The UN in China celebrates UN Day and the 50th Anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the UN

UN Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force. UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify the working agenda, and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided the Organization since its founding.

“Seventy-six years ago, the United Nations was created as a vehicle of hope for a world emerging from the shadow of catastrophic conflict. Today, the women and men of the UN carry this hope forward around the globe.”, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a global video message shared at the occasion.

For this year’s celebration, the UN in China, in collaboration with The Poem for You, curated a unique program, entitled “Moonrise: An Autumn of Poetry, Music, and Harmony”, featuring cultural and poetry performances to share a message of hope and understanding for a world striving to build a more sustainable, peaceful, and just future.

“Today as we celebrate UN Day and reflect on the historic milestone of the 50th Anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the UN, it is time to reimagine, reinvigorate, and renew our hard work in building lasting peace and prosperity for the people of China and the world.”, said UN Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee.

The program featured remarks from distinguished guests, including Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, and poetry readings from the UN Resident Coordinator and the Ambassadors of Cambodia, Ireland, Lebanon, and Russia.

"The next step in China's international development cooperation will be to focus on the fight against epidemics, public health, economic recovery, improvement of people's livelihood, and coordination and cooperation with the UN system in Beijing," said Chairman Luo Zhaohui.

Over 120 attendees from UN agencies, the government, diplomatic community, international organizations, foundations, private sector, and media joined the event, which included a reception held in the gardens of the UN Compound in Beijing.

At a social media corner for the event, attendees also viewed photos and videos in support of the global UN campaign, #ActNow, highlighting the importance of climate action and how individuals can contribute to a greener, more sustainable planet.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Louise Xi LI, Head of Communications, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in China

Tel: +8610-85320725, Email: xi.li@un.org    

About The UN in China

The United Nations (UN) in China has been a trusted development partner of China for over 40 years. It has witnessed the profound economic and social transformations that have taken place in the country since the introduction of reforms in the late 1970s. 

In the four decades since, the role of the UN in China has shifted from that of a traditional donor to that of a partner providing technical expertise and support, both within and beyond its national boundaries, including in its activities under the framework of South-South Cooperation. In all of these endeavours, the role of the UN in China is to add value, contribute expertise and ensure compliance to international norms and standards. 

The UN in China values its engagement with national stakeholders, including Government, bilateral and multilateral donors, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and businesses in both the public and private sectors. The UN in China seeks to consistently build upon its position as a key partner, most notably by creating and reinforcing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with national development priorities.

About United Nations Day

United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter – the founding document of the UN. The UN Charter was drafted at the Conference on International Organisation in San Francisco. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948 in honour of this anniversary.

About The Poem for You

The Poem for You, founded in 2013, is devoted to promoting poetry and traditional Chinese culture among the public, particularly younger generations, conducting relevant international cultural exchanges. We have invited guests from all walks of life to read poetry, including heads of states of foreign countries, industry leaders, super idols, and ordinary people, reaching Chinese users of over 30 million and overseas users across more than 40 countries and regions. Through audio and video programs, performances, courses and publications, the platform links poetry, nature, art, and life together in a most miraculous way, in the hope of providing the audience with a spiritual home for console and inspiration.