A Look at the UN’s Enduring Legacy of 80 Years | United Nations Day

Introduction

October 24th marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter officially came into force. Essentially, UN Day is an annual commemoration of the birth of the United Nations, an organization created after World War II to promote peace, security, and co-operation among nations.

The day is observed to raise awareness about the aims and achievements of the United Nations and to gain support for its work in promoting international peace, human rights, and development worldwide.

The UN Charter – the organization's founding document – was ratified by a majority of the founding members including five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States).

The Declaration – the UN Charter was drafted and signed by representatives of 50 countries at the United Nations Conference on International Organizations in San Francisco between April and June 1945.

In 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that October 24th should be officially observed as United Nations Day, first celebrated in 1948.

Principles and Missions of the UN

• Commemorating the UN Charter – Emphasis on foundational multilateral treaty that outlines the rights and duties of member states.

• Raising Awareness – Making known to the people of the world the aim and achievements of the United Nations and gaining their support.

• Reaffirming Global Goals:

  • Maintaining International Peace and Security

  • Protecting Human Rights and upholding International Law

  • Delivering Humanitarian Aid to those in need

  • Promoting Sustainable Development and tackling global issues like climate change, poverty, and hunger

• Celebrating Multilateralism – Emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation to solve problems that cross national borders.

How UN Day is Celebrated

• Formal UN Concert at the General Assembly Hall, UN headquarters, New York, featuring world-class artists to promote peace and diversity.

• Secretary-General releases a special message on this day.

• Ceremonial flag hoisting of the UN flag alongside national flags.

• Heads of state issue proclamations recognizing the UN’s work.

• Meetings, discussions, and exhibits focusing on global issues and UN achievements.

• Schools and universities conduct educational campaigns and events to teach students about the UN Charter.

• Cultural performances and food fairs are also held.

• UN Postal Administration issues special UN stamps.

• Digital and public campaigns are organized to mark the occasion.

Key Documents and Symbols

• UN Charter 1945 – The fundamental treaty of the UN.

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR 1948) – A milestone document in human rights history.

• UN Emblem and Flag – Features a map of the world centered on the North Pole, flanked by two olive branches symbolizing peace.
  

Achievements of the UN

Peace and Security

• Preventing a Third World War – Since its foundation, there has been no large-scale direct military conflict between the major powers. The UN serves as a critical forum for diplomacy and conflict resolution.

• Peacekeeping operations – The UN has deployed 70 peacekeeping and observer missions to conflict-torn regions to restore calm and stability.

  

• Successes – Helped civil wars and supported democratic transitions in countries like Namibia, El Salvador, Cambodia, Mozambique, etc.

• Conflict Resolution – Mediated and assisted in more than 170 peace settlements that have ended regional conflicts.

Human Rights and International Law

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR 1948)

• Codification of International Law

• Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948)

• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW 1979)

• Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)

International Justice

• International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolves legal disputes between states.

• Helped establish the International Criminal Court (ICC) for prosecuting individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Decolonisation

• Over 80 nations achieved independence and self-determination primarily through the Trusteeship Council.

Economic and Social Development

WHO – World Health Organization

• Eradication of Smallpox (1997)

• Near eradication of Polio globally

• Combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Hunger and Poverty

• World Food Programme (WFP)

• Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aiming to end poverty and hunger by 2030

Children – UNICEF

• Massive immunization campaigns

• Advancing children’s rights, access to education, and humanitarian aid in crisis zones

Global Treaties and Environment

• Climate Action – Paris Agreement (2015)

• Non-Proliferation – Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

• Environmental Protection (UNEP) – Protecting ecosystems, ozone layer (Montreal Protocol), and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Failures of the UN

• Failure to Prevent Genocide and Mass Atrocities:

  • Rwanda Genocide (1994) – Estimated 800,000 Tutsis and Hutus murdered in 100 days

  • Srebrenica Massacre (1995) – Over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys executed despite UN safe zone

  • Ongoing conflicts – Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine, Israel-Hezbollah, Iran-Houthis in Yemen, and civil wars in Sudan, Syria, Myanmar

• Security Council Paralysis (Veto Power):

  • Veto by five permanent members often blocks resolutions on critical issues.

  • Prevented effective UN action during Syrian Civil War, Ukraine, Israel-Palestine conflict.

• Peacekeeping Misconduct and Operational Failures:

  • Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Haiti

  • Haiti Cholera Outbreak (2010) – Killing 10,000 people

  • Limited resources and unrealistic mandates

• Corruption and Accountability:

  • Oil for Food Programme Scandal (Iraq) – Corruption and mismanagement

  • Lack of internal accountability due to bureaucratic inefficiency and diplomatic immunity

• Inability to Resolve Long-Standing Conflicts:

  • Israel-Palestine conflict, Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, Somali War

Conclusion

The story of the United Nations is not one of perfect governance but of necessary existence. Its failures are stark reminders of the fragility of global political will. Yet, UN successes in public health, development, and humanitarian aid demonstrate its irreplaceable value.

As the world faces complex threats like climate change and pandemics, the lesson of UN Day is clear – the UN is only as effective as its members allow. We must not discard the Charter but commit to reforming it, ensuring that our collective ideals never again falter in the face of political expediency.

About the Author

Adv. Mamta Singh Shukla is an Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Founder of Vijay Foundations — an initiative dedicated to social justice, education, and empowerment. Through her writings, she advocates for human dignity, equality, and systemic change.

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Mamta Singh Shukla
Advocate, Supreme Court of India

📧 adv.mamtasinghshukla@gmail.com

🌐 www.vijayfoundations.com

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