United Nations, Feb 27 (IANS): The UN will commemorate in May the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The General Assembly adopted a resolution Thursday at the 69th session of its 193-member assembly, Xinhua reported.

The assembly asked its president to hold a special meeting in May to commemorate the victims.

World War II raged from 1939 to 1945 and led to 50-85 million deaths, making it the deadliest conflict in history.

"2015 will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, a war which brought untold sorrow to humankind, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world," the resolution said.

"This historic event established the conditions for the creation of the UN, designed to prevent future wars and save succeeding generations from their scourge."

This year will also mark the UN's 70th founding anniversary.

The resolution urged member states to "unite their efforts in dealing with challenges and threats to international peace and security, with the UN playing a central role".