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October 24- UN Day
The United Nations (UN) came into existence on October 24, 1945. The idea of forming a world body first germinated at the end of World War I. treaty of Versailles paved the way for foundations of “League of Nations”. This treaty was signed on June 28, 1919. The objective of the league was to encourage disarmament, improve quality of the life around the world, prevent outbreaks of war and encourage negotiations and diplomatic measures to settle international disputes. However, once the World War II started, need for a more concrete body in different form arose. The United Nations was officially created when a UN charter was ratified on October 24, 1945. The charter was ratified by five permanent members namely; United States, China, France, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union of the Security Council.
United Nations Day was first celebrated on October 24, 1948. In 1971, UN recommended for a public holiday in member states on the UN Day. The day highlights the wonderful works done by the UN during the course of its history. The occasion reflects on the achievements of the United Nations and its family of specialized agencies. United Nations and its specialized agencies have done terrific job in the fields of human rights, eradication of diseases, settlement of refugees, prevention of wars and medical and emotional support in areas affected by natural calamities.
Some of the specialized agencies of United Nations are the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Labor organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Many activates are organized on UN day in the main offices in New York, the Hague (Netherlands), Geneva (Switzerland), Vienna (Austria) and Nairobi (Kenya). UN Day is the part of United Nations Week which is organized from 20th-24th October. Several discussion, meetings and seminars take place on this day highlighting the achievements of United Nations and the challenges lying ahead.
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