Every year on October 24, the world observes United Nations Day, a moment to celebrate the founding of an institution born from the ashes of war and built upon the hope of lasting peace. The day serves as both a commemoration and a call to action—a reminder that while progress has been made, the pursuit of global harmony remains an ongoing mission.
Meaning and Purpose
United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945, the foundational treaty that gave birth to the United Nations (UN). This day symbolizes humanity’s collective aspiration to prevent future wars, protect human rights, promote social progress, and achieve international cooperation.
It is more than a ceremonial occasion—it is a reaffirmation of shared values: peace, equality, justice, and human dignity. The UN stands as a global forum where nations, regardless of size or power, have a voice in shaping a better world.
Historical Background: The Birth of a Global Institution
The creation of the United Nations was a direct response to the devastation of the Second World War, which claimed over 60 million lives and shattered the moral and political order of the time.
In 1942, the term “United Nations” was first used in the Declaration by the United Nations, when 26 countries pledged to fight against the Axis powers.
After the war, world leaders recognized the urgent need for a permanent international body to prevent future conflicts. On October 24, 1945, after the ratification of the Charter by the majority of signatories—including the five permanent members of the Security Council—the United Nations officially came into existence.
Since then, October 24 has been observed annually as United Nations Day, reminding humanity of its common destiny.
Duties and Responsibilities of the United Nations
The United Nations shoulders an immense range of global duties through its six principal organs—most notably the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and International Court of Justice.
Its main responsibilities include:
- Maintaining international peace and security through diplomacy, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution.
- Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
- Supporting sustainable development through initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Providing humanitarian aid during crises such as wars, natural disasters, and pandemics.
- Fostering international law and cooperation on global issues like climate change, disarmament, and health.
Effectiveness: Then, Now, and Ahead
In the early decades, the UN played a crucial role in decolonization, helping more than 80 nations achieve independence. Its peacekeeping missions helped defuse tensions in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Today, its effectiveness remains mixed. The UN continues to serve as the world’s most legitimate multilateral platform, addressing global challenges—from poverty to pandemics. Yet, it often struggles with bureaucracy, political polarization, and the veto power wielded by the five permanent members (P5) of the Security Council—USA, UK, France, Russia, and China—which sometimes paralyzes decision-making.
In the future, the UN is expected to adapt to emerging realities—digital governance, climate migration, AI ethics, and equitable global trade—while striving to remain a credible voice of moral and cooperative leadership.
Achievements
Over the decades, the United Nations has made remarkable contributions to global peace and human progress:
- Peacekeeping Operations: More than 70 peacekeeping missions have been deployed since 1948, often preventing conflicts from escalating.
- Human Rights: The establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Human Rights Council gave institutional voice to dignity and justice.
- Health and Welfare: The World Health Organization (WHO) eradicated smallpox and continues to lead global health responses.
- Education and Culture: Through UNESCO, the UN preserves world heritage and promotes literacy and cultural understanding.
- Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030): A blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
- Humanitarian Aid: Agencies like UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP continue to save millions of lives annually.
Failures and Challenges
Despite its noble mission, the UN has faced criticism and setbacks:
- Inaction in Conflicts: The inability to prevent genocides in Rwanda (1994) and Bosnia (1995), and current struggles in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, expose the UN’s limitations.
- Inequality of Power: The veto system often undermines democratic decision-making.
- Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Overlapping agencies and slow processes weaken timely responses.
- Dependence on Funding: Financial constraints, often tied to political conditions, limit its autonomy.
These failures remind the global community that the UN is only as strong as the unity and sincerity of its member nations.
Promises and the Way Forward
The UN’s promise lies in its continued ability to bring nations together in dialogue rather than conflict. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development embodies this commitment—addressing poverty, climate change, education, gender equality, and peace.
Moving forward, the world needs a reformed, more inclusive United Nations—one that represents the aspirations of developing nations and harnesses modern technology to ensure transparency and accountability.
Is Everything Right There?
Not yet—but the United Nations remains humanity’s greatest hope for collective progress.
It may not be perfect, but it stands as a living symbol of our desire to cooperate rather than compete, to build rather than destroy.
On this United Nations Day, let us celebrate not only what has been achieved but also renew our commitment to the vision that inspired its creation—
a world united in peace, equality, and shared humanity.
Let us be global citizens — who not only seek success but also spread goodness.
Let us build bridges, not walls; bring solutions, not blame; and choose peace over pride.
Because ultimately, the United Nations is not just in New York.
It is within us — in our values, our empathy, and our shared humanity.
The writer is a member of Faculty of Mathematics, Department of General Education SUC, Sharjah, UAE. Email: reyaz56@gmail.com
