Nelson Mandela International Day

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day by the resolution A/RES/64/13. On 24 September 2018, world leaders gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. At the Summit, nearly 100 Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Member States and representatives of civil society participants adopted a political declaration committed to redoubling efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world, as they paid tribute to the late South African President’s celebrated qualities and service to humanity.

Recognizing the period from 2019 to 2028 as the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, the Declaration saluted Mr. Mandela for his humility, forgiveness and compassion, acknowledging as well his contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

By the text, Heads of State and Government and Member States representatives reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the sovereign equality of all States and respect for their territorial integrity and political independence, as well as the duty of Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force. Recognizing that peace and security, development and human rights are the pillars of the United Nations system and the foundations for collective security and well‑being, the Declaration reaffirmed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“We resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non‑discriminatory societies,” leaders pledged, as they stressed the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women and youth.

They also declared that racism, xenophobia and related intolerance represent the very opposite of the purposes of the United Nations and emphasized their resolve to protect the rights of children, especially in armed conflict. “Protecting children contributes to breaking the cycle of violence and sows the seeds for future peace,” the Declaration said.

In addition, leaders reaffirmed that each State has a responsibility to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. They underscored that civil society can play an important role in preventing conflicts, contributing to peacebuilding and advancing efforts to sustain peace.

Further by the Declaration, they emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace by preventing conflict and addressing its root causes and strengthening the rule of law, poverty eradication, and social development. “It is clear that lasting peace is not realized just by the absence of armed conflict, but is achieved through a continuing positive, dynamic, inclusive and participatory process of dialogue,” they underscored.

They also welcomed the example set by South Africa in unilaterally dismantling its nuclear‑weapon programme and recalled the firm plea made by Mr. Mandela in favour of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. They further recommended “in the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy” that the United Nations explore means to consider the needs of present and future generations in its decision‑making processes.


Forum: Nelson Mandela International Day 2020. "Tackling Inequality, A New Social Contract for a New Era."

This year, coinciding with the date of the Nelson Mandela International Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers the 18th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture at 9:00 a.m. EDT (18 July).

In his speech, "Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era," the Secretary-General takes aim at the various layers of inequality that are being exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.


Nelson Mandela International Day 2020, July 18th will mark 102 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela. Take Action! Inspire Change!

- As Mandela said: It is in your hands to make of the world a better place. And so, every year on Nelson Mandela International Day, we ask people around the world to take action and inspire change by making a difference in their communities.

- If you would like to donate your own time to public services, here are some things you can do to take action and inspire change:

- Make a new friend. Get to know someone from a different cultural background. Only through mutual understanding can we rid our communities of intolerance and xenophobia.

- Read to someone who can’t. Visit a local home for the blind and open up a new world for someone else.

- Help out at the local animal shelter. Dogs without homes still need a walk and a bit of love.

- Help someone get a job. Put together and print a CV for them, or help them with their interview skills.

- Many terminally ill people have no one to speak to. Take a little time to have a chat and bring some sunshine into their lives.

- Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to do so too. Take someone you know, who can’t afford it, to get their eyes tested or their teeth checked.

- Donate a wheelchair or guide dog, to someone in need.

- Buy a few blankets, or grab the ones you no longer need from home and give them to someone in need.