Celebrating United Nations Day On 24 October
As the seat of the African Union and a regional United Nations office, Addis Ababa is a diplomatic hub hosting many embassies of UN member states. Here are some key facts about the UN and UNECA on the occasion of UN Day:
• The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945.
• Its main purpose is to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
• Initially founded with 51 Member States, this number has grown to 193 Member States today.
• Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia and South Africa, were founding members of the UN.
• The U.N. has six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
• Over 120 language specialists work in the UN to cover all its official languages.
• Branches and Programs of the U.N. have received the Nobel Peace Prize 11 Times.
• The official emblem of the UN has remained unchanged since 1946.
• The color blue was used for the emblem as it represents peace.
• The logo was designed by Oliver Lincoln Lundquist, a US architect.
• The UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.
UNECA: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
• The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established in 1958 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Its Headquarters are in Addis Ababa.
• It is one of five regional commissions.
• It serves 54 Member States.
• These are organized in five sub-regions: North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa.
• UNECA’s mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.
