-
[FILE] Late former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Today is Nelson Mandela International Day. It is in honour of the late former president.
The day is celebrated every year on the 18th of July, which is Mandela’s birthday.
The United Nations (UN) had officially declared the day in November 2009, and the first UN Mandela Day was held on 18th July 2010.
Madiba’s legacy and values will see the global community honouring him through volunteer work and community service.
Meanwhile, the Nelson Mandela Foundation describes the day as “a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.”
It takes strength to heal. To build.
To choose peace in a world fractured by conflict.Nelson Mandela’s words resonate as strong today as they ever have.
Nelson Mandela showed how one person can transform oppression, struggle & subjugation into reconciliation, social justice & unity.
Change starts not in capitals, but in communities.
On #MandelaDay, let’s remember that the power to end poverty & inequality is in all our hands. pic.twitter.com/XWKxz3MIq6
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 17, 2025
