United Nations Day (redirected from U.N. Day)

United Nations Day

October 24

The international peacekeeping organization known as the United Nations was formally established on October 24, 1945, in the wake of World War II. Representatives from the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China first met in August and September of 1944 at the Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D.C., to discuss the problems involved in creating such an agency, and the results of their talks became the basis for the United Nations Charter that was ratified the following year. Although it has not always been successful in maintaining world peace, the U.N. has served as an important international forum for the handling of conflicts in the Middle East, Korea, Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, and other troubled areas.
Each member nation observes October 24, and in some places the entire week is known as United Nations Week . In the United States, events taking place on this day include parades, international fairs, and dinners featuring foods from different countries. It is also common to hold debates and discussions designed to acquaint the public with the U.N.'s functions. Schools frequently observe United Nations Day by holding folk festivals that teach students the music, songs, and dances of different countries, or by organizing special programs focusing on their geography, products, government, and culture.

CONTACTS:
United Nations, Global Teaching and Learning Project
United Nations HQ, Rm. 931-B
New York, NY 10017
212-963-8589; fax: 212-963-3358
www.un.org

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 728
AnnivHol-2000, p. 177
BkHolWrld-1986, Oct 24
DictDays-1988, p. 124

Celebration day: Oct 24

Celebrated in: Haiti, Palau