UNITED NATIONS DAY
United Nations Day recognizes the founding of the United Nations (UN) in 1945. The celebration is observed annually on October 24th.
#UnitedNationsDay
U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions, and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization.
The United Nations works for the entire human family of seven billion people and cares for the Earth, our one and only home. ~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Today the United Nations consists of 193 member states and 2 observer states. The mission of the United Nation is to maintain international peace and security.
The UN also sets terms for protecting human rights around the world. In 1948, they created international law with a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The member nations deliver humanitarian aid to populations in crisis. The first aid delivered was an immediate response to the devastation following World War II.
Another aim of the international organization is to promote sustainable development.
Some major achievements of the UN include:
- The UN peacekeeping budget is less than 0.5% of global military spending
- Their World Food Programme (WFP) provides food and assistance to 91 million people in 83 countries
- They also supply vaccines to 45% of the world’s children
- The UN helps people who displaced by violence, conflict, and persecution
HOW TO OBSERVE UNITED NATIONS DAY
Throughout the day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris hosts conferences and meetings. They also display exhibits of UN achievements. On United Nations Day, schools throughout the world celebrate the diversity of their student bodies. These schools also hold cultural performances and food fairs.
A UN Day concert is held each year to commemorate the day. The concert is held at the General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Performers at the concert have included the KBS Traditional Music Orchestra, Stevie Wonder, the Harlem Boys Gospel Choir, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
To participate in United Nations Day, think about how diversity makes our lives better. Make it a goal to learn something about each of the 193 countries that make up the United Nations. Find out what all the flags of each country look like. If you know someone who is of a different nationality, ask them questions about their country of origin. To spread awareness, share #UnitedNationsDay on social media.
NATIONAL UNITED NATIONS DAY HISTORY
Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the name “United Nations” during World War II. Twenty-six nations united to pledge their governments to continue fighting against the Axis Powers. In 1945, delegates from 51 countries drew up the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, California. They signed the Charter on June 26th, 1945 and it was ratified on October 24th, 1945. United Nations Day originated in 1948.
United Nations FAQ
Q. What two governments are observer states in the United Nations?
A. The Holy See and Palestine are the two observer states in the United Nations.
Q. What was the 193rd State to join the UN?
A. In 2011, South Sudan joined the UN as the 193rd Member State.
October 24th Celebrated History
1861
The first transcontinental telegraph line in the United States began operation. Only 17 months before, the Pony Express had been the fastest means of delivering a message on the frontier. With the telegraph now connecting the country from coast to coast, the iconic and short-lived era of the Pony Express came to an end.
1938
With the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the 40-hour workweek went into effect in the United States.
1926
Harry Houdini took the stage for his final performance. However, neither he nor his audience at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit know that Houdini was falling ill. He died a few days later on October 31st from a ruptured appendix.
1992
Winning the World Series in 6 games, the Toronto Blue Jays become the first team outside the United States to win the championship. They defeated the Atlanta Braves 4 games to 2.
October 24th Celebrated Birthdays
Belva Ann Bennett Lockwood – 1830
As an attorney, Lockwood lobbied for equal rights for women including suffrage, property, guardianship, and pay. In 1874, Lockwood drafted a bill that would allow her to be admitted to the Supreme Court bar. It took five years to pass both the House and Senate and on February 15, 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed the bill into law. In March, Lockwood became the first woman admitted to the Supreme Court bar. The following year, she became the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court.
Marjorie Joyner – 1896
The cosmetologist was a woman of many firsts. She was the first African American to graduate from the A.B. Molar Beauty School. As a teacher for Madam C.J. Walker, she invented and patented the first permanent-wave machine. Seeing the need for students and educators to network, Joyner founded the Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity for beauty students and United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association.
Melvin Purvis – 1903
Working for the Justice Department under J. Edgar Hoover, Purvis was charged with capturing the gangster and bank robber, John Dillinger. After several near misses, on July 22, 1934, Purvis and his agents received a tip that led them to Dillinger. Outside the Biograph Theater, a shootout between Dillinger and Purvis’s agents resulted in the gangster’s death.
Nathaniel Wyeth – 1911
The mechanical engineer’s development of a type of polyethylene terephthalate made it possible to bottle carbonated beverages in plastic containers.
Bob Kane – 1915
The comic book writer created, along with Milton Finger, the DC Comics character Batman.
Marie Foster – 1917
The Civil Rights activist helped thousands of African-Americans to register to vote and overcome voter suppression.
