Background
What is United Nations Day?
Simply put, it is the birthday of the United Nations. On 24 October 1945, the United Nations was formally established after a majority of its founding members ratified a treaty setting up the world body. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recommending that the day be observed as a public holiday by Member States. Traditionally, it has been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the goals and achievements of the Organization.
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Through flood waters
images/slideshow/01.jpgMembers of the Jordanian battalion of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) carry children through flood waters after hurricane "Ike". UN Photo/Marco Dormino
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Enabling education
images/slideshow/02.jpgChildren of the "Manegda" primary school in Burkina Faso attend class in a tent supplied by the United Nations Children's Fund. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
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After the storm
images/slideshow/03.jpgMilitary personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) examine a pregnant woman after a storm. UN Photo/Logan Abassi
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On patrol
images/slideshow/05.jpgPrivate Linda Mensah, one of the 41 female members of the Ghanaian Battalion of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), deployed to patrol the city. UN Photo/Christopher Herwig
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Food from WFP
images/slideshow/06.jpgMembers of the Argentinean battalion of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) unload food donated by the World Food Programme. UN Photo/Logan Abassi
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Medical outreach
images/slideshow/07.jpgPakistani and Chinese United Nations military medical teams undertake 'medical outreach' in Kopo, Liberia. UN Photo/Eric Kanalstein
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Microfinance at work
images/slideshow/08.jpgSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits a microfinance project in Bahrain jointly funded by the government and the United Nations Development Programme in 2000 to create self-employment. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
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How is the Day observed at United Nations Headquarters?
Traditionally, UN Day is marked by an international concert in the General Assembly Hall. Sometimes, special events are arranged, electronically linking the UN with cities around the world.
The Day is also notable for messages issued by the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly. A video taped message of the Secretary-General is often shown by national TV stations around the world.
In addition, special briefings are arranged for non-governmental organizations on UN-related topics. Sometimes schools and civic groups arrange “peace marches” and other celebratory events.
(More information ... )
24 October 1949 - Cornerstone of new UN Secretariat Building in
New York City is placed during UN Day 1949 ceremony. UN Photo
