Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 July 18th.

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.

Statement by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Nelson Mandela International Day 2024; July 18th.

Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.

And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.

Our world is unequal and divided.

Hunger and poverty are rife.

The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.

These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.

We can choose to eradicate poverty.

We can choose to end inequality.

We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.

We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.

Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.

I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.

Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.

United Nations Secretary-General.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2023; July 18th.

FORUM: "IT IS IN YOUR HANDS." Nelson Mandela International Day 2023. On July 18th, the International Community commemorates Nelson Mandela. This year’s theme is: It Is In Your Hands. Follow the conversations with the hashtags; #MandelaDay, #Itisinyourhands, #18july.

Statement by the United Nations Secretary-General on Nelson Mandela International Day 2023; July 18th.


Nelson Mandela was a colossus of courage and conviction.

A leader of immense achievement and extraordinary humanity.

A giant of our times, whose legacy we best honour through action:

Action to expel the poison of racism, discrimination and hate;

Action to extinguish the legacies of colonialism;

And action to promote equality, human rights and above all, justice.

Today, poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise.

Countries are drowning in debt.

The climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it.

And our unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net.

We have it in our power to solve each of these problems.

So, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, let us be animated by his spirit of humanity, dignity and justice.

Let us stand with women and girls, young people and change makers everywhere.

And let us take action to build a better world.

Thank you.

António Guterres

EVENTS: On July 20th; The United Nations General Assembly will mark the Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 with an informal plenary meeting at UN Headquarters — NYC, Conference room 4, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT;

Speakers:

H.E. Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the General Assembly;
H.E. Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General;
Andrew Young, Politician, activist, and Former Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2022; July 18th.

“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” ~Nelson Mandela 

On 18 July 2022, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) will present a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The music repertoire of the concert will honour the African heritage, by featuring compositions by extraordinary black composers who changed the course of classical and pop music history - including Julian Marley, Pulitzer Prize winning composer George Walker, and Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges – informally known as ‘The Black Mozart’, and who is remembered as the first classical composer of African origins. The concert will also feature “Baba Yetu”, composed by 2x-Grammy award winning composer Christopher Tin, arranged for the UN Chamber Music Society. In recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, Nelson Mandela International Day recognizes his values and dedication to the service of humanity in the struggle for democracy internationally, and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. The occasion will open with a message from the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres. In addition, opening remarks will be delivered by H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations; and Professor Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice of Stellenbosch University, Founder of the THUMA Foundation and former Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa, as well as one of the experts that assisted the drafting of the Constitution of South Africa promulgated by Nelson Mandela. Founded in 2016, the UNCMS is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.

Statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 (18 July). 

"Today, the world honours a giant of our time; a leader of unparalleled courage and towering achievement; and a man of quiet dignity and deep humanity. Nelson Mandela was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations. He remains a moral compass and reference to us all. Madiba walked the path to freedom and dignity with steely determination – and with compassion and love. He showed that each and every one of us has the ability – and responsibility – to build a better future for all. Our world today is marred by war; overwhelmed by emergencies; blighted by racism, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities; and threatened by climate disaster. Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision. Today and every day, 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 together making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all.

EVENTS; Nelson Mandela Commemoration at United Nations Headquarters

President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 commemoration in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

The president is joined by Minister Senzo Mchunu, Premier Oscar Mabuyane and the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Councillor Eugene Johnson. In line with the theme of dedicating 67 minutes to conducting good deeds, President Ramaphosa will embark on the Clear Rivers, Campaign in Gqeberha.