United Nations Day is devoted to highlighting the aims and achievements of the United Nations.
This year's UN Day focuses on the eight UN Millennium Development Goals and the global action plan to achieve the eight goals by their 2015 target date:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- achieve universal primary education
- promote gender equality and empower women
- reduce child mortality
- improve maternal health
- combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- ensure environmental sustainability
- develop a global partnership for development.
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.
Resources
- United Nations (UN)
International assembly of countries committed to preserving peace through international co-operation and collective security.
- UN Millennium Development Goals
Progress towards the eight goals agreed by the 191 United Nations' Member States, including eradicating poverty, universal primary education and promoting gender equality by 2015.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- On December 10 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicise the text of the Declaration and 'to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.'
- United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child, agreed by the United Nations, came into force in September 1990. The text of the Convention is available online or as a PDF file.
- Human Rights Topics for Preschool and Lower Primary School
Chapter from the United Nations publication with learning activities and games to foster awareness of human rights among children.
- Modern Studies: Global Security
Support notes for teachers and students on the National Qualifications website. The pack covers the United Nations, NATO, peacekeeping and international terrorism. Themed questions and student activities are included.
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