24th October: United Nations Day

United Nations Day recognizes the founding of the United Nations in 1945. They celebration is observed annually on October 24th. The year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and its founding Charter. This anniversary comes in a time of great disruption for the world, compounded by an unprecedented global health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with severe economic and social impacts. But it is also a reminder that times of struggle can become an opportunity for positive change and transformation. To commemorate the 75 years of the United Nations, Member States hold a high-level event on 21 September 2020, where they reaffirmed and recognized that our challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through reinvigorated multilateralism. U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. Today the United Nations consists of 193 member states and 2 observer states. The mission of the United Nation is to maintain international peace and security. The UN also sets terms for protecting human rights around the world. In 1948, they created international law with a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The member nations deliver humanitarian aid to populations in crisis. The first aid delivered was an immediate response to the devastation following World War II. Another aim of the international organization is promoting sustainable development. Secretary-General's Message for 2019 United Nations Day highlights the enduring ideals of the Charter, which entered into force on this date 74 years ago. Amid stormy global seas, the Charter remains our shared moral anchor. At this time of turbo-charged change, the United Nations remains focused on the real problems of real people. We are working for a fair globalization and bold climate action. We are pushing for human rights and gender equality -- and saying “no” to hatred of any kind. And we are striving to maintain peace – while bringing life-saving aid to millions caught up in armed conflict. The United Nations itself is becoming ever more agile and accountable as we enhance support to countries. Next year marks the Organization’s 75th anniversary.  This milestone is a critical moment to shape our future, together. I invite you to join the conversation. Together, let us advance the well-being of “we the peoples”.

António Guterres