Today is Global Mandela Day 2009 by NAM / UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon 3:07am 18th Jul, 2009   In an effort to celebrate the legacy of South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela, 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation are urging people all over the world to join them in a bid to create an official Mandela Day, which would be held on Mr Mandela’s birthday each year, July 18.    Mandela Day is an annual celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint and change the world around them.    “We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation,” according to a statement issued on Mr Mandela’s behalf.    A global movement for positive change begins with small actions. Mandela Day is created to inspire people to embrace Mr Mandela"s values and make an imprint through service to their communities.    Mandela said in support of the initiative: "Our struggle for freedom and justice was a collective effort. Mandela Day is no different… "It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. Mandela Day will not be a holiday but a day devoted to service. It is our hope that people will dedicate their time and effort to improve the conditions within their own communities. "    For Mandela and his wife, Mandela Day is a "way of demystifying, that only extraordinary people can make a difference." Everyone, she says, can be a little like Mandela if you "care about others, you care about their wellbeing, you want them to have a real smile, they feel worthy, they are loved, they are cared and that''s what you can do."    18 July 2009    A Message from the United Nations Secretary-General.    “Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations. His commitment to a democratic, multi-racial South Africa; his steadfast pursuit of justice; his willingness to reconcile with those who persecuted him most – these are just some of the hallmarks of a remarkable man. To this day, he works tirelessly for peace and human dignity throughout the world. His engagement in the fight against AIDS broke new ground against stigma. He is an exemplary global citizen.”    “What lessons he has taught us! How inspiring he has been, across the world, across the generations! Millions of people are better off thanks to his contributions; many have been moved to pursue lives of service in his image; many, facing tribulations of their own, have found both solace and fortitude in his example. Above all, he has shown the difference one person can make in the face of injustice, conflict, poverty and disease.”    “Nelson Mandela has made a lasting imprint on our lives. That is why I am so pleased to join people throughout the world in wishing him a happy 91st birthday. May we all continue to benefit from his wisdom, his good works and good humour for many years to come.”- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon    July 16th, 2009    Non-Aligned Heads of State and Government special declaration on Nelson Mandela International Day.    Senior officials from more than 100 states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) concluded the 15th NAM summit on July 16 in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh. Among the approved documents was a special declaration issued by NAM leaders that endorsed the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day.    “The Heads of State and Government recognized the long history of Nelson Mandela’s leading role in and support for Africa ’s struggle for liberation, self-determination and Africa’s unity and also his outstanding contribution in the creation of a non- racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa,” the declaration said.    Leaders of NAM member states specially recognized Mandela’s achievements as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, as recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and his establishing the Nelson Mandela Foundation, among others.    “The Heads of State and Government further recognized Mr Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity as a humanitarian, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, rights of children and other vulnerable groups as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities,” the declaration said.    The Nelson Mandela Foundation and its sister organizations have called for Mandela’s birthday of July 18 to be more widely recognized as the Nelson Mandela International Day in celebration of Mandela’s legendary life and rich legacy in promoting democracy and humanity.    “The Heads of State and Government expressed their support for and solidarity with the Nelson Mandela Day International Campaign and called on Non-aligned Movement member states and peoples to join in the campaign, including by contributing their time in service of their communities in recognition of Mandela’s 67 years contribution in service of community,” the declaration said. 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