When is United Nations Day?
United Nations Day 2026 is on Saturday
Saturday, October 24, 2026
October 24 every year. That's in 20 days.
until United Nations Day begins, in your time zone
United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter taking effect in 1945, the moment the organization officially came into being. It is a chance to reflect on the UN's purposes and on the work it does around the world.
About United Nations Day
United Nations Day celebrates the founding of the UN and the aims written into its Charter: keeping international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, working together on economic, social and humanitarian problems, and promoting respect for human rights. UN offices, schools, universities and civic groups in many countries use the day for talks, exhibitions and events about what the organization does and how it works.
In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the Charter, which was signed on June 26 of that year. It entered into force on October 24, 1945, once it had been ratified by a majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. That date is treated as the UN's birthday. The organization started with 51 member states and now has 193.
On October 31, 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 168 (II), declaring that October 24 would be United Nations Day and that it should be devoted to making the UN's aims and achievements known and gaining support for its work. In 1971 the Assembly went further with resolution 2782 (XXVI), which recommended that member states observe the day as a public holiday. Whether they do is up to each country's government.
Sources: United Nations: United Nations Day, United Nations: Happy United Nations Day!, General Assembly resolution 168 (II) (1947). How we check dates.
How to mark United Nations Day
- Read the preamble of the UN Charter and talk with family, friends or students about how well its goals are being met today.
- Attend a UN Day event held by a local United Nations Association, university or Model UN club.
- Learn about one UN agency, such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme or the World Health Organization, and what it does in your region.
- Help a school run a Model UN session in which students represent different countries and debate a current issue.
- Follow the UN's official channels on the day for the Secretary-General's message and events from UN Headquarters.
United Nations Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, October 24, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, October 24, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, October 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, October 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, October 24, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, October 24, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, October 24, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is United Nations Day 2026?
United Nations Day 2026 is on Saturday, October 24, 2026. It falls on October 24 every year. In 2027, it is on Sunday, October 24, 2027.
Why is UN Day on October 24?
The UN Charter entered into force on October 24, 1945, after a majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, had ratified it. That is when the United Nations officially came into being.
How many countries belong to the United Nations?
The UN has 193 member states. It started in 1945 with 51.
Is United Nations Day a public holiday?
No. United Nations Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.