When did the United Nations Day start?
About United Nations Day Holiday
Today, October 24 marks United Nations Day, a day to celebrate 75 years of peacekeeping and multilateralism on the global stage. During its 75 year tenure, the United Nations has sought to advance a culture of peace and security, promote global development, and encourage international cooperation for the benefit of all humanity.
United Nations Day allows us to pause and reflect on what the UN has achieved in the past 75 years: Its work ranges from peacekeeping and conflict resolution to providing disaster relief, promoting sustainable development, human rights protection, and assisting countries on the path to democratic transformation. In the past year, UN agencies and personnel have made more than 1,400 appointments to peacekeeping operations ranging from Syria to Central African Republic, assisting those in need and making the world a safer and healthier place.
At this special occasion, let us remember the importance of promoting peace and development through the United Nations. We thank and celebrate the tireless efforts of millions of people around the world who selflessly devote their lives to helping make our world better and fairer.
United Nations Day – Introduction
United Nations Day is a special day of celebration and recognition for the important work of the United Nations (UN). Celebrated annually on October 24th, the day marks the anniversary of the foundations of the organization on October 24th 1945. The holiday is celebrated by individuals, communities, and groups across the world.
United Nations Day is observed on October 24th each year to mark the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. 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.
Since United Nations Day commemorates the establishment of the United Nations, it is acknowledged internationally, and all member states of the UN are aware of its significance. However, the extent and manner of its observance can vary widely from one country to another.
Here’s what typically happens:
- At the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and other UN offices worldwide: Various events, meetings, and exhibitions are held to mark the day.
- In many member countries: Events are organized to support the aims and achievements of the UN. These can range from academic and educational activities in schools to governmental events that emphasize the country’s commitment to global unity and cooperation.
While it’s challenging to provide an exhaustive list of countries that “celebrate” the day, since the UN has 193 member states, it’s safe to say that the day is acknowledged in some form in many of these countries. However, the level of public awareness and observance of the day can differ. Some nations might have extensive programs and public awareness campaigns, while others might have more muted or internal acknowledgments.
For instance:
- United States: The President issues a proclamation each year on United Nations Day, and events are held to promote the goals and achievements of the UN.
- India: Schools and institutions might conduct special programs or events highlighting the role of the UN.
- Philippines: By virtue of a historical resolution, United Nations Day is observed as a holiday for schools.
Many other countries will have various events, educational programs, or media broadcasts related to the United Nations and its objectives on this day.
History and Origin
The United Nations was created following the devastations of the Second World War and its mission was to maintain international peace and security and to encourage cooperation across countries. The birth of the UN was marked by its Charter, which was signed by more than 50 countries in San Francisco, USA in 1945. On the anniversary of this event each year, which falls on October 24th, UN Day is celebrated.
On 8th June 1945, the Charter of the United Nations was presented in San Francisco and signed by 50 countries at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. Two years later, on the 24th of October, the Charter came into effect and the United Nations was established. This is why the 24th of October is celebrated as the official day of United Nations.
Significance and Meaning
The United Nations is the only global organization dedicated to peace and stability, and United Nations Day allows us to celebrate and show our appreciation for its continuing efforts. U.N. Day is seen as an opportunity to honor the United Nations’ commitment to international harmony and understanding, to recognize the organization’s advancement of human rights and its work in bolstering economies and social well-being.
This day is the ideal opportunity to reaffirm international commitment to the principles contained within the United Nations Charter. Its core principles include the rule of law and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to international disputes.
U.N. Day also calls for nations to remember their obligation to participate actively in the promotion of international peace and security. This includes supporting efforts to ensure universal respect for human rights and reaffirming the essential goals of the United Nations, which are:
• To maintain international peace and security
• To develop friendly relations among nations
• To promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom
• To act in accordance with the principles of justice and international law
Traditions and Celebrations
United Nations Day has become a day of celebrations. These typically include concerts, lectures and special events held at United Nations headquarters in New York and in their field offices. People around the world also hold local events to express their commitment to the common ideals and purposes of the United Nations.
In addition, various countries tend to issue special commemorative coins or postage stamps on the day. These are especially popular with coin and stamp collectors.
Geographical Spread
United Nations Day is celebrated throughout the world. While the holiday has largely been observed in North America, Europe, and Asia, it is appreciated on a global scale. Members of the UN, which total 193, celebrate this day diplomatically, domestically and in partnership with non-member countries.
Moreover, the holiday is used as an education opportunity for younger generations. Many schools, universities and organizations have activities orientated around the day that are designed to increase the engagement of students with the UN.
Modern Day Observations
Today, the holiday is recognized by all member states of the UN, regardless of their individual beliefs, cultural background or political system. Signs to mark the holiday appear all over, with flags of different members of the UN are flown in honor of the spirit of unity and recognize the countries’ commitment to the shared goals of the UN.
In order to recognize the efforts of the UN, Heads of State and governors of the member countries pay tribute to the organization, often in terms of financial aid or assistance for nations in need.
The focus of modern day observances is on the work that the UN does to foster global peace, promote international cooperation, and uphold the international rule of law. This day is also celebrated in conjunction with other days of observance such as International Day of Peace (September 21) and International Day of Non-Violence (October 2).
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• The United Nations Charter was signed by 50 countries in San Francisco in 1945.
• Each year, the UN marks the day by issuing special postage stamps and coins.
• The primary purpose of the UN is to maintain international peace and security.
• The UN has 6 official languages: English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Arabic
• The UN consists of 193 member states, including the United Kingdom, United States, France and China.
• The UN also works to promote human rights, economic growth, environmental preservation, and encourage global partnerships.
• The UN has a number of international programs, agencies and funds designed to help meet global goals.
• The United Nations environment program is the world’s largest environmental program.
Conclusion
United Nations Day is an annual day of recognition that reaffirms the commitment of nations across the globe to work for peace and security, and to strive for international cooperation and harmony. It is a day to celebrate the efforts of the United Nations and the progress that has been made on global issues since its establishment in 1945. The holiday is marked by many countries, communities and groups to remind us of the importance of the UN and its mission. In addition, the holiday serves as an educational opportunity to learn more about the UN’s values and operations and its positive contribution to our world.
References
• “United Nations Day: An Important Day of Recognition and Celebration.”, The United Nations (www.un.org), Accessed October 19, 2020.
• “History of the United Nations.”, United Nations Association of the United States of America (una-us.org), Accessed October 19, 2020.
• “United Nations Day.”, United Nations, Accessed October 19, 2020.
• “International Days, United Nations.”, United Nations, Accessed October 19, 2020.
How to Say "United Nations Day" In Different Languages?
- Dutch
- Verenigde Naties Dag (nl-BE)
- Estonian
- Ühinenud Rahvaste Päev (et-EE)
- French
- Journée des Nations-Unies (fr-CA)
- German
- Tag der Vereinten Nationen (de-DE)
- Greek
- Ημέρα των Ηνωμένων Εθνών (el-GR)
- Hebrew
- יום האומות המאוחדות (he-IL)
- Italian
- Giornata delle Nazioni Unite (it-IT)
- Japanese
- 国際連合の日 (ja-JP)
- Latvian
- Apvienoto Nāciju diena (lv-LV)
- Polish
- Dzień Narodów Zjednoczonych (pl-PL)
- Romanian
- Ziua Națiunilor Unite (ro-RO)
- Slovak
- Deň Organizácie Spojených národov (sk-SK)
- Spanish
- Día de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (es-ES)
- Swedish
- Förenta nationernas dag (sv-SE)
United Nations Day Also Called
United Nations Day (October 24th).Countries where "United Nations Day" is celebrated:
FUN FACT:
In year 1945, United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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