KARACHI – Port city of Karachi is set to host major public celebration this weekend as United Nations announces a free, family-friendly festival featuring live performances by renowned Pakistani singers, career opportunities, interactive exhibitions and entertainment activities to mark UN Day 2026.
UN Mela will be arranged on Saturday, October 24, at Youth Development Center in Civil Lines, directly opposite Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi. The gates will open at 4:00 PM, and the United Nations has confirmed that entry will be completely free for the general public. The celebrations will bring together music, culture, education and international cooperation under one roof, offering Karachi residents an opportunity to interact with United Nations officials while exploring the organisation’s nearly eight-decade partnership with Pakistan.
Among biggest attractions will be live musical performances by celebrated Pakistani artists Humaira Channa, Rajab Faqeer and Faheem Allan Faqeer, who will entertain visitors during the evening. The festival will also feature food stalls, children’s activities, selfie corners, giveaways and other attractions designed to make the occasion enjoyable for families.
Beyond entertainment, UN is planning an extensive exhibition highlighting 79 years of diplomatic, humanitarian and developmental cooperation between Pakistan and the international organisation. Representatives from 22 United Nations agencies working in Pakistan will participate in the event, allowing visitors to interact directly with UN teams and discover how various programmes are contributing to the country’s development, humanitarian assistance and public welfare.
In a major attraction for students, graduates and young professionals, the organisers will establish a dedicated UN Career Booth, where Human Resources officials will provide guidance on employment opportunities within the United Nations system. Visitors interested in international careers will be able to learn about recruitment procedures, application requirements and professional pathways, with UN recruitment specialists offering practical advice on preparing applications and pursuing opportunities within the organisation.
Pakistan’s longstanding role in international peacekeeping will also take centre stage at the festival. A special UN Peacekeeping stall will showcase the work of peacekeepers, including thousands of Pakistanis who have served in conflict-affected regions to support stability, protect vulnerable communities and help establish conditions for lasting peace.
The celebrations come shortly after UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Pakistan, where he praised the country’s people for their resilience, generosity and unwavering commitment to helping those in need.
During his visit, which took place 15 days before the planned UN Day event, Guterres reflected on his strong personal connection with Pakistan and recalled the devastation he witnessed during the catastrophic floods of 2022.
UN chief said the destruction caused by the floods had left a lasting impression on him, but what stood out equally was the determination and solidarity demonstrated by Pakistani communities in the face of extraordinary challenges. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s hospitality towards Afghan refugees, recalling how families had opened their homes and shared whatever resources they possessed, even when they themselves were struggling.
Meanwhile, Pernille Ironside, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim in Pakistan, said the celebrations would serve as a reminder that global peace, prosperity and sustainable development depend on collective action rather than individual efforts.
Referring to the historic opening words of the United Nations Charter, “We the peoples of the United Nations,” Ironside described the organisation as an enduring international commitment to cooperation, human dignity and a better future for everyone. She emphasised that achieving lasting peace, prosperity and a healthy planet requires governments, institutions and ordinary citizens to work together at community, national and global levels, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.
Pakistan’s relationship with the United Nations dates back to 1947, when the newly independent country joined the organisation just 45 days after independence. Since then, Pakistan has remained an active participant in UN affairs, contributing to international diplomacy, humanitarian initiatives, development programmes and peacekeeping operations around the world.
In 2026, Pakistan is completing its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, further highlighting its longstanding involvement in international peace and security matters.
The country is also recognised as one of the UN’s major and longest-serving peacekeeping contributors, with Pakistani military and police personnel having participated in numerous missions across conflict-affected regions. This year’s celebrations will mark 81 years since the establishment of the United Nations and commemorate 79 years of Pakistan’s association with the organisation.
UN Day is observed globally on October 24 each year, marking the anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into force in 1945. The occasion highlights the principles of international peace, security, development, human rights and cooperation that form the foundation of the organisation.
While previous UN Day public celebrations in Pakistan were organised in Lahore and Islamabad, this year’s Karachi festival aims to bring the international organisation closer to the public through direct engagement, cultural performances and educational activities.
Alongside the main celebrations, United Nations staff members will undertake community service activities across Pakistan to support local populations and reinforce the importance of solidarity and public service. Karachi event is being organised in cooperation with the Sindh government, including its Culture Department, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Education Department and Solid Waste Management Department, as well as the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Rescue 1122.
