Hyderabad: United Nations Day, observed on October 24, marks the historic moment of 1945 when the United Nations Charter came into force. This foundational document was ratified by a majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, officially establishing the United Nations.
The United Nations stands alone as a global organisation with unparalleled legitimacy, convening power, and normative influence. It embodies the hope of countless people for a better world and the potential to shape the future we all desire. Today, the urgency for countries to unite and fulfil the promises of the nations united has never been more critical.
Unity, as epitomised by the United Nations, doesn't demand absolute harmony, but rather the commitment to work together through both good and challenging times. In 1945, nations from across the globe came together with a common purpose, reminding us that, despite our differences, we can collaborate to make the world a better place.
History of United Nations- The global intergovernmental organisation was born in the aftermath of World War II, succeeding the League of Nations in its mission to prevent further global conflicts. It serves as a bridge for diplomatic relations between nations, fosters international cooperation, and acts as a central hub for inter-country coordination.
In 1945, a historic moment unfolded in San Francisco when representatives from 50 nations convened at the UN Conference on International Organization to establish the United Nations. On the 24th of October in the same year, the UN Charter was ratified, marking the official birth of the United Nations.
Evolution of UN Day- On the 31st of October, 1947, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution dedicating the Day to raise awareness of the UN's goals and achievements and to garner support for its vital work. In 1971, the Assembly recommended that UN Day be observed as a public holiday in all Member States.
Emblem of Unity- The official emblem of the United Nations is a representation of the globe with the north pole at its center, showcasing every continent except Antarctica. It is surrounded by peace-loving olive branches and is typically displayed in white against a blue background, although the emblem itself is blue.
UN Day 2023 theme- This year, the focus is on the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) under the theme "Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All."
United Nations structure- The United Nations comprises a General Assembly, a Security Council, a Council of Economic and Social Affairs and Social Affairs, a Board of Trusteeship, a Court of Justice and the United Nations Secretariat. All the 6 were established in 1945 when the UN was founded. It also has a wide range of specialist organisations covering a wide range of industries. Examples include the World Bank (WB), World Health Organisation (WHO), Unesco (UNESCO), Unicef (UNICEF), and World Food Programme (WFP).
Significant achievements- Over its more than seven decades of existence, the United Nations has played a crucial role in resolving international conflicts, promoting disarmament, and advancing environmental and social causes. It facilitated the resolution of conflicts like the Suez Canal crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The UN has also been instrumental in signing nuclear test ban treaties, organizing vital conferences on the environment, and aiding in the settlement of disputes between nations.
Moreover, the UN has supported numerous programs and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for women across more than 100 countries and played a pivotal role in environmental efforts, such as the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer.
Notably, the World Health Organization, a UN agency, led the global campaign to eradicate smallpox, successfully achieving this feat in 1980 after a rigorous immunization campaign spanning nearly 13 years.
