75th anniversary of the San Francisco Conference
Delegates bring the United Nations to life. Without them, this Organization would not be what it is. They negotiate agreements and coordinate with their home countries. Some form alliances, others struggle for compromises. In that way, they embody the multilateralism, which the UN stands for.
The delegates represent their countries in meetings at the United Nations. Unless a politician of higher rank is present, the delegates speak and vote on behalf of their country at the UN General Assembly, and other fora, such as the UN Security Council. The delegates are appointed by their countries. Hence, they follow the interests of the government they serve.
In order to raise awareness of the role of the representatives and delegates of the Member States to the United Nations, the UN General Assembly has proclaimed 25 April as International Delegate’s Day.
With the adoption of resolution 73/286, the General Assembly recognizes the crucial role of the delegates in fulfilling the main goals of the United Nations. Part of the delegates’ tasks is to live up to these goals, whether it is maintaining international peace, encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, or promoting effective multilateralism.
The 2020 International Delegate’s Day is special for two reasons. First, 25 April 2020 is the first time that International Delegate’s Day is observed. Second, the 2020 observance also marks the milestone seventy-fifth anniversary of the San Francisco Conference, an event that laid the foundations of the United Nations.
#DelegatesDay
Background
International Delegate’s Day marks the anniversary of the first day of the San Francisco Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on International Organization. On 25 April 1945, delegates from fifty countries came together for the first time in San Francisco. Coming together after the devastation of the second world war, their aim was to set up an organization that would restore world peace and impose rules on the post-war world order.
850 delegates took part in this conference, which lasted for two months. They represented over eighty per cent of the world's population, people of every world religion and continent; all determined to set up an organization, which would preserve peace and help build a better world.
Two months after the first meeting, on 26 June 1945, the Charter of the United Nations was signed by representatives of the 50 countries that attended the conference. The agreement resulted in the creation of the United Nations, an organization that now comprises 193 Member States and serves as the main international venue for collective dialogue between the delegates of its Member States. Poland, which did not have a government at the time of the conference, signed the charter later, hence bringing up the number of the Founding Member States to 51.
In its resolution 73/286 from 2 April 2019, the General Assembly recalls the achievement of the San Francisco Conference and proclaims 25 April as International Delegate’s Day.
San Francisco Conference, 1945
Resources
Documents
- General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/73/286) establishing International Delegate’s Day
- Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations
Related Events
- United Nations Day
- International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
- International Day of Parliamentarism
- International Day of Democracy
Useful Websites
Secretary-General's Message
We mark this first observance of International Delegates Day at a time when international cooperation has never been more important.
The COVID-19 pandemic demands united responses from all, without stigma and with a particular focus on the most vulnerable.
The delegates who represent their country at the United Nations are rising to the challenge, adopting new ways of working while building on a strong tradition of dialogue and collaboration.
I look forward to continuing our partnership as we strive to save lives, reduce human suffering and build a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable world for all.
António Guterres
General Assembly President's Message
On International Delegate’s Day we acknowledge the 850 delegates who participated in the San Francisco Conference seventy-five years ago, and in doing so laid the foundation for the United Nations. We recognize the important role of diplomacy in preventing war and conflict and paving the way for peaceful and prosperous societies through dialogue and collaboration, particularly during the most difficult of times.
I wish those who are suffering from COVID-19 a quick recovery and extend my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
In the General Assembly, diplomats are entrusted by the peoples of the world to work together to champion human progress through promoting peace and security, human rights and development.
Our experience has taught us that when we work together, we prevail. We must never relent in our efforts to bridge gaps and act for the common good.
The Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change mark a major triumph for diplomacy and multilateralism. However, the present crisis threatens the gains we have made over the years.
In this Decade of Action and Delivery to implement the SDGs we must demonstrate even greater resolve and galvanise multilateral action to implement the goals in order to ensure outcomes that will build resilience for the most vulnerable communities.
During this extraordinary difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we ensure the continuity of the essential work of the General Assembly.
I commend all delegates for adapting to innovative working methods at the United Nations and other fora during this trying time.
Together we must fight discrimination and stigma and halt the spread of fear and hate. It is only by striving together, that we will deliver a better, safer world for all.
As we commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, we must build trust with one another, deepen partnerships and show empathy. This is the only way to resolve the many challenges that confront us.
Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
