The Red Cross Is Founded
On October 29, 1863, sixteen nations met in Geneva and founded the Red Cross to aid war's wounded.
The International Workingmen's Association Is Founded in London
On September 28, 1864, the First International was founded in London, bringing together trade unionists, socialists and political exiles.
The Food and Agriculture Organization Is Founded
On October 16, 1945, 42 countries signed the founding constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Quebec City, Canada.
The GATT Is Signed
On October 30, 1947, twenty-three nations signed the GATT to cut tariffs and open world trade.
The Convention Establishing CERN Is Signed
On September 29, 1954, twelve countries signed the convention establishing CERN, the European particle physics laboratory near Geneva.
East and West Germany Are Admitted to the United Nations
On September 18, 1973, East and West Germany both joined the United Nations, 24 years after the two states were founded.
Vietnam Is Admitted to the United Nations
On September 20, 1977, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined the United Nations, two years after reunification ended the Vietnam War.
The Montreal Protocol Is Signed to Save the Ozone Layer
On September 16, 1987, nations signed the Montreal Protocol to phase out CFCs and protect the ozone layer. It is the only UN treaty ratified by every country.
North and South Korea Join the United Nations Together
On September 17, 1991, North and South Korea joined the United Nations as separate states, after decades of rival claims to represent all of Korea.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Opens for Signature
On September 24, 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature, banning all nuclear test explosions.
The Seventh Military World Games Open in Wuhan
On October 18, 2019, the seventh Military World Games opened in Wuhan, China, with more than 100 countries taking part.