The United Nations Is Founded as Its Charter Comes into Force

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence when its founding Charter entered into force. After the devastation of the Second World War, the new organisation offered countries a permanent framework for discussing shared problems and working towards international peace.

From San Francisco to a Founding Charter

The groundwork had been laid earlier that year at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. Representatives of 50 countries gathered between April and June to negotiate the document that would define the organisation’s purposes, principles and structure.

On June 26, 1945, the participating countries signed the Charter. Poland signed later and joined them among the 51 founding members. Signing the document was an essential step, but its entry into force required formal ratification by the necessary governments.

The Day the United Nations Began

That requirement was fulfilled on October 24. The Charter had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with a majority of the other signatories. The conditions for establishing the organisation were therefore met.

The Charter provided the basis for institutions including the General Assembly, the Security Council and the International Court of Justice. It also established principles for relations between states, including sovereign equality and limits on the use of force.

Why October 24 Is United Nations Day

Since 1948, the anniversary has been observed as United Nations Day. Meetings, exhibitions and other activities have used the occasion to explain the organisation’s aims and reflect on its work.

The date commemorates the moment a negotiated agreement became an operating international institution. It marks an attempt to give cooperation a lasting structure: a place where countries could meet, debate and seek common responses to challenges extending beyond their borders.