(VOVworld) - The UN on Monday commemorated the 70th anniversary of the first General Assembly meeting, which was held in London in 1946.

The UN’s celebration on Jan. 11, 2016 at its headquarters in New York to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first General Assembly meeting, which was held in London in 1946. (Photo: Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Seventy years ago on January 10, 51 nations came together at Westminster Central Hall in London for the meeting after the UN Charter, the foundational treaty of the organization, was signed in San Francisco in 1945.

President of the 70th session of the General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft said following a horrific period of war, destruction, genocide and nuclear bombings, nations of the world deliberately decided to come together.

He said today, with 193 members representing 99.5 percent of the world's population, the General Assembly has become the single most representative, deliberative body in the world.

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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said "this General Assembly has truly become the Parliament for all people," while calling on the Assembly to work harder for saving more lives, advancing more progress and promoting greater respect for human rights in the world.