United Nations Day
Mark United Nations Day on October 24, the anniversary of the UN Charter entering into force in 1945. That is the date the United Nations legally came into being — a founding anniversary for the organization, not a U.S. federal day off.
About United Nations Day
History & origins
United Nations Day is observed on 24 October. It is a United Nations observance.
In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization and drew up the UN Charter (Poland later signed and is counted among the original members). The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945. The United Nations came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter had been ratified by a majority of signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.
On 31 October 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 168 (II), declaring that 24 October would be devoted to making the UN’s aims and achievements known and to gaining support for its work. On 6 December 1971, resolution 2782 (XXVI) recommended that Member States observe the day as a public holiday. Some countries do; the United States does not treat it as a federal holiday.
UN Day is separate from National Food Day (also October 24 in the U.S., a CSPI food-policy date) and from Make a Difference Day (the fourth Saturday of October, which coincides with 24 October in 2026). It is also separate from UN General Assembly opening week in September.
Why it matters
The UN is easy to argue about and hard to replace as a table where almost every country still sits. The day is for the Charter’s purposes — peace, human rights, and social progress — and for the specialized agencies people actually meet: UNICEF, WHO, WFP, UNHCR. It is a civic date. It is not a parade unless a school or mission organizes one.
How to celebrate
This is not a party. Read the Preamble of the UN Charter, which is short. Learn what one UN agency does in your country. Schools often hold Model UN or flag displays; that is an appropriate use of the date. Follow UN Day events from UN Headquarters or your country’s mission. Do not mix this page with National Food Day or with World Food Day (16 October).
Facts
- The UN Charter entered into force on 24 October 1945
- Fifty countries took part in the San Francisco conference; the Charter was signed 26 June 1945
- General Assembly resolution 168 (II) of 31 October 1947 named United Nations Day
- Resolution 2782 (XXVI) of 1971 recommended that Member States keep it as a public holiday
- The United States does not observe UN Day as a federal holiday
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Sunday, October 24, 2027
- Tuesday, October 24, 2028
- Wednesday, October 24, 2029
- Thursday, October 24, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is United Nations Day in 2026?
United Nations Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
What is United Nations Day?
It is the UN’s birthday: 24 October 1945, when the Charter entered into force. The day is used to explain what the United Nations is for and to ask for support of that work.
Who started United Nations Day?
The UN came into being when the Charter was ratified in 1945. The General Assembly named 24 October as United Nations Day in 1947 (resolution 168 (II)). There is no private founder.
How do you celebrate United Nations Day?
Read the Charter preamble, learn about one UN agency, or join a school or civic program. It is an educational date, not a festival.
Is United Nations Day an official holiday?
It is an official UN observance. A 1971 resolution recommended a public holiday; some countries follow that. It is not a U.S. federal holiday.
Share
Help others discover this day by sharing it.