The Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated every year on July 18, which also happens to be his birthday. It’s also referred to as Mandela Day. The day is a remembrance of the first democratically elected President of South Africa and his long years of struggle for justice against apartheid. As a human rights lawyer, a political prisoner, a global mediator, and the first democratically elected leader of a free South Africa, he had dedicated his life to serving humanity.
This day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2009 through a resolution in the General Assembly, and the first UN Mandela Day was held on July 18, 2010.
Nelson Mandela International Day 2022: Theme
The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2022 is “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”, according to the United Nations. The theme finds significance given the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe as well as sporadic conflicts in the Horn of Africa, followed by the crisis in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and various other parts of the world, as the UN chief notes.
Nelson Mandela Day: History
The day came about in November 2009, after the UN General Assembly recognised the former contributions of Mandela to peace and the fight for freedom. The UNGA adopted the resolution outlining the values and dedication to the service of humanity in conflict resolution, race relations, promotion, protection of human rights, fight against poverty, and more. It is celebrated on the birthday of Mandela. Later in 2014, the UNGA introduced the Nelson Mandela Prize to honour the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to humanity.
