After the deadliest war in history, the world tried something new.

On October 24, 1945, the Charter of the United Nations entered into force. It had been drafted months earlier in San Francisco by representatives of 50 countries, and it took effect once a majority of signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, had ratified it.

The United Nations was officially born, with a mission to maintain international peace, promote human rights and encourage cooperation between nations.

Why it still matters: October 24 is celebrated every year as UN Day, and the organization remains the main global forum where nearly every country has a seat at the table.

Do you think international cooperation is easier or harder today than in 1945?

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