World marks Nelson Mandela International Day

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, is urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service today to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Today is Nelson Mandela International Day under the theme, It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. Guterres says Mandela showed the world the extraordinary difference one person can make.

Looking back at the struggle against apartheid and the campaign for Mandela’s release in which the United Nations played an important role — special programme for the first commemorative Mandela Day in 2010.

Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on July 18, Mandela’s birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first observance marked on July 18, 2010.

The day offers us a moment to know the values that inspired Nelson Mandela to serve humanity and his people: A deep commitment to justice, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. A profound belief in the equality and dignity of every woman and man.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others,” said the great leader who was also inspired by Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi.

History of Mandela Day

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared 18 July as “Nelson Mandela International Day,” in recognition of the contributions made by Nelson Mandela, the former South African President, to the culture of peace and freedom.