Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on July 18, in commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, to honour his life and legacy. It holds immense significance as it serves as a global call to action for individuals to engage in acts of community service and social activism.
Nelson Mandela was a renowned South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, who believed in the power of empathy and forgiveness to bring about transformative change.
As tomorrow is #MandelaDay, let’s remember the words of the former South African🇿🇦 President
“It always seems impossible, until it’s done” pic.twitter.com/uCLhKmQmX6
— UNV W&C Africa (@UNV_ROWCA) July 17, 2023
History
The United Nations officially designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, with the first observance taking place in 2010, reported BQ Prime. The initiative was inspired by Mandela’s powerful message in 2008, where he urged the younger generation to take up the responsibility of leading the fight against global social injustices, stating, “it is in your hands now.”
More than 15 years after he launched The Elders, Nelson Mandela’s vision for a better world remains as vital as ever in the face of today’s existential threats.
Tomorrow, to mark #MandelaDay, we will celebrate our founder’s enduring legacy. Get ready to join us. pic.twitter.com/dyVUPrQN4B
— The Elders (@TheElders) July 17, 2023
This day has evolved into a worldwide movement that aims to celebrate Mandela’s lifelong dedication to positive transformation on a global scale. It goes beyond merely celebrating his life but encourages people to actively work towards creating positive change and addressing pressing global issues.
As the only @UN internationally recognized holiday in honour of an icon, @UNinSouthAfrica🇿🇦 has a critical role to play in raising awareness & encouraging calls to action to keep Mandela’s legacy alive, which are aligned to the goals of the @UN through #SDGs & the #Agenda2030.
— United Nations in South Africa (@UNinSouthAfrica) July 17, 2023
Theme
The theme of International Nelson Mandela Day for the year 2023 is: “The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food, and Solidarity.”
This theme is a call for action, urging everyone to take concrete steps to address climate change and food insecurity and to stand in solidarity with those who are most affected by these pressing issues, reported India Times. The theme draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s unwavering commitment to social justice and his profound belief that each one of us bears the responsibility to contribute to a better world. As Mandela famously said, “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.”
Significance
One of the key aspects of Nelson Mandela International Day is the “67 minutes” concept. People are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service – to contribute to humanitarian causes and make a difference in their communities, reported BQ Prime. The idea behind this concept is that even small gestures of solidarity and service can have a meaningful impact when individuals come together for a common cause.
⏱️🔜: International #NelsonMandelaDay is a globally recognized annual event celebrated on July 18th in commemoration of the humanitarian work & legacy of the late former President of South Africa🇿🇦, @NelsonMandela. #ItIsInYourHands pic.twitter.com/X5wQdaeUMD
— United Nations in South Africa (@UNinSouthAfrica) July 17, 2023
By highlighting Mandela’s values of integrity, passion, respect, service, and transformation, this day inspires individuals across the globe to take action and build a collective movement for good. Through community service and social activism, people can carry forward Nelson Mandela’s vision for a better world and work towards addressing the existing global challenges.