PURPOSE: On 18 July every year, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better. Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. The new Mandela Day strategy will primarily encourage collaborative partnerships to support initiatives in the areas of education and literacy, food and nutrition, sanitation, shelter as well as active citizenship. This approach will see sharpened focus on early childhood development as a key investment area to make a significant dent in the scourge of poverty.
FORUM: "It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity." Nelson Mandela International Day 2024. Madiba encouraged every individual to take responsibility and be the change they want to see. One area we can bring about positive change is through our fight against climate change which is impacting numerous areas of life including food security. Today and every day, Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision; Let us honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by taking action: By speaking out against hate and standing up for human rights. By embracing our common humanity – rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity and by making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #MandelaDay, #Itisinyourhands, #18july.
EVENTS: At UNHQ NYC, on July 15th, from 17:00 p.m to 21:00 p.m. EDT; The United Nations General Assembly will mark the Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 with an informal plenary meeting at the United Nations Trusteeship Council Chamber. The speakers are H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly; H. E. Ms. Amina J Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Richard Allen Stengel, Editor, Author and Former United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and Mrs. Sabrina Elba, Philanthropist & IFAD Goodwill Ambassador. Read the agenda programme and Watch the livestream!
At the Randall’s Island in NYC on July 18th, the annual volunteer event in honour of Nelson Mandela will take place on Randall’s Island. Volunteers will remove invasive plants and introduce new native plantings. The volunteer activity was a collaboration co-organized by the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, the United Nations Department for Global Communications, the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations. In partnership with Randall’s Park Alliance. Get the flyer to Learn more about the ‘‘Volunteering for #MandelaDay’’ activities.
STATEMENTS: Read the remarks and statements issued during the commemoration.
Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly
Statement on behalf of the African States
Statement on behalf of the Asia-Pacific States
Statement on behalf of the Eastern European States
Statement on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States
Statement on behalf of the Western European and other States; and United States (as host country).
Remarks by Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the informal meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day 2024.
PODCASTS: In the decades that followed the world body would contribute to the global struggle against apartheid by drawing world attention to the inhumanity of the system, legitimizing popular resistance, promoting anti-apartheid actions by governmental and non-governmental organizations, instituting an arms embargo, and supporting an oil embargo and boycotts of apartheid in many fields. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS:"It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity." Participate to the Promotion of the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace (2019 – 2028); 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. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
ACTIONS
On 18 July every year, we invite you to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in your communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better! Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.
Keep an eye out of for the ActNow x Mandela Day challenge – to limit global warming and take care of our planet.
ActNow is the United Nations campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability. Every one of us can help limit global warming and take care of our planet. By changing our habits and making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment, we can tackle the climate emergency and build a more sustainable world.
As Nelson Mandela said, "We must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment."
Download the app and join the challenge (or team)!
PARTNERS
Kahoot! Mandela Quiz
Ahead of Sunday's #MandelaDay, take the Get Kahoot quiz and learn more about the life and legacy of NelsonMandela: Kahoot! >>
In recognition of Nelson Mandela, the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN General Assembly declares 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day. The Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice. The resolution acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
The Nelson Mandela International Day is co-hosted by the United Nations General Assembly; the Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Africa to the United Nations Office at Geneva; The UN — Partner in the Struggle Against Apartheid, The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory; The Nelson Mandela Digital Archive; The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and The Nelson Mandela Foundation.