United Nations Day

Every 24 October, we commemorate the founding of the United Nations, which is well known for its work in humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, and fostering international harmony. This serves as a reminder of the significance of diversity, the spirit of international cooperation, equality, peace, unity, universal adherence to international law and justice, Human rights, and basic liberties

United Nations Day is significant because it honors diversity. October 24 is a recognized holiday honoring the diversity of cultures, faiths, and tongues found around the world. On this day, nations join forces to promote concepts of peace and harmony among individuals from different origins.

An annual Memorial Day, known as United Nations Day, honors the organization’s founding on October 24, 1945. When the United Nations Charter was first adopted in 1945, the General Assembly of the UN announced that the day, October 24, would “be devoted to making known to the people of the world the purposes and achievements of the United Nations and to garnering their support for” its activities. Know more about United Nations Day by reading below.

History of United Nations Day

In an effort to stop new wars and aid nations in working together to address some of the main issues facing the world after World War II, the United Nations was established in 1945 following the collapse of the League of Nations.

After the chaos and devastation of World War II, the United Nations was founded in 1945 to stop such catastrophic wars. The UN Charter was drafted by 50 governments in San Francisco on April 25.

It was adopted on June 25 and went into effect on October 24. The goals of the UN include defending human rights, enforcing international law, fostering sustainable development, and preserving world peace and security.

However, the start of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union made their job to preserve international peace problematic early on.

Between 1988 and 2000, during the post-Cold War era, the number of Security Council resolutions more than doubled, and the funding for peacekeeping increased significantly. New members did, however, bring with them fresh challenges.

The UN dealt with numerous crises in Yugoslavia, Somalia, Haiti, and Mozambique in the 1990s. After the U.S. left, its mission in Somalia failed due to deaths in the Battle of Mogadishu, and its mission in Bosnia was mocked for its indecision in the face of ethnic cleansing.

It however wasn’t until 1948 that October 24th was designated as the official holiday, even though United Nations Day commemorates the ratification of the 1945 Charter.

The United Nations General Assembly then suggested in 1971 that all member states declare it a national holiday.

To make life better for everyone, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made sure that the organization has compiled 17 goals that it intends to achieve by 2030. Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the name “United Nations” during World War II.

In an effort to increase awareness of the critical role that fruits and vegetables play in human nutrition and sustainable development, the United Nations designated 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV). 2022 has been designated as the International Year of Glass by the UN in an effort to highlight a time-honored, environmentally friendly, and cutting-edge technology.

How People Celebrate United Nations Day

• People take a guided tour of the UN building

To observe where all the activity happens, the United Nations Visitors Center offers guided tours of both the New York headquarters and the Geneva facilities. People visit General Assembly Hall, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council Chamber in a little under an hour.

• People post about it on social media

People share any information they discover about the UN on social media. You too can grab people’s attention with brief data or by linking to a UN project that is particularly inspiring or significant.

Whatever you choose to do, October 24 is the ideal time to assist the UN’s decades-long campaign to promote better living around the world.

Social media has developed into a potent tool for spreading knowledge about issues and causes. Share the UN’s efforts with others and put yours to good use.

• Schools host special events

Schools typically host special events on this day to raise awareness of the importance of United Nations activities.

The hosting of cultural celebrations highlighting the diversity of their student and staff bodies is promoted at schools all around the world.

Speaking in front of an audience during presentations, speeches, and debates are some common school activities.

Additionally, teachers present unique lectures on the significance of world harmony, peace, and tolerance.

• People grace the United Nations Day event

The annual United Nations Day performance is held in New York City and at the UN headquarters, and over the years, it has featured many well-known musicians and orchestras.

On United Nations Day, people honor their efforts by being motivated by them. Find a cause that truly matters to you, donate to it, and if you can, volunteer your time. You can choose a cause to support because the UN has numerous branches that work for various causes.

Importance of United Nations Day

• Polio was eradicated by the UN

Once upon a time, the disease known as poliomyelitis, or polio, disabled millions of children worldwide. But owing to the group’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the deadly illness has all but disappeared from the planet. According to some estimates, this campaign has prevented the spread of polio to an amazing 5 million kids in 125 different nations.

• The UN’s goal is to eradicate hunger.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the European Union joined together to launch the EU Food Facility in the wake of the 2008 global food price crisis. The organizations invested $1 billion through the campaign to battle hunger in 50 different countries, ultimately assisting 59 million people. And this is just one of several efforts the UN and its allies have put forth to reduce the number of people who experience hunger by half. 

• The UN has given women a voice

Over the past 50 years, there has been a significant shift in global cultures and economies brought about by the increase of women in public office and private businesses, and the UN has supported this trend the entire time. The UN convened the World Women Conference in 1995, where 189 nations gathered to establish an agenda for developing and supporting women’s rights and equality. The coloring goes beyond coloring books.

What to Give on United Nations Day

• Donate to United Nations Agencies

Start by browsing all of the UN’s specialized agencies to determine if there is a subject that particularly resonates with you. You’ll probably discover a cause you’re keen to donate to or volunteer for, whether it’s the advancement of medicine throughout the world (World Health Organization), bettering the lives of children (UNICEF), or even creating sustainable tourism strategies (UN World Tourism Organization).

Conclusion

Everyone can participate in the celebration of  United Nations Day in a variety of ways. You can take part in the event by planning a party, going to an event, or even teaching others something new. The UN celebrates this particular day, but it also draws people from all over the world who want to contribute to world peace and international collaboration. This is what makes it so magical.

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