International Delegate’s Day is commemorated on April 25 every year. It recognizes delegates who are a key part of the United Nations. Without them, the U.N. wouldn’t exist. As representatives of their governments, U.N. delegates are committed to the spirit of multilateralism. They all work together under the United Nations to help solve problems worldwide. Delegates participate in discussions at the U.N. General Assembly and other international forums. They vote, but their votes aren’t counted unless a head of state or government is in attendance. The delegates were chosen by their governments. Because of this, they have to act in their country’s best interests.
History of International Delegate’s Day
Delegates from different nations exchange their views and ideas at the United Nations. When high-ranking politicians are not present, the delegates speak and vote on behalf of their country at the U.N. General Assembly and at other gatherings where the Security Council is represented.The delegates represent their countries. They are not self-appointed, so they tend to support the political interests of the governments who sent them. Delegates from 50 countries came together in San Francisco on April 25, 1945. After the devastation of World War II, they aimed to set up an organization that would promote peace and impose rules on the post-war world. More than 850 delegates attended the conference, which lasted for two months. Determined to set up an organization that would preserve peace and helps build a better world, representatives of more than 80% of the world’s population — people from every religion and continent — gathered.On June 26, 1945, two months after the first meeting, the 50 countries signed the United Nations Charter. The United Nations Organization’s establishment in 1945 resulted from the signing of the United Nations Charter, which enshrines the principles that shape the organization’s work. The U.N. now comprises 192 Member States and is guided by its Charter’s set of purposes and principles. On April 2, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 25 as International Delegate’s Day to commemorate the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco.
International Delegate’s Day timeline
Delegates from 50 countries come together in San Francisco.
The U.N. Charter, the founding document of the United Nations Organization, is signed in San Francisco.
Norwegian politician Trygve Halvdan Lie is appointed as the first-ever Secretary-General of the United Nations.
o raise awareness about the role of the U.N.’s delegates, the U.N. General Assembly declares April 25, the anniversary of its first conference in San Francisco, as International Delegate’s Day.
International Delegate’s Day FAQs
How do you become a youth delegate?
The first step is convincing your country that it needs a youth representative at U.N. General Assembly (UNGA). Once your country establishes a position for a youth representative, it will have to initiate the selection process.
What is the largest body of the U.N.?
The General Assembly coordinates the work of the U.N., discussing problems and solutions to global issues.
Who controls the U.N.?
The United Nations chief administrative officer is the Secretary-General, currently António Guterres of Portugal.
How to Observe International Delegate’s Day
-
Send cards or thank-you notes
Thanking your delegates for all their hard work can be as simple as sending them thank-you cards or emails. You could send them handwritten cards or print-out cards.
-
Learn more about U.N.’s delegates
Learn more about representatives in the U.N. Dig into how they came to choose their career paths, their favorite things about working as delegates, and what they think being delegates would mean for the future of work. You might get inspired to become a delegate too.
-
Create a fun activity
Create a fun activity during breaks. Have ice breaker questions where delegates can get to know each other better by asking questions such as "What was your most memorable moment at last year's event?" or "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?" This will help attendees bond with each other during the breaks and maybe even make new friends.
5 Cool Facts About The United Nations
-
It has six official languages
The languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
-
It has its own news site
The site separates stories by world regions, topics, and timeliness.
-
Has 36 specialized agencies, programs, and partnerships
There are 36 agencies and programs in the United Nations, the sum of which is known as the "U.N. Family.
-
The emblem hasn't changed since 1946
The emblem consists of two olive branches which signify peace and the map of the world which signifies the organization’s commitment to world peace.
-
Has almost 200 member states
The United Nations currently has 196 member states; the only four countries that are not U.N. members are Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, and Vatican City.
Why International Delegate’s Day is Important
-
It appreciates delegates
The holiday is an appreciation to delegates. Their efforts, and their hard work to make the world better.
-
It provides a good opportunity to reflect
It is a special day to celebrate the achievements of those who have contributed to the advancement of society. It's a time when we can pause and reflect on how far we have come as a species and what our future holds.
-
We now understand the importance of delegtaes
Delegates play an important role in ensuring that the needs of their constituents are met. They also provide valuable insight into how the association can better serve its members. On this day, we learn and understand the importance of delegates.
International Delegate’s Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 25 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | April 25 | Thursday |
| 2025 | April 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 25 | Sunday |
