United Nations Day
Commemorating the day when the United Nations was created, United Nations Day celebrates and honors all the work they have done to promote peace around the world and all the good they’ve done with their network of specialized agencies. This day is celebrated on or around October 24th, and events are held all over the world.
Micronesia (Public holiday)
Norway (Observance)History of United Nations Day
After World War I, it was decided that a treaty was needed to prevent another world war, so the Treaty of Versailles was created. This treaty was signed on June 28th, 1919, in Versailles, France, and it was essentially supposed to be a League of Nations to prevent further outbreaks of war, to encourage diplomatic solutions, and to encourage negotiations between countries.
It was also supposed to improve the quality of life for people all over the world. However, the League of Nations failed to prevent World War II, so it was decided that a different approach was needed to keep the world from repeatedly plunging into war.
Developed toward the end of World War II, the idea of the United Nations emerged as a solution to the myriad of problems that beleaguered the League of Nations. On October 24, 1945, the United Nations Charter was officially ratified, thereby creating the agency.
Three years later, in 1948, the U.N. observed United Nations Day for the first time. However, it wouldn’t become an official holiday until 1971, when U.N. Resolution 2782 was adopted. This resolution set United Nations Day as an international holiday and recommended that it be observed by all of its member states.
Today, United Nations Day acknowledges and commemorates all that the U.N. stands for in the world. It also helps people remember what the four main purposes of the United Nations are:
- to maintain peace and security all over the world,
- to develop relationships among member nations,
- to foster an atmosphere of communication between nations, and
- to provide a forum to bring countries together to meet the purposes and goals of the U.N.
United Nations Day Customs & Traditions
Traditionally, United Nations Day is celebrated with a myriad of different exhibits, discussion groups, and meetings. Activities showcase the achievements of the U.N. and help to lay out their goals. However, this holiday has an even greater purpose—as represented by all those who celebrate it.
For instance, many schools all over the world celebrate the diversity of their student body by honoring United Nations Day. These celebrations often include cultural performances that feature dancing, music, presentations, and food from different countries.
In Kosovo, United Nations Day is observed as an official non-working day. In the Philippines, schoolchildren often dress in the national costumes of the countries from which they come to celebrate the holiday. In the United States, the President issues a proclamation recognizing United Nations Day. This has been done since 1946.
People all over the world can also celebrate United Nations Day on their own if they wish. They can do so by not only showing pride in the cultural practices of their country of origin or the country of origin of their ancestors but also by taking the time to learn about another culture.
Micronesia (Public holiday)Norway (Observance)
