United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the 1945 United Nations Charter.

With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.

The Day serves as a global advocacy event, offering a unique opportunity for the international community to reflect on and take stock of the work of the organization.

It is also an occasion for the global community to renew commitments and redouble its efforts for Humanity under Agenda 2030 to meet both the current and future challenges across the three pillars of its work, namely Peace and Security, Development, and, Human Rights.

The UN Charter upholds human rights and proposes that nations should work together to overcome social, economic, humanitarian, and cultural challenges.

The name “United Nations” was coined by US President Franklin D Roosevelt, and was first used in the Declaration by United Nations of 1 January 1942 when representatives of 26 nations pledged to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.

Further proposals for an international security organisation were discussed in August 1944 at Dumbarton Oaks, in the District of Columbia, USA. The final charter was then signed in June in San Francisco and ratified on 24 October.

 ‘‘Engaging Youth in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion and Implementation’’ is the chosen national theme for this year`s UN Day, which marks the 71ST birthday of the organization.

The theme aims to raise awareness on the SDGs and their importance to the attainment of national development targets.

Activities to mark the Day will include a highlight event as well as an exhibition of publications by the various UN agencies.

In his anniversary message, UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon mentions that-

This year’s observance of United Nations Day occurs at a time of transition for the world and for the United Nations.

Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfil the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In this, the Organization’s 71st year, we have 17 goals to propel us towards a better future for all on a healthy planet.

The world is also moving at long last beyond the mindset which viewed the burning of fossil fuels as the path to prosperity.  At a time of record heat, Member States have embraced the Paris Agreement on climate change in record time.  This landmark measure will enter into force on 4 November.  Across that historic threshold lies our best chance for greener, cleaner, low-carbon growth.