November 9, 1943 saw the formation of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), anticipating what was going to be needed to put some semblance of order back into the world once the war was over. Even though it was a ways away, the need was already abundantly clear that the amount of relief it would take was going to be enormous. And so an agency was formed as part of the greater United Nations to deal with that eventuality.
The signing of the declaration on the parts of the 44 nations represented took place at the White House East Room on November 9, with President Roosevelt keynoting the event.
FDR: “Here in the White House, seated about the table in the historic East Room, are representatives of forty-four nations. United Nations and those associated with them. The people of these forty-four nations include approximately 80% of the human race, now united by a common devotion to the cause of civilization, and by a common determination to build for the future a world of decency and security and above all, peace. Representatives of these forty-four nations, you gentlemen who represent them, have just signed an agreement creating the United Nations Relief And Rehabilitation Administration, commonly known by a simpler word; UNRRA.”
UNRRA was in use from 1943 until the end of 1946, with the last effort ending in 1949.
