| United Nations Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Official name | United Nations Day |
| Also called | U.N. Day |
| Observed by | United Nations |
| Type | United Nations organization |
| Celebrations | Meetings, discussions, exhibits, cultural performances |
| Date | 24 October |
| Next time | 24 October 2025 (2025-10-24) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Related to | World Development Information Day |
United Nations Day is an annual commemorative day, reflecting the official creation of theUnited Nations on 24 October 1945. In 1947, theUnited Nations General Assembly declared 24 October, the anniversary of theCharter of the United Nations, to "be devoted to making known to the people of the world the aims and achievements of the United Nations and to gaining their support for" its work.[1]
In 1971, theUnited Nations General Assembly adopted a further resolution (United Nations Resolution 2782) declaring that United Nations Day shall be aninternational observance or international holiday and recommended that it should be observed as a public holiday byUnited Nations member states.[2]
The first event called "United Nations Day" was aWorld War II Allies' day of solidarity andmilitary parades launched by US presidentFranklin D. Roosevelt tied toUS Flag Day on 14 June 1942, six months after theDeclaration by United Nations. It was observed in New York City as the "New York at War" parade, inLondon, and by the Soviet and Chinese governments.[3][4][5][6][7][8]
It was observed throughout World War II, during 1942–1944. Prior to the foundation of the UN itself, it was not directly connected to the current international observance.
U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world with meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended thatmember states observe it as apublic holiday.[citation needed]
Severalinternational schools throughout the world would also celebrate thediversity of their student body on United Nations Day (although the event is not necessarily celebrated on 24 October). Celebrations often include a show of cultural performances in the evening and a food fair, where food is available from all over the world.[citation needed]
On United Nations Day in 1951, theUnited Nations Postal Administration issued the first UN Stamps, which were issued inU.S. Dollars at theU.N. Headquarters in New York.[9]
In the United States, thePresident has issued aproclamation each year for United Nations Day since 1948.[10]
InKosovo, which is administered by theInterim Administration Mission, United Nations Day is an official non-working day.[citation needed]
