Mandela Day: UN Renews Call to Address Global Injustice and Inequality

Edited By: Safae Fathi

Nelson Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire global action and remembrance each year on July 18, designated by the United Nations as Nelson Mandela International Day. The former South African president, born in 1918, became a global symbol of resistance to oppression and a leading figure in the fight against apartheid. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela was released in 1990 and, just four years later, became South Africa’s first Black president, ushering in a new era of democratic governance and inclusive leadership. His lifelong commitment to justice and reconciliation earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, shared with then-President FW de Klerk for their roles in peacefully ending the apartheid system.

The annual observance of Mandela Day aims to encourage individuals worldwide to contribute positively to their communities, guided by the values Mandela embodied: dignity, equality, and solidarity. This year, the campaign emphasizes the idea that the fight against poverty is a collective responsibility. The day serves as a reminder that social change often begins at the grassroots level, and that civic engagement plays a fundamental role in shaping more just and equitable societies.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted Mandela’s enduring relevance, noting that his life demonstrated how personal sacrifice and moral courage could transform oppression into unity. Mandela’s belief in the power of ordinary people to enact extraordinary change remains a cornerstone of the day’s message. His passing in 2013 at the age of 95 marked the end of a historic chapter, but his influence continues to resonate across generations, particularly in movements advocating peace, equality, and human rights.