Global MND Awareness Day 2026
Sunday 21 June 2026
Global MND Awareness Day is the international observance for motor neurone disease, a group of progressive neurological conditions that attack the nerves controlling voluntary muscles.
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Dates and event details
Sunday 21 June 2026
| Where | International |
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What is Global MND Awareness Day?
Global MND Awareness Day is the international observance for motor neurone disease, a group of progressive neurological conditions that attack the nerves controlling voluntary muscles. The day is led by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, a federation of around 50 patient organisations from across the world, and is supported by national charities including the MND Association in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, MND Scotland, the ALS Association in the United States, and MND Australia.
Global MND Awareness Day is held every year on 21 June, the date of the summer or winter solstice depending on the hemisphere. The day was established by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations to raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in some countries, and to push for better research, care, and support. In 2026 it falls on Sunday 21 June.
When is Global MND Awareness Day?
Global MND Awareness Day takes place on 21 June every year. In 2026 it falls on a Sunday. The date was chosen because it is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, symbolising both the longest day and the shortest day. The duality reflects the global nature of the MND community and the hope that increased awareness can bring more light to those living with the disease. The official hashtag is #GlobalMNDAwarenessDay.
How to Get Involved in Global MND Awareness Day
Anyone can take part, with options ranging from small acts of solidarity to major fundraising:
- Light up a building blue – Many landmarks around the world light up blue on 21 June; ask your local council, employer, or school to join in.
- Take part in the global virtual relay – The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations runs an annual virtual relay where people share videos as the day moves around the world.
- Donate to MND research – The MND Association, MND Scotland, the ALS Association, and MND Australia all fund cutting-edge research into causes and treatments.
- Sign the international charter – The Alliance publishes annual policy asks for governments and health systems; signing helps amplify the message.
- Run a workplace fundraiser – Cake sales, dress-down days, and sponsored walks are all popular MND fundraising activities.
- Share a personal story – With permission, sharing the experiences of people living with MND helps the public understand the urgency.
- Write to your elected representatives – Push for faster diagnosis, better access to specialist nurses, and protected research funding for MND.
Noteworthy Facts About Global MND Awareness Day
- Global MND Awareness Day was first marked in 1997, led by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.
- The 21 June date marks both the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere.
- An estimated 5,000 people in the UK live with MND at any one time.
What is Global MND Awareness Day?
An international awareness day held on 21 June each year that raises the profile of motor neurone disease and supports research, care, and advocacy.
When is Global MND Awareness Day in 2026?
Sunday 21 June 2026.
Who founded Global MND Awareness Day?
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations, founded in 1992, established the day in the late 1990s.
Links
History of Global MND Awareness Day
The International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations was founded in 1992 to bring together the world’s leading patient organisations and to coordinate research, advocacy, and care worldwide. Global MND Awareness Day was established by the Alliance and first marked in 1997, building on national awareness efforts run by member charities. The choice of 21 June reflected a deliberate symbolic message: the longest and shortest days of the year coming together to represent the global MND community and the contrast between hope and grief that families living with the disease describe.
Hashtags
Help raise awareness by sharing Global MND Awareness Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtag #GlobalMNDAwarenessDay on social media. The more people who learn about MND, the better the chance of faster diagnosis, kinder care, and a cure.
