The United Nations (UN)’s International Delegate’s Day is annually observed across the globe on 25th April to raise awareness about the role of the representatives and delegates of the Member States to the UN.
- The Day recognises the delegates’ role in fulfilling the UN’s main goals like maintaining international peace and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- 25 April 2024 marks the observance of the 5th International Delegate’s Day.
Background:
i.On 2nd April 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/73/286 and proclaimed the 25th April of every year as International Delegate’s Day.
ii.The 1st ever International Delegate’s Day was observed on 25 April 2020.
Why April 25?
i.The day marks the anniversary of the 1st day of the San Francisco Conference, also known as the UN Conference on International Organisations.
The San Francisco Conference:
i.Around 850 delegates from 50 nations convened for the 1st time in San Francisco, California, the United States of America (USA) from April 25 to June 26, 1945, after World War II.
- Purpose: To establish an organisation dedicated to global peace.
ii.Based on the Dumbarton Oaks proposals, the Yalta Agreement, and amendments proposed by various governments, the Conference unanimously adopted the Charter of the UN and the Statute of the new International Court of Justice on 25 June 1945.
iii.On 26th June 1945, the UN Charter was signed at the Herbst Theatre auditorium of the Veterans War Memorial Building, San Francisco.
Roles of Delegates:
i.Delegates, the UN’s cornerstone, negotiate agreements, coordinate with their home countries, and integrate multilateralism, which is crucial to the UN’s mission.
ii.Delegates speak and vote on behalf of their countries at the UNGA and other forums.
iii.Appointed by their governments, the delegates serve the interests of their nations.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, USA
Established in– 1945
