A Look at the UN’s Enduring Legacy of 80 Years — UN Day 2025

Published by: Adv. Mamta Singh Shukla | Date: October 24, 2025

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 cooperation 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 Birth of the United Nations

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 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 October 24th as United Nations Day, first celebrated in 1948.

Principles and Missions of the UN

• Maintaining International Peace and Security
• Protecting Human Rights and Upholding International Law
• Delivering Humanitarian Aid
• Promoting Sustainable Development and Tackling Global Challenges
• Celebrating Multilateralism and Global Cooperation

How UN Day is Celebrated

• UN Day Concert at the General Assembly Hall, New York
• Message from the UN Secretary-General
• Flag-hoisting ceremonies and proclamations by world leaders
• Educational programs in schools and universities
• Cultural events, exhibitions, and food fairs
• Special UN stamps and global awareness campaigns

Key Documents and Symbols

• UN Charter (1945): Foundational treaty of the UN
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): A milestone in human rights history
• UN Emblem and Flag: World map surrounded by olive branches symbolizing peace

Major Achievements of the UN

Peace and Security

The UN has prevented large-scale conflicts between major powers, facilitated over 170 peace settlements, and conducted 70+ peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Human Rights and International Law

Adoption of UDHR, Genocide Convention, CEDAW, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child; establishment of the International Court of Justice and ICC.

Decolonization

Over 80 nations achieved independence through UN’s Trusteeship Council.

Health and Development

• WHO: Eradication of Smallpox and near-eradication of Polio
• WFP & UNICEF: Tackling hunger, poverty, and child welfare globally
• UNEP & UNESCO: Protecting environment and cultural heritage

Failures and Challenges

• Failure to Prevent Genocides: Rwanda (1994), Srebrenica (1995)
• Security Council Veto Deadlock: Stalling resolutions on Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine
• Peacekeeping Misconduct: Cases of abuse and cholera outbreak in Haiti
• Corruption and Bureaucracy: Oil-for-Food scandal and weak accountability
• Unresolved Conflicts: Israel-Palestine, Kashmir, Sudan, Myanmar

Conclusion

The United Nations is not perfect, but it remains essential. Its shortcomings reflect global divisions, while its achievements in peace, health, and development affirm its irreplaceable value. As humanity faces climate change, conflict, and pandemics, the UN’s mission—to unite nations for peace—remains more relevant than ever.

“The UN is only as strong as its member nations allow. Reform it, don’t replace it.”

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.