By 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to begin to draw up the United Nations Charter. The main intention of these nations in this conference was to set up an organization which would preserve peace and help build a better world. They had before them the Dumbarton Oaks proposals as the agenda for the conference and based on this they began to produce a Charter acceptable to all the participating nations present. The charter was officially signed by all representatives on the 26th of June 1945. Poland, which was not represented at the conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 member states. Nonetheless, it was not until October 24th of 1945, once China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and a majority of other signatories ratified the charter that it was officially brought into existence. For this reason, United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 each year.
United Nations Day
October 24th, 2026
The United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the official entry into force of the UN Charter. On this day, the founding document of the UN was signed by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. October 24th has been celebrated as the UN Day since 1948 and was recommended by the General Assembly to be observed as a global holiday by Member States since 1971. Annually this day celebrates and reflects on the dedicated work of the UN and its family of specialized agencies.
Taking a look back in history, the term “United Nations” was first used by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1942 during the “Declaration by the United Nations”. This declaration was held during the Second World War and served as an allegiance among 26 nations who pledged their governments to continue fighting against the Axis powers.
Past UN Day Topics Covered by UNAR
2026
To Be
Determined
2024
Climate Change Hits Home
Local Initiatives- Regional, National, and Global Impacts
2023
Youth Interrupted
The journey of young adult asylees and refugees in the USA
2022
Refugee Resettlement
Screening of film “Utica The Last Refuge”
2020
UNA-USA’s Day Virtual Concert
"Reimagine, Rebalance, Restart”
2019
UN Day Proclamation at
City Hall
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