Mandela Day
International day in honour of Nelson Mandela's birthday / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday.[1] The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009,[2] with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. However, other groups began celebrating Mandela Day on 18 July 2009.
Nelson Mandela Day | |
---|---|
Official name | Nelson Mandela International Day |
Date | 18 July |
Frequency | Annual |
First time | 2009; 15 years ago (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.[3] 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.[1][4]
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."[5]
- "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.[6]
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.[5] In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly formally declared 18 July to be "Nelson Mandela International Day".[7]
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.[8]