United Nations Week starts on October 18 and runs up to October 24 every year. This day has been celebrated annually since 2003. Presently made up of 193 member states, including the Philippines, the U.N. has evolved throughout the years to keep up with an ever-changing world, but its work is still guided by the principles held within its founding charter. It’s the one place on Earth where all nations can come together, discuss problems, and find a solution that benefits everyone.
History of United Nations Week
The year was 1945 in San Francisco, California: representatives of 50 countries met at the United Nations Conference on International Organization from April 25 to June 26, just before the end of World War II. They drafted and signed the U.N. Charter after two months, creating a new international organization called the United Nations. It aimed to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, uphold international law, as well as extend humanitarian assistance. More than 75 years later, the U.N. is also involved in setting sustainable development goals for a more sustainable future for everyone. Action to limit global warming has also been agreed upon by the U.N. member states.
The Philippines was one of the original member states, and one of only four Asian nations that signed the charter signaling the start of the U.N. It was also one of the co-founders of the G-77 coalition in 1964 that helped promote collective economic interests in the U.N. The organization evolved into the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four on International Monetary Affairs and Development or G-24.
For over seven decades, the Philippine government has partnered with the U.N. through different programs and commitments, such as the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs. The country also consistently sends peacekeepers to the U.N., and its office employs a huge number of Filipinos. The U.N. also assists the country during calamities and helps raise funds for various causes.
United Nations Week timeline
Carlos P. Romulo becomes the president of the U.N. General Assembly in its Fourth Session.
The Standard Basic Assistance Agreement provides an early draft for the U.N. Development Fund Programme’s work in the country and the current legal basis for U.N.D.P’s operations.
One of the strongest storms ever recorded devastates the Philippines, prompting the U.N. to mount a huge coordinated humanitarian response to provide immediate aid to affected families.
The U.N.-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines versus China,
upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or U.N.C.L.O.S.
United Nations Week FAQs
Who represents the Philippines in the U.N.?
Diplomat Enrique A. Manalo has been the permanent representative of the Philippines to the U.N. since 2020.
How much does the Philippines contribute to the U.N.?
Currently, it contributes 0.165 % of the U.N.’s regular budget resources and 0.0330 % of U.N. peacekeeping resources.
When did the Philippines first contribute to the U.N. peacekeepers?
The Philippines first became involved in the U.N. peacekeeping operations in December 1962. U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold called on the country to join the other Member-States in assisting the U.N. Operations in the Congo or O.N.U.C.
How to Observe United Nations Week
Wear blue and white
In honor of the day, wear blue and white. Blue symbolizes peace, opposite to red, which signifies war or unrest.
Donate to UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund works to assist and protect the rights of children in need all over the world. Any amount would be very much welcome.
Host a U.N. costume party
Tell your guests to come in the costume of a U.N. member country of their choice. At the very least, they can carry a flag. Serve food and drinks from around the world while an international playlist hums in the background.
5 Filipino Presidents Of The U.N. Security Council
Carlos P. Romulo
He was president in September and December 1957, as well as in July 1980 and September 1981.
Jacinto Castel Borja
He presided over the U.N.S.C. in September 1963.
Lauro Baja Jr.
June 2004 and September 2005 were his dates as president.
Delia Domingo-Albert
She shared presidential duties with Lauro Baja Jr. in June 2004.
Bayani Mercado
He was also president along with Lauro Baja Jr. in September 2005.
Why United Nations Week is Important
It honors a partnership
As one of the original signatories of the U.N. Charter, the support that has existed between the Philippines and the U.N. throughout the years is considered invaluable. We love this day for honoring partnerships!
It celebrates unity
The U.N. is where nations come together to find solutions to global problems. That’s something everyone should get behind.
It promotes peace
It should not be forgotten that part of the reason the U.N. was formed was with the hope that international peace and security would be protected in the future. We support any day that favors peace and nation-building.
United Nations Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 18 | Saturday |
| 2026 | October 18 | Sunday |
| 2027 | October 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | October 18 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | October 18 | Thursday |
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