The United Nations or UN was officially established on 24th October 1945, 80 years ago this month, in the aftermath of the Second World War. The goal was to build an international body that could prevent future global conflicts and promote peace and cooperation, enforced by the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China. Representatives from 50 countries had gathered in San Francisco to draft and sign the United Nations Charter on 26th June 1945.

In this telegram from President Roosevelt of the USA to Prime Minister Winston Churchill of England, dated 24th February 1944, Roosevelt refers to the number of important steps that the Governments of the UN had already taken towards ‘laying the foundations for post-war co-operative action’. From conferences on food and agriculture, to the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and commercial policy, developmental investment, labour organization and more, discussions had already taken place on various topics aimed towards international cooperation and peace. Roosevelt suggests that next steps should taken towards ‘the establishment of United Nations machinery for post-war economic collaboration’, asking for Churchill’s views on this idea. As this telegram clearly shows, the creation of the UN was not a quick nor easy solution, but the result of long-term collaboration and a mutual vision.

In the 80 years since its creation, the UN has had a profound impact on global affairs. It has helped mediate peace in conflict zones, coordinated humanitarian relief for millions affected by war and natural disasters, and played a central role in advancing international law and human rights. Specific examples include creating UNICEF to help save the lives of 90 million children, creating the first comprehensive framework for human rights law through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, and the negotiation of important treaties such as the 1968 Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The UN continues to address the world’s most pressing challenges from climate change and global health crises, to poverty reduction, and gender equality. It acts as a platform for discussions and collaboration among its 193 member states. Its ongoing mission remains important to this day, to maintain international peace and security, foster cooperation, and uphold the dignity and rights of all people.

➜ CHAR 20/157/101-102: Telegram from President Roosevelt to WSC marked "Personal and Most Secret" commenting on the need for the establishment of United Nations machinery for post war economic cooperation and asking him for his opinions on this matter.