United Nations Mark 64th Anniversary

The United Nations organization marks Saturday the 64th anniversary of its establishment.

On October 24, 1945 the United Nations Charter entered into force, ratified by 51 countries including China, France, the Soviet Union, the US, and Great Britain. The anniversary has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday.

On this same day the UN broke ground of their building in Manhattan, New York, which later became the organization’s headquarters.

Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 192 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.

The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peace building, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programs) affect our lives and make the world a better place.

The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.

"The United Nations is doing its utmost to respond — to address the big issues, to look at the big picture. We are forging a new multilateralism that can deliver real results for all people, especially those most in need," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message dedicated to the organization’s 64th anniversary.

A concert including performances of international musical stars, such as Roberta Flack, Emmanuel Jal with DJ Silvastone, Harry Belafonte among others is scheduled for Saturday night at the UN New York Headquarters. It is also going to become the opening night for the documentary “War against War” of US Director Fisher Stevens, dedicated to the UN peacekeeping missions.