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United Nations Day was established by Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It is celebrated by all eighty-one members of the United Nations for the purpose of informing the people of the world as to the aims, purposes, and achievements of the UN. The day is part of the United Nations Week, October 20-26.
The name "United Nations" was devised by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of January 1, 1942. |
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This was during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.
The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when
the Charter had been ratified by China, France, The Soviet Union, the United
Kingdom, United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations
Day is celebrated on October 24 each year.
The United Nations was established on by 51 countries committed to preserving
peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly
every nation in the world belongs to the UN membership totals 191 countries.
The United Nations is central to global efforts to solve problems that challenge
humanity. Cooperating in this effort are more than 30 affiliated organizations,
known together as the UN system. Day in and day out, the UN and its family of
organizations work to promote respect for human rights, protect the environment,
fight disease and reduce poverty.
UN agencies define the standards for safe and efficient air travel and help
improve telecommunications and enhance consumer protection. The United Nations
leads the international campaigns against drug trafficking and terrorism. Throughout
the world, the UN and its agencies assist refugees, set up programmes to clear
landmines, help expand food production and lead the fight against AIDS.
The purpose of the UN is to "preserve peace, advance justice and constitute
a permanent structure for international cooperation." In other words, the United
Nations acts as a world forum to help countries work together to achieve peace
and human rights. The leader of the UN is Secretary General Kofi Annan. Some
towns celebrate by holding public rallies with speakers who share what the UN
has accomplished. Some towns have festivals with music and dancing. |
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