United Nations Day: Bringing the World Together
Every October 24, people celebrate United Nations Day to commemorate the UN Charter and the official creation of the UN in 1945. This day honors the organization’s essential role in addressing critical issues such as climate change, peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development.
This observance reminds us of the importance of global initiatives and collective effort. By celebrating this event, we can better understand how various critical issues affect all of us and how we can unite to solve them.
Featured in: October - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
History and Background of United Nations Day
After World War II, 51 founding nations (including the five permanent members of the Security Council) ratified the United Nations Charter, its founding document. So, the United Nations officially began on October 24, 1945.
Since then, the UN has welcomed 193 member states and achieved significant milestones in pursuing peace and development1.
In 1947, the UN General Assembly voted to dedicate UN Day every October 24 to promote awareness of the organization's goals and garner support for its work.
One of the most notable achievements of the UN was adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, led by Eleanor Roosevelt.
In the early 2000s, the UN shifted its focus to the Millennium Development Goals, which aimed to reduce poverty, promote education, and champion gender equality.
Recently, the UN responded to global needs, creating the Sustainable Development Goals 2015. These goals expanded the UN's focus to include tackling issues such as climate change and economic inequality2.
As we celebrate United Nations Day, we recognize the UN's unwavering commitment to peace, human rights, and sustainable development.
Related Read: International Day of Peace, Human Rights Day, World Environment Day.
The Cause and Its Challenges
The United Nations plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation to address pressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and conflicts among nations. The UN strives to maintain peace and security among nations to combat these global issues.
However, political disagreements and contrasting beliefs challenge the organization's goals. Many countries have divergent stances on global matters and how they should be addressed.
Security concerns further complicate the mission to build and maintain peace. Unlike nations, the UN does not possess military personnel, limiting its ability to enforce peace agreements or intervene directly in conflicts.
As a result, it relies on diplomatic efforts, negotiations, and peacekeeping missions, often walking a tightrope between intervention and neutrality.
Why United Nations Day Matters
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stand as a definitive set of 17 global objectives charted out by the United Nations. The SDGs address critical issues like poverty, climatic changes, and inequalities within the timeline of 2030.
These goals provide a tangible framework for all member states to create constructive, national strategies designed to enhance societal quality of life and maintain the health of our planet.
The celebration of United Nations Day is more than merely symbolic. It is necessary to sustain global attention and bolster multinational cooperation to amplify SDGs' effectiveness and success rates.
Efforts and Initiatives
Here are some efforts that address various SDG goals. First, the UN has formed the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), responsible for multiple environmental sustainability initiatives.
One of these initiatives is 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' This campaign resonates with people worldwide, including governments, industries, communities, and individuals.
In addition, the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'Health For All' initiative provides quality health services to people everywhere, regardless of location.
Furthermore, non-profit organizations globally are mobilizing their resources to support SDGs. For example, Water.org and the Clean Cooking Alliance are ardently working towards Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, respectively.
How to Get Involved and Support United Nations Day
- Join local community events that align with the UN's mission. These events could include cultural presentations, forums on global issues, or discussions. If you have school events, you could also wear the national costumes of member states.
- Browse the UN’s official website for information, resources, and insights into its values, goals, and challenges.
- Share articles, infographics, or personal thoughts about the UN on social media.
- Apply to UN volunteer programs, including local community service and international assignments.
- Read the latest Sustainable Development Goals Report to keep you updated and involved with the organization’s plans.
Conclusion
United Nations Day reminds us of the shared journey toward global peace, justice, and sustainable development. Let us contribute to this global mission by spreading the word, joining local events, or supporting the United Nations initiatives.
Every action and every voice, no matter how small, can make a difference in building a better world.
United Nations Day FAQs
It is an annual observance and public holiday celebrated on October 24 to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.
It is a powerful advocacy tool that promotes awareness about the UN's work addressing global challenges, promoting peace, and advancing sustainable development.
It works towards peace through peacekeeping operations, mediation efforts, disarmament initiatives, and promoting dialogue among nations.
These are 17 goals adopted by the UN in 2015 to address pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and ensuring peace and justice.
Spread awareness about its work, participate in local initiatives aligned with the SDGs, advocate for peace and human rights, and support UN agencies and programs through donations or volunteer work.
| 1 | United Nations. (2011). Growth in United Nations membership. |
| 2 | United Nations. (1973). United Nations Charter. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
