United Nations Day 2024: Date, History, Quotes, Quiz

International days are special occasions that help raise awareness about important issues, celebrate achievements, and tackle global challenges. They offer a chance for communities to organize activities and educate the public on various themes. Everyone—from governments and organizations to schools and individuals—can use these days to promote understanding and action.

One such day is United Nations Day, celebrated each year to honor the founding of the United Nations in 1945. With 193 member countries, the UN works to address global problems and uphold its founding principles. In this article, we’ll explore the history of United Nations Day, activities you can participate in, inspiring quotes, and even a fun quiz!

United Nations Day 2024: Date

United Nations Day is observed on October 24 each year, marking the anniversary of the UN’s founding in 1945. In 2024, this important day will once again highlight the UN’s mission to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It serves as a reminder of the global community’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and fostering dialogue for a better future. On this day, various events and activities will take place around the world to celebrate the UN’s achievements and encourage continued support for its goals.

United Nations Day 2024 History 

The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II, when 51 countries met in San Francisco to commit to maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, improved living standards, and human rights. The UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945.

The term “United Nations,” coined by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the Declaration by the United Nations on January 1, 1942, during the war, when representatives of 26 nations pledged to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. In 1947, the UN General Assembly declared October 24 as a day to inform the world about the aims and achievements of the organization and to gain support for its work.

In 1971, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 2782, establishing United Nations Day as an international observance and recommending that member states recognize it as a public holiday. Since 1948, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation each year to honor United Nations Day, reinforcing its significance in promoting global cooperation and understanding. In 2024, this day will continue to serve as a reminder of the UN’s ongoing mission and achievements.

The Four Main Objectives of the United Nations

1. To Maintain Global Peace: Ensuring peace and security around the world.
2. To Foster Friendly Relations Among Nations: Promoting cooperation and understanding between countries.
3. To Improve Lives and Combat Poverty: Assisting nations in tackling hunger, disease, illiteracy, and promoting respect for human rights and freedoms.
4. To Serve as a Hub for Collaboration: Harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these shared goals.

How to Celebrate United Nations Day 2024 UN Day Activities

United Nations Day is celebrated around the world with meetings, discussions, and exhibitions showcasing the achievements and goals of the organization. Many international schools in India and other countries also take part in this celebration, highlighting the diversity of their student body. Although the event may not always occur on October 24, it often includes cultural performances and food fairs featuring dishes from around the globe.

Here are some activities to consider for United Nations Day in 2024:

1. Promote Peace: Organize events that instill peace and harmony within the community. Encourage volunteerism and activities that support peaceful interactions in daily life.
2. Conflict Resolution Skills: Incorporate training on handling emotions and stress. Activities that teach conflict resolution can foster a more peaceful environment.
3. Engage in Humanitarian Causes: Volunteer for charities, organize fundraising efforts, and conduct surveys to identify individuals in need. Initiate humanitarian drives to mobilize community support.
4. Sustainable Environment Initiatives: Participate in environmental activities that align with UN objectives. Host awareness sessions to educate others about the importance of protecting our planet.
5. Support Child Rights: Advocate for education rights for all children, focusing on girls’ education and the eradication of child abuse.
6. Host a Speaker: Invite a guest speaker to discuss the UN’s work in the international community, possibly collaborating with an academic department or student organization.
7. Screen a Documentary: Show a documentary related to a UN issue and consider charging admission to raise funds for a UN cause.
8. Decorate for Awareness: Use blue and white decorations in schools or community centers to promote UN awareness.
9. Recognize Local Leaders: Honor individuals in your community who are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals.
10. Organize Discussions and Debates: Host debates, group discussions, or school assemblies on global issues and brainstorm solutions together.
11. Arrange a Seminar: Involve civic leaders and media representatives to discuss relevant topics.
12. Request a Proclamation: Ask local authorities to issue a UN Proclamation or create a UN-themed stamp.
13. Community Clean-Up: Organize a neighborhood clean-up to promote environmental awareness and community spirit.
14. Volunteer Locally: Dedicate time to local charitable organizations, fostering community engagement.
15. Cultural Exchange: Encourage students from different countries to share their cultures through national costumes, songs, or stories. Consider an essay contest on the role of the UN.
16. Screen UN-related Videos: Watch educational videos about the UN’s work and initiatives to deepen understanding.

UN Day 2024 Quotes

• “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” — Albert Einstein
• “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” — Ronald Reagan
• “More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.”
  – Kofi Annan
• The United Nations, whose membership comprises almost all the states in the world, is founded on the principle of the equal worth of every human being.”- Kofi Annan
• The global work of the United Nations is not without reason compared to that of a family — striving for a common goal in concert with all members for a better future. – Kofi Annan
• “We are called upon to offer a different type of leadership – leadership strong enough to recognize that nations share common interests and people share a common humanity, and, yes, there are certain ideas and principles that are universal. That’s what those who shaped the United Nations 70 years ago understood. Let us carry forward that faith into the future – for it is the only way we can assure that future will be brighter for my children, and for yours.”- President Obama

• “I hope the United Nations will ever remain the supreme forum of peace and justice, the authentic seat of freedom” -POPE JOHN PAUL II,

• “No achievement can be higher than that of working in harmony with other nations so that the lash of war may be lifted from our backs and a peace of lasting friendship descend upon us.”- Cordell Hull

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UN Day 2024 Quiz

2. What is the term of United Nations Secretary General?

A) 3 years

B) 6 years

C) 4 years

D) 5 years

Ans: D)

3. Who was the only Secretary General of the UNO to have died while in office?

A) U Thant

B) Dag Hammarskjöld

C) Trygve Lie

D) Kurt Waldhiem

Ans: B)

4. In which year was the UNO awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?

A) 1975

B) 1999

C) 2001

D) 2006

Ans: C

7. Which organ of the United Nations has suspended its operations since 1994?

A) Trusteeship Council

B) Economic and Social Council

C) Secretariat

D) International Court of Justice

Ans: A)

10. What is the term of the President of the UN General Assembly?

A) 4 years

B) 2 years

C) 1 year

D) 5 years

Ans: C)

A) Peacemaking Troops

B) Peaceful Troops

19. Who of the following was the U.N.O.’s first Secretary General from the African continent?

A) Kofi Anan

B) Boutros Boutros-Ghali

C) Javier Perez de Cuellar

D) Ban Ki-moon

Ans: B)

20. Which specialized agency of UNO lists World Heritage Sites?

A) UNESCO

B) UNICEF

C) UNWTO

D) WWF

Ans: A)

21. On what date did the U. N. O. adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

A) 20th October, 1945

B) 24th October, 1945

C) 26th June, 1945

D) 10th December, 1948

Ans: D)

22. Which of the following is not one of the official languages of the U.N.O.?

A) French

B) Spanish

C) Arabic

D) Italian

Ans: D)

23. Which of the following countries is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council ?

A) USA

B) UK

C) France

D) Spain

Ans: D)

24. Who was the first Indian to be the President of U. N. General Assembly ?

A) Natwar Singh

B) V. K. Krishna Menon

C) Smt. Vijay Laxmi Pandit

D) Romesh Bhandari

Ans: C)