United Nations Day 2024: Theme, History, How to Celebrate?

Every year October 24 is marked as United Nations Day to celebrate the UN Charter’s entry into force in 1945. The United Nations came into existence with the confirmation of this founding document by the majority of the signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. The United Nations was formed right after the World War II to avoid any similar future wars and maintain peace and prosperity around the globe. Let us learn some things in detail about the United Nations Day 2024.

United Nations Day Date

United Nations Day Overview

Significance of United Nations Day

The United Nations Day observed on 24 October marks the anniversary of the day when the UN Charter came into force in 1945. The day offers the opportunity to amplify the common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the United Nations for the past 76 years. To mark the UN Day, a concert is usually held in the General Assembly Hall of the Organization at its headquarters in New York.

The United Nations

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 by 51 founding members. The organization currently has 193 member states and its work are guided by the purposes and principles mentioned in its founding Charter. Main purpose behind establishment of such organization was to prevent another tragedy similar to World War II and maintain peace and harmony in the world. Although much has evolve with time, the United Nations still remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.

The UN also has its headquarters in New York City and regional offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. Its official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. 

The General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat are different organs of the UN. 

UN also has many different specialized organizations the World Bank, the World Health Organization, UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, etc to mange different sectors.

History of United Nations Day Observation

When the World War II came to an end, it left numerous nations in ruins. Moved by the war, representative from 50 different countries gathered at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California. The conference was held for around two months (25 April to 26 June 1945) and a draft was prepared and signed upon by these countries. The draft was known as UN Charter and became the foundation for the establishment of United Nations itself.

On 24 October 1947, the United Nations General Assembly declared the celebration of anniversary of the creation of UN Charter and the United Nations Day came into being. The first United Nations day was celebrated on October 24, 1948 and has been observed every year since then.

How is United Nations Day celebrated?

United Nations Day is among the important days in October 2023.

UN Day is marked throughout the world with meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. Several international schools throughout the world also celebrate the diversity of their student body on United Nations Day. Cultural performances are organized along with food fair where food from all over the world is made available. As an individual you can celebrate this special day by understanding more about the United Nations, how it works and what you can do to contribute. The UN also provides you the tool for keeping track of your impact via its Act Now campaign and the mobile app.

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