The United Nations officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when its Charter, previously signed by 50 nations at the San Francisco Conference on June 26, 1945, was ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and a majority of other signatories. The organization was created to maintain international peace and security following World War II, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and harmonize the actions of nations.