“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
UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.
UN70 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Time for Global Action
On Tuesday 20 October 2015, CIFAL Flanders, together with UNRIC and the United Nations Association Flanders, organise the first United Nations Day Flanders celebrating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the approval of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030).
UN Day Flanders is an initiative of CIFAL Flanders, in close collaboration with the United Nations Association Flanders Belgium (VVN) and the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC), and with the support of the Voka-Chamber of Commerce and Industry Antwerp-Waasland, Argenta, the City of Antwerp, the Flemish Government, the UN-EU Liaison Agencies in Brussels, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the partners of CIFAL Flanders.