United Nations Day, on October 24, marks the anniversary of the United Nations Charter entering into force in 1945. The UN was founded after World War II to promote peace, security, human rights and international cooperation. Today, it includes 193 member states and works on issues from humanitarian aid to climate change.
History of United Nations Day
During World War II, Allied leaders discussed creating an international organization to prevent future wars. In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco to draft the United Nations Charter. On October 24, 1945, the Charter entered into force after being ratified by a majority of signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. The UN had 51 original members.
In 1947, the UN General Assembly declared October 24 as United Nations Day. The UN headquarters in New York City was completed in 1952.
Today, the UN includes agencies such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the World Food Program.
The UN's main bodies include the General Assembly, where every member state has a vote; the Security Council, which handles threats to peace; and the International Court of Justice. UN peacekeepers, sometimes called 'blue helmets', have served in many conflict zones, and the UN and its agencies have received several Nobel Peace Prizes.
Why United Nations Day Matters
The UN works to promote peace, human rights and development.
It provides a forum for countries to discuss global challenges.
UN agencies deliver humanitarian aid, vaccines and food to millions of people.
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015, set targets for ending poverty, improving education and health, protecting the environment and promoting peace by 2030. Learning about these goals helps people understand global challenges and find ways to contribute in their own communities.
How to Celebrate United Nations Day
- Learn about the UN: explore its history and agencies.
- Visit UN headquarters: take a tour in New York.
- Support UN causes: donate to UNICEF or other agencies.
- Hold a Model UN: simulate a UN debate.
- Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals: explore the UN's global goals.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share information about the UN's global work or support a UN agency. In classrooms, students can hold Model UN debates, research member countries or learn about the Sustainable Development Goals. At home, families can learn about different countries, cook international dishes or discuss global issues.
Fun Facts About United Nations Day
- The UN Charter entered into force on October 24, 1945.
- The UN had 51 original members.
- Today, the UN has 193 member states.
United Nations Day FAQs
When is United Nations Day?
United Nations Day is October 24.
When was the UN founded?
The UN Charter entered into force on October 24, 1945.
How many members does the UN have?
193.
Where is UN headquarters?
New York City.