By Dima A. Alsudairy, Washington D.C.
On June 26, 1945, in the aftermath of the deadliest conflict in human history, representatives from 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to sign a bold and visionary document: the Charter of the United Nations. With this foundational legal instrument, the international community committed to working together to prevent future wars, uphold human rights, and foster conditions for economic and social progress.
Eighty years later, the UN Charter remains the cornerstone of international law and global diplomacy. The Charter, more than a historical document, is a living legal foundation that continues to guide nations in their pursuit of peace, security, and human dignity. It stands as the only universal set of international laws that all 193 UN Member States have committed to uphold. Unlike treaties that apply to specific countries or regions, the Charter binds the entire international community, making it the legal backbone of the multilateral system.
A Historic Move: From Washington, D.C. to New York City
In a powerful gesture marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the original copy of the UN Charter has been transferred on loan from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration to United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Now on public display at the UN Visitors Lobby, this historic document is the centerpiece of a special exhibit that runs through August 2025. The exhibition commemorates the signing of the Charter in San Francisco in 1945 and celebrates its enduring legacy as a symbol of global solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation.
Why the UN Charter Still Matters
At its core, the UN Charter established a rules-based international order rooted in dialogue, cooperation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Charter established six principal organs of the United Nations: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Secretariat, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the now-suspended Trusteeship Council.
Today, the Charter’s preamble still resonates powerfully: “We the Peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…” These words remind us that the UN was created not just by governments, but in the name of all humanity.
The United States is a founding member and host of the Secretariat of the United Nations Headquarters. The United States continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the organization, from Eleanor Roosevelt’s leadership in crafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to U.S. contributions to peacekeeping and development.
The Charter continues to inform America’s global engagement by guiding its approach to multilateralism, international law, and diplomatic leadership. Whether through supporting UN peace operations, funding development programs, participating in Security Council deliberations, or defending international norms, the United States engages with the world through the very framework the Charter provides.
A Call to Renew Commitment
As we reflect on the Charter’s legacy, it is also a moment to renew our collective commitment to its principles. Upholding the Charter means ensuring that international law is respected, human rights are protected, and the voices of all nations are heard.
In an era defined by global challenges, the Charter’s vision of shared responsibility and unity offers a path forward. It is a reminder that, together, we can build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world for all.