October 24: United Nations Day

WHY IN THE NEWS?

The United Nations Day is observed on October 24, every year since 1948.

Why is this day celebrated?

The day marks the anniversary of the entry of the UN Charter into force in 1945.

What is UN Charter?

• The UN Charter is the founding document of the United Nations, which has been working towards global equality and peace.
• With the ratification of this founding document by majority of its signatories, including five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations was officially established in the year 1945.
• Since 1948, October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day 1971.
• On the recommendations of United Nations General Assembly, the day is observed as a public holiday by the Member States.

History of United Nations

The United Nations was officially established on October 24, 1945, after the UN Charter was ratified by China, the Soviet Union, France, the United States and the United Kingdom as well as other signatories. President of United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt had coined the name “United Nations”. He was also the first to use this name in Declaration by United Nations during Second World War, on January 1, 1942. Currently, there are 193 Member States and each of them are a member of the UN General Assembly as well.

When was UN Charter signed?

The UN Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed the charter at later stage and became one among the original 51 Member States.