Nelson Mandela International Day - Act to change the world for the Better by UN News, Nelson Mandela Foundation 12:47am 18th Jul, 2014   “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela    Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.    It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”.    It is more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better.    Mandela Day is a global call to action for citizens of the world to take up the challenge and follow in the formidable footsteps of Madiba, a man who transformed his life, served his country and freed his people. Its objective is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in so doing, to build a global movement for good.    The question we must ask ourselves is what we are doing to make the world a better place; what are we doing to make every day a Mandela Day?    Mandela Day is dynamic and ever-changing: it belongs to everyone and can take place anywhere, at any time. We urge everyone to find inspiration for their contribution in the legacy of Nelson Mandela and to serve their fellow humans every day.    For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.    In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.    UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes 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.    UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon"s Message for 2014    Last year, the world lost one of its greatest leaders when Nelson Mandela passed away. We remember his legacy especially on his birthday, the 18th of July.    Nelson Mandela and the United Nations had a strong history together. Shortly after he was released from prison, he came to our Headquarters. It was a moment of great excitement.    Nelson Mandela’s presence in the General Assembly Hall proved that United Nations resolutions, sanctions and solidarity can win over violence and injustice. His extraordinary compassion after 27 years in prison showed that human rights and equality are stronger than discrimination and hate. On that day in 1990, he said people would always be challenged by the fact that, quote, “it took as long as it has before all of us stood up to say enough is enough.”    Apartheid is gone – thanks to Nelson Mandela, countless other individuals and the actions of the United Nations amongst others. But our planet and its people still face terrible threats - poverty, discrimination, climate change, conflict and much more. Nelson Mandela Day is a call to action. Each of us can help to address real problems in our communities. Together we can pave the way for a better future.    http://www.mandeladay.com/ http://www.nelsonmandela.org/ http://www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/ http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/inhiswords.shtml http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_quotes/index.html http://webtv.un.org/watch/general-assembly-on-the-nelson-mandela-international-day/3683058563001/ http://theelders.org/article/mandela-day-2014-how-will-you-be-ethical-leader
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