Australia becomes a founding member of the United Nations

24 October 1945

Near the end of the Second World War, world leaders began planning how to prevent such destruction and tragedy from happening again. In 1945, delegates from 50 countries attended the United Nations Conference on International Organisation in the Unites States where they drafted a new international agreement. The conference led to the formation of the United Nations and the United Nations Charter.

Australia was one of the founding members of the United Nations. In its major role assisting in drafting the United Nations charter, Australia championed the interests of smaller nations. Dr Herbert Evatt, High Court judge, Minister for External Affairs and future Leader of the Opposition, was the third President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. He oversaw the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which Australia signed the same year.

Much of Australia's foreign policy and some domestic law is based on a commitment to the aims of the United Nations, especially global cooperation, peace and protection of human rights. Australia is amongst the largest contributors to the United Nations and has committed more than 65,000 personnel to more than 50 peacekeeping operations.