[2] The first event called "United Nations Day" was a World War II Allies' day of solidarity and military parades launched by US president Franklin D. Roosevelt tied to US Flag Day on 14 June 1942, six months after the Declaration by United Nations.

Prior to the foundation of the UN itself, it was not directly connected to the current international observance.

U.N. Day has traditionally been marked throughout the world with meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements and goals of the organization.

In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that member states observe it as a public holiday.

[citation needed] Several international schools throughout the world would also celebrate the diversity of their student body on United Nations Day (although the event is not necessarily celebrated on 24 October).