
As we honor seafarers, we also
look to a proposed observance: Safe ePay Day on April 11. This
initiative, not yet officially recognized, seeks to celebrate India’s Unified
Payments Interface (UPI), launched on April 11, 2016, by the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI) with 21 banks under the leadership of Dr. Raghuram
G. Rajan. As of May 18, 2025, UPI processes over 14 billion transactions
monthly, revolutionizing financial inclusion by enabling instant payments via
Virtual Payment Addresses or QR codes.
The proposal for Safe ePay Day
aims to mark UPI’s 10th anniversary in 2026 while promoting secure digital
payments globally (Safe
ePay Day Proposal).
The vision for Safe ePay Day
is rooted in four key reasons:
1.
Celebrating UPI’s Legacy: UPI has
empowered millions, from street vendors to entrepreneurs, by making digital
payments accessible across urban and rural divides. Safe ePay Day would
highlight UPI’s secure framework and encourage safe practices to sustain its
transformative impact.
2.
Honoring NPCI’s Visionary Leadership: NPCI’s
design of UPI as a real-time, interoperable platform has set a global
benchmark, processing billions of transactions annually while maintaining
trust. Safe ePay Day would recognize NPCI’s commitment to security and
scalability.
3.
Promoting Secure Digital Practices: The rise
of digital payments has brought cybersecurity challenges like phishing and
fraud. Safe ePay Day would serve as a platform to educate individuals
and businesses on practices like two-factor authentication and verifying
transaction details, ensuring trust in digital finance.
4.
Inspiring a Global Movement: UPI’s
success has inspired adoption in countries like Nepal, Singapore, and Peru. Safe
ePay Day could ignite a worldwide movement for secure, inclusive payment
systems, positioning India as a fintech leader, similar to how the
International Day of Yoga has elevated India’s global wellness profile.
The proposed Safe ePay Day
envisions global celebrations, including workshops on cybersecurity, business
incentives for safe e-payment practices, and educational programs in schools
about financial technology’s role in safety. By 2026, this day could become a
moment to reflect on UPI’s impact and commit to a future where every
transaction is secure and inclusive.
Why These Observances Matter
Both the International Day of
the Seafarer and the proposed Safe ePay Day highlight essential yet
often overlooked contributions. Seafarers keep global trade flowing, delivering
goods that sustain societies, while UPI empowers financial inclusion,
connecting millions to economic opportunities. Both face challenges—seafarers with
workplace harassment and safety risks, and digital payments with cybersecurity
threats. By celebrating these days, we foster a world that values safety,
inclusion, and innovation.
How to Get Involved
For the International Day of
the Seafarer, consider:
- Sharing a pledge for a harassment-free
workplace using #MyHarassmentFreeShip.
- Organizing community events to discuss
seafarer contributions and challenges.
- Exploring IMO resources for insights on
seafarer health, safety, and legal protections (IMO
Knowledge Center).
For Safe ePay Day, you
can:
- Advocate for its recognition by sharing the
proposal on social media.
- Participate in or organize workshops on
secure digital payment practices.
- Support initiatives that promote financial
inclusion and cybersecurity education.
Conclusion
On June 25, 2025, let’s honor the
seafarers who brave the seas to connect our world, advocating for their safety
and dignity. Simultaneously, let’s support the vision for Safe ePay Day
on April 11, ensuring that digital payments remain a secure and inclusive tool
for financial empowerment.
Together, these observances
remind us to celebrate those who drive progress—on the seas and in the digital
realm—while committing to a safer, more connected future. 🌍💻
Key Citations:
- IMO
Day of the Seafarer 2025 Overview
- Safe
ePay Day Proposal on Medium
- UN
Secretary-General’s Message on Day of the Seafarer
- International
Day of the Seafarer Information
- IMO on X Social
Media
- IMO
on Facebook Social Media
- IMO on Instagram Social
Media
- IMO
on LinkedIn Social Media
- Day of the
Seafarer 2025 Trello Campaign Board
## Call to
Action
I urge governments,
financial institutions, businesses, and communities worldwide to join hands in
declaring April 11 as **Safe ePay Day**.
Let’s celebrate
UPI’s milestone by making **Safe ePay Day** a global movement for secure,
innovative fintech.
Together, we can
build a future where financial access is universal, and every e-payment is
safe—starting with **Safe ePay Day** in 2026.
No Vada Pav,
not even one bite,
Till SafeePay Day takes off in flight.
Quirky vow with a Mumbai flair—
Announce the date, and I’ll be there!
Disclaimer: - The only Joy is
Safe ePayments. Nothing More – Nothing Less.
April 11 – Declare ‘Safe ePay
Day’.
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