Every year on April 25th, the world observes International Delegates Day, a day dedicated to bringing attention to the important role that Member State delegates and representatives play in the UN.
The purpose of the Day is to acknowledge the delegates’ contribution to achieving the primary objectives of the UN, which include preserving world peace and promoting adherence to fundamental freedoms and human rights.
On 25th April, 2024, the Fifth International Delegate’s Day is observed.
Context:
- On April 2, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution A/RES/73/286, designating April 25 as International Delegate’s Day annually.
- On 25th April, 2020, the world celebrated the first-ever International Delegates Day.
Why 25th April?
- Today is the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference, commonly known as the UN Conference on International Organizations.
- Around 850 delegates from 50 countries met for the first time in San Francisco, California, the United States of America (USA) from April 25 to June 26, 1945, following World War II.
Mission:
- To develop an organization dedicated to global peace.
- On June 25, 1945, the Conference unanimously accepted the Charter of the United Nations and the Statute of the new International Court of Justice, based on the Dumbarton Oaks ideas, the Yalta Agreement, and several government revisions.
- On June 26, 1945, the UN Charter was signed at the Herbst Theatre auditorium of the Veterans War Memorial Building in San Francisco.
The Role of Delegates:
- Delegates have key roles in negotiating agreements, coordinating with home nations, and promoting multilateralism, all of which are essential to the UN’s mandate.
- Delegates represent their countries in the United Nations General Assembly and other venues by speaking and voting.
- Delegates are appointed by their governments to represent their respective countries’ interests.