United Nations Day
United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24th, the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations Charter, in 1945.
This day commemorates the work that the United Nations and its agents do around the world, and it looks back on the history and accomplishments of the UN.
United Nations Day is not a public holiday but is widely celebrated across the world.
Background of the United Nations Day
After World War I ended, participating countries envisioned the establishment of an organization known as the "League of Nations".
They hoped it would prevent wars, mediate diplomatic negotiations, encourage disarmament, discourage conflicts between countries, and better the lives of people in all countries around the world.
Years later, World War II proceeded to devastate the world to an extent that was unseen before. Hence, it became more crucial than ever to have a similar organization in place to protect the peace and fight the Axis powers.
On April 25th, 1945, there was an international conference in San Francisco where delegates from 50 countries came together to draft the United Nations Charter.
This was signed on June 25th and became official on October 24, 1945. Thus, the United Nations was born, to maintain peace, provide international humanitarian aid, enforce international law, and protect human rights.
United Nations Day became an official holiday in 1948, to celebrate the establishment of the UN. In 1971, the UN invited all of its member states to make United Nations Day a public holiday. This would raise awareness around the globe of the important work that the UN and its aid workers and agents do for us every day.
There are currently 193 member states in the United Nations, which all provide humanitarian aid for other countries.
How United Nations Day is celebrated
To promote United Nations Day and the work that the UN is doing, there are several international events organized across the world.
In Paris, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has meetings and conferences where the achievements and goals of the UN are discussed, and exhibitions are shown to highlight the work that has been done since 1945.
Schools around the globe are encouraged to host cultural celebrations of the diversity in the student and staff bodies.
And in New York and the United Nations Headquarters, there is an annual United Nations Day concert, where many famous performers and orchestras have performed throughout the years.
You can celebrate United Nations Day by getting inspired by their work and taking action yourself. Find a cause that you are passionate about, and donate to it or, if you can, volunteer. The UN has several different branches that work for different causes, so you're sure to find a cause to help.
Social media has become a powerful tool to raise awareness about causes and issues. Use yours for good and share the work that the UN has been doing with your friends and family.
