April Fools' Day 2010 has been cancelled by a decision of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
The decision has effect in each of the 192 nations, including the USA, Canada, UK, Mexico and Sealand, that are parties to the 1999 Treaty on Cross-Border Prank-Related Activities.
UNESCO spokesman, Hervé Bennson-Matriculato, was quoted as saying that April Fool's day "is not in keeping with the tenor of the times. This is an age in which we need people of genius and vision - not fools."
Mr Bennson-Matriculato said that April Fools' day may be reinstated at a more appropriate time, if there is sufficient interest.