“The United Nations is needed more than ever at this time of multiple crises. […] At this critical moment, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering the marginalized and vulnerable. On United Nations Day, I call on Governments and individuals to work in common cause for the common good. ”
– Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
October 24th will mark the 69th observance of United Nations Day; the day when the UN Charter was officially ratified by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States). The holiday has been celebrated since 1948 and, while it is not a public holiday, United Nations Day is regarded as a global day of observance. Past events for the 2013 global day of observance included UN messages displayed on NASDAQ’s seven-story tall video tower in Times Square with New York UN staff heading to Times Square wearing UN t-shirts and national dress to hand out “Every Day” UN information cards.
In Geneva, the Swiss Romande Orchestra played for the UN day celebration at the famous Victoria Hall while staff member clubs set up booths and information desks at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) as part of activities held that day. Meanwhile, in Juba, South Sudan traditional dancers performed during a ceremony marking UN Day. Rwandan peacekeepers of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) also participated in a ceremony in Juba marking UN Day.
For more information on the different UN Day celebrations you can visit:
New York http://www.unanyc.org/events/
The Hague http://www.unric.org/en/events/27110-un-day-in-the-hague
