United Nations Day 2026, Guterres Calls for Dialogue, Cooperation, Solidarity

UN News

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United Nations Day is observed annually on 24 October, marking the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force in 1945, which formally established the organisation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message that the occasion celebrates not only an organisation but also an idea, stressing that "humanity’s future depends on our ability to work together to advance peace, development and human rights".

The occasion provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations’ mission and objectives, highlighting its efforts to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian assistance and promote sustainable development.

The significance of the day is further emphasised by the growing global challenges that call for stronger international cooperation and collective action to build a more peaceful, just and stable world.

"For 81 years, the United Nations has given life to that idea, settling disputes — with diplomacy and laws, not weapons, working to eradicate poverty and hunger, promoting human rights, and delivering life-saving aid to people facing war, disaster and displacement," Guterres said.

"From transportation, trade and technology; to safeguarding the health of people and plane; to championing gender equality and expanding opportunity for women and girls; to giving all countries an equal voice on the global stag," he added. "The United Nations is an essential part of the fabric of our world and it’s needed more than ever."

"Our world is shaken by conflict, battered by the climate crisis, scarred by rising inequalities, and transformed by technologies speeding faster than our ability to govern them," he said.

"Now is the time to reaffirm the values that gave birth to the United Nations:  Dialogue over division, Cooperation over confrontation, Solidarity over fear," he added.

At the end of his message, Guterres called on all countries to renew their commitment to these shared values and the obligations that underpin them.

"Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law. And let’s work to strengthen the United Nations to best serve people and meet the challenges of our time," he said.

The United Nations was established in the aftermath of the Second World War, a devastating conflict that caused widespread destruction and immense loss of life and property. The war underscored the need for an international organisation dedicated to preventing future conflicts and promoting cooperation among nations.

Against this backdrop, representatives from 50 countries gathered in San Francisco, United States, from 25 April to 26 June 1945 for the United Nations Conference on International Organization. The conference resulted in the drafting and signing of the UN Charter, laying the foundations for a new international body committed to maintaining international peace and security.

The Charter entered into force on 24 October 1945, following its ratification by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States — alongside a majority of the other signatory states. The date marked the official establishment of the United Nations and the beginning of its work.



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