---
title: "Charter of the United Nations — Definition & Meaning"
description: "The Charter of the United Nations is the founding treaty of the UN, signed in 1945, establishing its key purposes and obligations for member states."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/charter-of-the-united-nations"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Charter of the United Nations is the founding treaty of the UN, signed in 1945, establishing its organs, purposes, principles, and binding obligations on member states.
- What is the difference between the signing date and the entry-into-force date of the Charter?
- What does Article 103 of the Charter establish?
- How can the Charter be amended, and how often has it been amended?
- How does Chapter VII differ from Chapter VI?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Charter of the United Nations is the founding treaty of the UN, signed in 1945, establishing its organs, purposes, principles, and binding obligations on member states.

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## Timeline

1. 26 June 1945

   The Charter of the United Nations is the constituent instrument of the United Nations Organization, signed at San Francisco on by 50 of the 51 original memb…

2. 24 October 1945

   The Charter of the United Nations is the constituent instrument of the United Nations Organization, signed at San Francisco on 26 June 1945 by 50 of the 51 o…

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Example

On 26 June 1945, US Secretary of State Edward Stettinius led the American delegation in signing the Charter at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, with India among the 50 original signatories.

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