DUSHANBE, October 23, Asia-Plus - The United Nations marks its 61 ^st anniversary tomorrow, October 24.

The name "United Nations", coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1 January 1942, during the Second World War, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers.  In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organization to draw up the United Nations Charter.  Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States at Dumbarton Oaks, United States, in August-October 1944. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 member states.

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter At present had been ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and a majority of other signatories.  United Nations Day  is celebrated on 24 October each year.  The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.  It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization.  In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday.

At present 192 countries are members of the United Nations

Today, 15 UN agencies are active in Tajikistan.  The UN contribution to development of Tajikistan is very broad and includes the following aspects: reduction of poverty; healthcare, gender quality; education and management of disaster risks.  The UN agencies have implemented a number of important projects embracing improvements in security, foodstuffs, and access to fresh water. 

Over the past three years, the UN agencies operating in Tajikistan have attracted more than 50 million US dollars for various social programs in the republic and made shift from humanitarian to developmental focus.  Efficient aid to Tajikistan’s population is under way.