Summary

**Summary:** The United Nations (U.N.) has celebrated many pivotal moments since its founding in 1945, aiming to maintain global peace. Key events include the signing of the U.N. Charter, historical interventions during conflicts, and notable speeches at the U.N. General Assembly. **Key Facts:** - The U.N. was established in June 1945 when representatives from 50 countries signed the U.N. Charter in San Francisco. - In July 1950, the U.N. Security Council authorized military action in response to North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, marking the first collective security effort under the U.N. - In October 1960, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev famously banged his fists during a U.N. General Assembly session amid Cold War tensions. - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat spoke at the U.N. in November 1974, symbolically carrying both an olive branch and a gun. - The U.N. headquarters in Baghdad was bombed in August 2003, resulting in the deaths of many staff members, including a prominent U.N. leader. - In September 2009, Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi dramatically tore up the U.N. Charter during a lengthy speech at the U.N. General Assembly. - A devastating earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010, killing 102 U.N. staff members and leading to a significant international response. - In September 2010, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addressed the U.N. and criticized threats to burn religious texts, like the Quran.