On July 26, 1963, at five hours and 17 minutes, the catastrophic earthquake occurred in Skopje, with smaller tremors until five hours and 43 minutes. At the same time, 15,800 apartments were demolished and 28,000 were damaged. Over 200,000 people were left homeless.

After the tragedy in Skopje, the International Red Cross appealed to all national organizations to organize meals for the children of Skopje. The inter-parliamentary union has made a recommendation to all parliaments and governments to help rebuild the city. Humanitarian organizations in many countries started collecting aid for Skopje.

The United Nations has taken actions to plan and long-term to help the devastated city.

On September 23, 1963, 35 countries asked the General Assembly to put on the agenda of its session an item for taking measures on the occasion of the earthquake in Skopje. Later, on September 27, the General Assembly gave priority to the international action to provide aid to Skopje.

On October 14, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted a Resolution to provide assistance to the Yugoslav government in the reconstruction of Skopje, expressing regret for the great disaster. In the debate on providing aid to Skopje, the General Assembly listened to the presentation of representatives from over 20 countries from all continents. That day remained in the annals of the United Nations as the day of Skopje.