The Nelson Mandela International Day observed byUnited Nations every year on July 18 since 2009 following a resolution passed. The United Nations invites people worldwide to mark Mandela Day by making a difference in their 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 global body says.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2019
The United Nations in November 2009 passed a resolution declaring July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to “the culture of peace and freedom.”
Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson 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.”
Nelson Mandela, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, is globally remembered as an anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist.
Born in British South Africa on 18 July 1918, Mandela studied law before working as a lawyer in Johannesburg, where he became involved in anti-colonial and African nationalist politics.
He was imprisoned for life for campaigning against the apartheid system of racial segregation established by the National Party’s white-only government.
He would serve 27 years in prison before being released in 1990 by then South African President F. W. de Klerk in wake of growing domestic and international pressure, and fears of a racial civil war.
Mandela became South Africa’s first black president after the African National Congress emerged victorious in the 1994 general election.
He gained international acclaim for his activism, receiving more than 250 honours including the Nobel Peace Prize.
Theme of Nelson Mandela International Day 2019:
Nelson Mandela Foundation has launched a new strategy titled “Mandela Day: The Next Chapter, to mark the tenth anniversary of the initiative” as the theme 2019. The theme focuses on five areas such as education and literacy, food and nutrition, shelter, sanitation and active citizenship.
About Nelson Mandela:
Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape on 18 July 1918. His primary school teachers gave him the name ‘Nelson.’ His involvement in politics began in the year 1942. He joined the African National Congress in 1944. He helped to form the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). He was accused of treason in South Africa and was arrested on 5 December 1956.
Nelson Mandela was elected as first democratically elected President Of South Africa on May 10, 1994. He stepped down after his one term as President. He passed away in Johannesburg on 5 December 2013. He was deeply concerned with issues related to the racism. His government did a lot of work to bring South Africa into a new era.