Against the backdrop of conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, Myanmar, or Sudan, adding to polarization and climate change, the opening words of the document underline the need to remain united and resolute to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”

Signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, following the United Nations Conference on International Organization, the Charter was enforced on October 24 of the same year.

The charter empowers the UN to adopt decisions on a wide range of problems inherited and exacerbated after the devastating World War II.

The world’s most translated document is an instrument of international law and is binding on all 193 UN member states.

Its principles range from guidelines for international relations to the sovereign equality of states and the prohibition of the use of force among nations.

The UN Charter and the nuclear age emerged almost simultaneously. The horrors of World War II culminated in the atomic blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

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