United Nations Day | |
---|---|
Official name | United Nations Day |
Also called | U.N. Day |
Observed by | Worldwide |
Type | United Nations |
Celebrations | Meetings, discussions, exhibits, cultural performances |
Date | 24 October |
Next time | 24 October 2024 |
Frequency | annual |
Related to | World Development Information Day |
United Nations Day is devoted to making known to people of the world the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organization. United Nations Day is part of United Nations Week, which runs from 20 to 26 October.
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly declared 24 October, the anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations, as which "shall be devoted to making known to the people of the world the aims and achievements of the United Nations and to gaining their support for" its work.[1]
In 1971 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a further resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) declaring that United Nations Day shall be an international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday by all United Nations member states.[2]
The first event called "United Nations Day" was a World War II Allies' day of solidarity and military parades launched by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt tied to US Flag Day on June 14, 1942, six months after the Declaration by United Nations. It was observed in New York City as the "New York at War" parade, in London, and by the Soviet and Chinese governments.[3][4][5][6][7][8]
It was observed throughout World War II, during 1942-1944, and predating the foundation of the UN itself, is not directly connected to the current international observance.
U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world with meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that member states observe it as a public holiday.
Several international schools throughout the world also celebrate the diversity of their student body on United Nations Day (although the event is not necessarily celebrated on 24 October). Celebrations often include a show of cultural performances in the evening and a food fair, where food is available from all over the world.
In the United States, the President has issued a proclamation each year for United Nations Day since 1946. On October 24, 2012, Preident Barack Obama proclaimed the day as United Nations Day.[9] On October 23, 2013, President Obama proclaimed the day as United Nations Day.[10] On Ocotober 24, 2014, President Obama proclaimed the day as United Nations Day.[11][12] On October 22, 2015, President Obama proclaimed October 24 as United Nations Day.[13] On October 21, 2016, President Obama proclaimed October 24 as United Nations Day.[14][15] On October 24, 2017, President Donald Trump proclaimed the day as United Nations Day.[16][17]
In Kosovo, United Nations Day is an official non-working day as the province is administered by the Interim Administration Mission.
In the Philippines, local schoolchildren customarily dress in the national costumes of member states and hold a programme on U.N. Day, which is the last school day before semestral break. Individual students, classes, or grade levels are assigned a country to represent and study; students handcraft their assigned country's flag, and prepare cultural presentations and food as part of the day's educational activities.
The UN's World Development Information Day has also been held on 24 October since 1972
Humanity has entered the era of sustainability – with a global commitment to fulfill the great promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is celebrated on 24 October world wide. Many institutions celebrate it by conducting quizzes and elocutions. Da Potta Group of Companies in Kenya, Tanzania and India celebrate it with various discussions.