1945.

Y’all knew this was coming XD

So if you know anything about me (or if you read my blogger bio), you know I am obsessed with the amazing entity that is the United Nations. Today, on its 70^th anniversary, I think it’s only fitting to take a look back on the origins of this organization and the ideas on which it was founded.

The UN formally came into existence on the 24^th of October, 1945. Fifty countries came together, signed the charter, and pledged peace and fraternity to one another. Since that fateful day, the number of member countries has grown to 193, the latest to join the crew being South Sudan. It is incredibly important to note that at the time of the formation of the UN, the world was just recovering from the horrific disaster that was the Second World War. The world was sore, in shock. It was a devastating war that took millions of lives and ruined countless others. We were determined to never let that happen again.

Right now, you might be kind of annoyed that I’m giving a mini history lesson, but I think it’s extremely important to understand the context of the foundation of the UN, because it sheds light on why the world is how it is today.

Seventy years later, and the world has bounced back. All the wounds have healed, and while there are scars, we choose to put them aside. The world today is focused on progress and innovation, industry and technology. Peace in every nation is still a distant dream. I’m just sixteen, I’m really no expert but this is my two cents- I think in order to move forward and make peace, we need to look back to see what destroyed it.

The world has seen conflict over the years of course, but never on a massive scale, and most of the current generation doesn’t truly understand what war really means (and I hope we never have to.) People today argue that conflict is inevitable, that the UN is inefficient and that it isn’t worth trying any more. But they are all wrong.

Conflict may arise, but it needs to be fought. The UN may be flawed, but who among us is perfect? And if our forefathers had thought it wasn’t worth trying any more, where would we be? I have mentioned before that I love and admire the UN, and now, I’m going to tell you why. All those years ago, in the cold winds of October, 1945, the World stood together for the first time in a long time and founded this organization on the ruins they had created. There was no assurance that this would work (ideas like it had failed before) but they pushed forward nonetheless, driven by pure unbridled hope. When the world seemed bleak and lost, ripped to pieces by the scourge of war, the UN shined like a beacon, and stood as a symbol that things were going to get better. And just like we needed that hope to push us through seventy years ago, we need it again today, perhaps more than ever before.

Today, like we do on all birthdays and anniversaries, let’s take a moment to look back on our histories and see all that we have accomplished together. Let’s celebrate our achievements and learn from our mistakes. We need to remember our past to understand our present, and hopefully change our future for the better.  

So here’s to the power of hope, and the promise of peace. Here’s to the UN, and the next 70!

I’m rooting for you!

Until next time,

Bianka