The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on this day in 1973.
It is celebrated to promote sustainable practices that can help conserve biodiversity and raise public awareness of the need to protect and care for animals.
It was first proposed by Thailand to the UN General Assembly in 2013.
The General Assembly adopted a resolution on 20 December 2013, designating this day.
This year's theme is "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation".