United Nations Day

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United Nations Day is celebrated internationally on 24th October for the purpose of informing the people of the world as to the aims, goals, and achievements of the UN. The day is part of United Nations Week, which runs from 20th October to 26th October each year; as detailed in UN Resolution 168 (II), passed on 31st October 1947.

It commemorates the coming into being of the United Nations Organisation on 24th October 1945, when the UN Charter was ratified by almost all the current permanent members of the Security Council. The People's Republic of China [PRC] did not exist in 1945, although they are now a permanent member of the Security Council.

On 6th December 1971, the General Assembly recommended that United Nations Day be made a national holiday in all member countries. However, formal take up has been minimal, though in political circles there are often special events and social activities.

However, some places do give formal, national, recognition including Costa Rica, where it is a national holiday, and Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where it is a flag day.

Several international schools also celebrate the diversity of their student body on United Nations Day (although the event is not necessarily celebrated on 24th October itself).

Celebrations of UN Day often include a programme of diverse cultural performances and a food fair, featuring cuisines from all over the world.