United Nations Day

United Nations Day History

United Nations Day celebrates and promotes awareness of the organization's goals and achievements. The United Nations (UN) was established in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, and provide a platform for collaboration among nations to solve global problems. The UN consists of 193 Member States, including the United Kingdom, working together on various humanitarian, social, economic, and environmental issues.

In the United Kingdom, the importance of United Nations Day cannot be overstated, as the UK played a central role in forming this global organization. Reflecting back to the historic events of 1945, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and other world leaders drafted the United Nations Charter to prevent future wars and conflicts. Furthermore, the UK holds one of the five permanent seats on the UN Security Council, giving it a unique position of influence and responsibility within the organization. As such, United Nations Day allows the UK to reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation and global peacekeeping efforts.

United Nations Day is observed in the United Kingdom on 24th October every year. Various educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups organize events and activities to raise awareness about the UN's work and achievements. These events often involve discussions, presentations, and seminars highlighting the UN's role in global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, and other pressing matters. By participating in these observances, people in the United Kingdom demonstrate their support and commitment to the UN's mission of fostering a more just and peaceful world.

United Nations Day facts

• The theme for United Nations Day in 2024 was The World Needs the UN; the UN Needs Us. In 2023 the theme was Actions for peace: Our ambition for the #globalgoals.
• The beginning of the United Nations can be traced back to the formation of the 'League of Nations'. This group was formed at the end of World War I with the Treaty of Versailles.
• In 1946, the United Kingdom became the first country to officially ratify the UN Charter, symbolizing its deep commitment to international peace and security.
• The United Kingdom is one of the five permanent members of the 15-member Security Council, alongside the United States, France, Russia, and China. This means the UK has the power to veto any substantial resolution.

In the News and Trending in the UK for United Nations Day

Top things to do in the UK for United Nations Day

• Read the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights to understand what fundamental rights are universally protected.
• Visit the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
• Prepare dishes from different countries to experience the flavors of various cultures. You can find recipes online or in cookbooks that represent the diverse cuisines within the United Nations.
• Take the opportunity to learn more about global issues, such as climate change, poverty, or human rights violations. Read articles, watch documentaries, or engage in discussions to gain a deeper understanding of these challenges.