Every year on October 24, the United Nations observes United Nations Day (UN Day) to mark the anniversary of the UN Charter’s adoption in 1945. The United Nations’ founding text, the UN Charter, lays forth the organization’s aims and objectives as well as the rights and obligations of its member nations. It serves as a reminder of the UN’s mission to promote human rights, security, peace, and cooperation among countries worldwide. Around the world, people commemorate United Nations Day to draw attention to the UN’s work tackling pressing problems including poverty, climate change, and international conflicts. Schools and organizations celebrate this day by organizing activities that highlight cultural diversity, world peace, and international diplomacy. These activities often include flag displays from educational programs, different nations, and discussions on global challenges.

In 2024, Universe Public School (CBSE School and RBSE School) will proudly and enthusiastically commemorate United Nations Day. In keeping with the fundamental principles of the UN, this year’s celebration will center on the themes of world peace, togetherness, and sustainability. Students will take part in a range of cultural and educational events that emphasize the value of global collaboration, such as debates, special assemblies, and imaginative presentations.

We hope that these activities will encourage our kids to value variety, advance peace, and recognize their responsibilities as global citizens. We will all work together to uphold the UN’s mandate and its endeavors to create a more equitable and better world.

United Nations: A Symbol of Hope for Global Unity 

United Nations Day, which is celebrated on October 24th, is very important since it marks the anniversary of the UN Charter’s adoption in 1945. The United Nations was formally created when the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, ratified this important instrument.

• The United Nations stands apart as a symbol of hope for global unity.
• It is unparalleled in its legitimacy, capacity to unite nations, and constructive impact on international standards.
• No other global organization has the capacity to influence the future we hope to see and provide so many people hope for a better world.
• In the modern world, it is more important than ever for all nations to come together and carry out the United Nations’ common objectives.
• The annual UN Day celebration offers a chance to strengthen our shared agenda and restate the goals and ideals set forth in the UN Charter, which has served as our compass for the previous 78 years.
• It serves as a reminder of the value of global collaboration and the quest for a more affluent and peaceful world for all.

History of the United Nations 

After World War II, 51 nations established the United Nations in 1945 with the goals of preserving world peace and security, fostering goodwill among states, and advancing human rights, social progress, and higher living conditions. The idea of the UN was first proposed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president of the United States, in 1941. Roosevelt thought that in order to stop future conflicts and create a more just and peaceful world, a new international organization was required.

In 1945, representative from 51 countries met in San Francisco, California, to draft the UN Charter. The 26th of June 1945 saw the signing of the Charter. When the Charter was approved by the majority of signatories and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—the UN formally came into being on October 24, 1945.

Significance of the United Nations 

The United Nations is the world’s largest and most important international organization. It is essential for advancing human rights, sustainable development, peace and security, and other significant international concerns. In the modern world, the UN is important for a number of reasons: 

• It is a platform for dialogue and cooperation among nations. The United Nations offers a forum for nations to convene and discuss global issues. This is crucial in the modern world when international cooperation is needed to address many of the most important issues, like terrorism and climate change.
• It is a force for peace and security. The United Nations strives to avert war, settle disagreements, and establish peace following hostilities. Additionally, it offers humanitarian aid to those impacted by natural disasters and conflicts. Numerous lives have been saved by the UN’s peacekeeping efforts, which have also been crucial in stopping the war from spreading.
• It is a promoter of human rights. Globally, the UN seeks to uphold and advance human rights. It has ratified a number of significant human rights declarations and conventions. To assist nations in putting these principles into practice, it offers technical support. When it comes to keeping an eye on and documenting violations of human rights, the UN Human Rights Council is crucial.
• It is a champion of sustainable development. The United Nations strives to advance sustainable development globally. This entails safeguarding the environment, fostering economic expansion, and lowering poverty. The UN has adopted several important sustainable development goals (SDGs). It helps nations accomplish these objectives by offering them technical assistance.

Why Do We Celebrate United Nations Day?

The significance of the UN’s efforts to promote global peace, security, collaboration, and development is emphasized on United Nations Day. Here are the key reasons why we celebrate United Nations Day:

• Celebrate the UN’s Founding: The UN was formally established on October 24, 1945, when the United Nations Charter went into force.
• Promotion of Global Peace and Security: After the Second World War, the United Nations was established to advance peace and avert future hostilities. We are reminded on United Nations Day that world stability and nonviolent conflict resolution are essential.
• Highlighting Human Rights and Development: The UN is essential in promoting sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and human rights. United Nations Day recognizes these efforts and encourages everyone to continue working in these areas.
• Encouraging Global Unity and Cooperation: The event highlights the value of international cooperation in addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, health crises, and climate change.
• Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Numerous activities on United Nations Day promote mutual respect and understanding between various countries and communities by showcasing the world’s rich cultural diversity.

FAQs

What is United Nations Day?

On October 24, people commemorate United Nations Day, which honors the organization’s 1945 creation and advances its goals of development, human rights, and peace.

Why do we observe United Nations Day?

Observed to promote worldwide cooperation, it highlights the UN’s efforts to address global challenges like poverty, environmental protection, and conflict resolution.

When was the first United Nations Day?

On October 24, 1948, three years after the UN’s founding, the inaugural United Nations Day was observed.

What activities are done on United Nations Day?

Schools, organizations, and communities host events such as cultural programs, speeches, discussions, and activities focused on global peace and sustainability.

Why is October 24 important?

The United Nations was formally founded on October 24, 1945, when the UN Charter went into force.