Today marks United Nations Day — observed each year on 24 October — commemorating the moment when the United Nations Charter officially came into force in 1945, symbolizing the birth of the UN.
The UN Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco by 50 nations at the end of the Second World War. It entered into force on 24 October 1945 following ratification by a majority of the signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.
The General Assembly declared 24 October as United Nations Day in 1947, recommending that it become a public holiday in UN member states.
United Nations Day serves as a global reminder of the UN’s mission: to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, advance social and economic development, and foster cooperation among nations. Reboot Education Events around the world typically include meetings, cultural exhibits, educational programmes and discussions about global challenges and collective solutions.
At a time when the world confronts pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, conflict and humanitarian crises, the day emphasises the relevance of multilateral cooperation and the foundational values of the UN Charter: equality of states, peaceful dispute resolution, and respect for human rights.
As countries, organizations and communities mark the day, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved — and the work still ahead — in building a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
