Nickan Research Institute Journal of Renal Injury Prevention 2345-2781 14 4 2025 12 01 Twenty years of world kidney day; a review of its mission and milestones e38692 e38692 10.34172/jrip.2025.38692 EN Sina Salem Ahim https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2452-434X Shiva Hosseinian https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5543-3684 Salehoddin Bouya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3630-4551 Parham Habiby https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7585-3347 Maryam Miri https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9962-6753 Saba Homapour https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8488-3837 Maede Safari https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8610-8316 Mahsa Asadollahi Hamedani https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7130-1201 Rasoul Jafari Arismani https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7440-0507 Journal Article 10.34172/jrip.2025.38692 2025 08 12 2025 10 06 World Kidney Day (WKD), established in 2006, marks a pivotal milestone in 2026 as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This event was first observed on March 9, 2006, as a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), now known as the International Kidney Foundation – World kidney alliance (IKF-WKA). The primary objective was to raise global awareness about the increasing burden of kidney diseases and to promote preventive behaviors and equitable access to care. Since its inception, WKD has grown into a powerful global movement, celebrated annually on the second Thursday of March by several countries across six continents. As WKD approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, it offers a timely opportunity to reflect on two decades of achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Over the past two decades, WKD has evolved from a modest awareness initiative into a globally recognized health campaign, uniting healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups in the efforts against kidney disease. Finally, this event highlights the importance of addressing chronic kidney disease through awareness, prevention, screening, and comprehensive management to improve outcomes and reduce the global health burden of kidney disease.