October 24: Celebrating the United Nations and Its Missions
From global health crises to human rights, many of the world’s most pressing challenges extend beyond national borders. United Nations Day, observed on October 24, highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing issues that affect us all. United Nations Day is an annual observance held on October 24 to mark the official creation of the United Nations in 1945, following the entry into force of the UN Charter. Established by the General Assembly, the day aims to raise awareness of the United Nations’ objectives and to encourage global action in support of its mission. More broadly, United Nations Day reflects the Organization’s commitment to promoting peace, dignity, equality, and cooperation among nations in response to shared global challenges.
Today, the United Nations plays a central role in addressing global challenges through both its main bodies and its specialized agencies. Organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, and the World Food Programme (WFP) work on issues ranging from child protection and global health to education, food security, and humanitarian aid.
In addition, the UN designates international days and weeks to raise awareness and encourage action on specific global issues, including human rights, public health, environmental protection, and social justice. These observances serve as reminders that many global problems require coordinated international responses rather than isolated national efforts.
For young people, United Nations Day is more than a symbolic commemoration — it highlights the growing role of youth in shaping global change. Students today are increasingly engaged with international issues such as climate change, inequality, access to education, and public health. Through initiatives like Model United Nations, youth advocacy programs, and international awareness campaigns, students gain the opportunity to understand diplomacy, cooperation, and global responsibility.
By promoting dialogue and collective action, the United Nations encourages young people to see themselves not only as citizens of their own countries, but also as members of a global community.
Sources
United Nations. “United Nations Day.” United Nations,
www.un.org/en/observances/united-nations-day
. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
United Nations. “International Days and Weeks.” United Nations,
www.un.org/en/observances/international-days-and-weeks
. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
United Nations. “About the United Nations.” United Nations,
www.un.org/en/about-us
. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.