Mandela Day

History

The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009.

On 27 April 2009, the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invited the global community to join them in support of an official Mandela Day. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's former president, and his values, through volunteering and community service.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS138319+27-Apr-2009+PRN20090427 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201123555/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS138319+27-Apr-2009+PRN20090427 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 February 2013 |title=46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation Call for Establishment of Global 'Mandela... |publisher=Reuters |date= 27 April 2009|access-date=31 July 2010

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.

The Mandela Day campaign message is:

: "Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We're asking you to start with 67 minutes." :"We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring people together around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf.

To mark the first global celebration of Mandela Day on 18 July 2009, Mandela's 91st birthday, a series of educational, art exhibit, fund-raising and volunteer events leading up to a concert at Radio City Music Hall on 18 July were organised by the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formally declared 18 July to be "Nelson Mandela International Day".

Mandela Prize

In 2014, the UN General Assembly established the Nelson Mandela Prize, an award given every 5 years recognising the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.

References

References

1. "Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18, For Freedom, Justice and Democracy". un.org.
2. [http://www.worldlii.org/int/other/UNGARsn/2009/64.pdf "Resolution adopted by the General Assembly"], General Assembly, United Nations, 1 December 2009.
3. "The Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664 call for the establishment of a global 'Mandela Day' – Nelson Mandela Foundation".
4. "Mandela Day". Mandela Day.
5. (27 April 2009). "World urged to mark 'Mandela Day'". BBC News.
6. (11 November 2009). "UN gives backing to 'Mandela Day'". BBC News.
7. "Nelson Mandela International Day".