Signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945, the Charter reflects a collective determination to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” enshrining the principles of peace and security, human rights and sustainable development, for all peoples. These principles have guided Member State relations for eight decades, providing the legal backbone for our rules-based international system.

The Charter’s call for “universal respect for, and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction” paved the way for the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and led to a range of treaties addressing genocide, refugees, slavery, torture, and the rights of women, along with covenants that enshrined basic civil and political rights for the first time.

As the United Nations marks this milestone, we reflect on the enduring significance of the Charter. The spirit of San Francisco has been reignited in the Pact for the Future, a visionary agreement adopted in 2024 that aims to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals and adapt international cooperation to emerging global challenges.

By aligning the structural reforms and operational mandates of the United Nations with commitments in the Pact, the UN80 Charter Day underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation and the engagement of youth and future generations in shaping a resilient and inclusive future.

The Charter Exhibit, starting on 23 June will run throughout the summer into September, featuring visual assets based on archival content and coordinated messaging across platforms, highlighting the legacy, history, and continued relevance of the UN Charter, signed in San Francisco in 1945.

Original UN Charter, a symbol of global solidarity and cooperation, arrives at the UN Headquarters in New York