United Nations Day is observed on October 24 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the intergovernmental organisation. The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945. The United Nations General Assembly in 1971 recommended that the day be observed by the Member States as a public holiday. United Nations Day 2019 theme 'Our Planet. Our Future.'

The 2019 UN Day Concert will be held on Thursday, 24 October 2019 at 4 p.m. in the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters in New York. It will feature the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra with the participation of Dana Al Fardan, Hala Al-Emadi and Aisha. The first event called United Nations Day was a World War II Allies' day of solidarity and military parades launched by US President Franklin D Roosevelt on June 14, 1942, six months after the Declaration by United Nations. It was observed in New York City as the "New York at War" parade, in London, and by the Soviet and Chinese governments

Talking about United Nations Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, "United Nations Day highlights the enduring ideals of the Charter, which entered into force on this date 74 years ago. Amid stormy global seas, the Charter remains our shared moral anchor."

António Guterres on United Nations Day 2019:

António Guterres said, "At this time of turbo-charged change, the United Nations remains focused on the real problems of real people. We are working for fair globalization and bold climate action. We are pushing for human rights and gender equality -- and saying 'no" to hatred of any kind. And we are striving to maintain peace – while bringing life-saving aid to millions caught up in armed conflict. The United Nations itself is becoming ever more agile and accountable as we enhance support to countries.

He further says, "Next year marks the Organization's 75th anniversary. This milestone is a critical moment to shape our future, together. I invite you to join the conversation. Together, let us advance the well-being of 'we the peoples'."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2019 05:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).