July 15, 2010 – In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognises Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. It is the first time that the UN has dedicated an international day to an individual.
The elimination of apartheid was always high on the agenda of the United Nations. In the decades leading up to the advent of democracy, the world body would contribute to the global struggle against apartheid by drawing world attention to the inhumanity of the system, legitimising popular resistance, promoting anti-apartheid actions by governmental and non-governmental organisations, instituting an arms embargo, and supporting an oil embargo and boycotts of apartheid in many fields.
On Friday, July 16, an informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly will be held in the General Assembly Hall. The event will incorporate music, photos and video footage of Mr Mandela.
UN offices around the world will organise events to celebrate the first Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2010. Panel discussions on the legacy of Mr Mandela and a screening of the film Invictus will be held. Other initiatives include an intercommunity football tournament titled “Football for Peace”, to be organised by the United Nations Mission in El Fasher, Sudan, preceded by a musical concert with Sudanese musician, Omar Ehsas. The winning team will be awarded the Nelson Mandela Peace Cup. The UN staff in South Africa will spend 67 minutes of their time at Tebogo Home for Handicapped Children in Orange Farm. Staff members are also encouraged to get personally involved in activities related to the spirit of Mandela Day.
“Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations … He is an exemplary global citizen,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated.