2025 marks the UN's 80th anniversary.
The creation of the United Nations was the result of a global commitment to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."
80 years later, the United Nations is the most universal international organization, making it truly global in reach.
By promoting peace, human rights and social progress, including access to healthcare and education, the United Nations has improved the lives of people around the world, creating better living standards for all.
Learn about our tireless efforts to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights: https://un.org/en/essential-un
programme - UN80 Ceremony at UN Geneva
Friday, 24 October 2025, 12 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdus, Palais des Nations
Opening remarks by Ms. Alessandra Vellucci, Director of the United Nations Information Service, Geneva
Reading of the UN Day message from the UN Secretary-General, by Ms. Vellucci
Screening of the UN@80 video
Remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
Remarks by Professor Jasmine Abdulcadir, obstetrician and gynecologist and advocate for women’s rights
Remarks by Mr. Yves Lador, Representative to the UN in Geneva for Earthjustice
Closing of ceremony and invitation to visit the UN@80 exhibition in the Salle des Pas Perdus
UN's History
1945: The UN Charter is signed 26 June and comes into force 24 October.
In 1945, following the devastation of the Second World War, a group of nations committed to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."
On 24 October 1945 (now observed as United Nations Day) the founding Charter comes into force marking the birth of the Organization. This signalled a commitment to an entirely new level of international cooperation grounded in international law.
Learn more on the UN's history: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/history-of-the-un
UN Exhibition #UN80 "Shared Lives. Shared Future."
Whether you live in Afghanistan or New York, on a small Pacific island or in Africa, in Estonia or in Brazil, the United Nations System is part of your life in ways you might not expect.
Discover #UN80 "Shared Lives, Shared Future," a powerful exhibition celebrating 80 years of the UN's impact on daily lives through powerful human stories.
This exhibition showcases more than 200 stories from 193 countries, highlighting the many ways in which the world’s most crucial international organization impacts all our daily lives: supporting peace and security, overseeing regulatory frameworks, providing humanitarian assistance and fostering development, facilitating international conventions on trade, or advancing human rights.