On This Day - October 24, 1945: The United Nations Charter Came into Force

On this day in 1945, the charter of the United Nations officially came into force, marking the establishment of the world’s foremost international organization dedicated to maintaining peace and fostering friendly relations among nations. The UN was born out of the devastation of World War II, with the hope of preventing future global conflicts and promoting cooperation across the world.

Although the charter was signed on June 26, 1945, it wasn’t until October 24 that it became operational, following ratification by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with a majority of other signatory nations.

The first meetings of the General Assembly, attended by representatives from 51 nations, and the Security Council took place in London in January 1946. Early debates focused on pressing issues of the time, including the presence of Russian troops in Iranian Azerbaijan and British forces in Greece.

October 24th is now celebrated as United Nations Day, a reminder of the vital role the organization plays in promoting peace, security, and cooperation in a complex world.