Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is observed annually on July 18, in commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, to honour his life and legacy. It holds immense significance as it serves as a global call to action for individuals to engage in acts of community service and social activism.Nelson Mandela was a renowned South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, who believed in the power of empathy and forgiveness to bring about transformative change.
History
The United Nations officially designated July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day in November 2009, with the first observance taking place in 2010, reported BQ Prime. The initiative was inspired by Mandela’s powerful message in 2008, where he urged the younger generation to take up the responsibility of leading the fight against global social injustices, stating, “it is in your hands now.” This day has evolved into a worldwide movement that aims to celebrate Mandela’s lifelong dedication to positive transformation on a global scale. It goes beyond merely celebrating his life but encourages people to actively work towards creating positive change and addressing pressing global issues.
Theme
The theme of International Nelson Mandela Day for the year 2023 is: “The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food, and Solidarity.” This theme is a call for action, urging everyone to take concrete steps to address climate change and food insecurity and to stand in solidarity with those who are most affected by these pressing issues, reported India Times. The theme draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s unwavering commitment to social justice and his profound belief that each one of us bears the responsibility to contribute to a better world. As Mandela famously said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Significance
One of the key aspects of Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is the “67 minutes” concept. People are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service – to contribute to humanitarian causes and make a difference in their communities, reported BQ Prime. The idea behind this concept is that even small gestures of solidarity and service can have a meaningful impact when individuals come together for a common cause.
By highlighting Mandela’s values of integrity, passion, respect, service, and transformation, this day inspires individuals across the globe to take action and build a collective movement for good. Through community service and social activism, people can carry forward Nelson Mandela’s vision for a better world and work towards addressing the existing global challenges.
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
NELSON MANDELA QUOTE:
“As long as many of our people still live in utter poverty, as long as children still live under plastic covers, as long as many of our people are still without jobs, no South African should rest and wallow in the joy of freedom.”
“It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”
“We were expected to destroy one another and ourselves collectively in the worst racial conflagration. Instead, we as a people chose the path of negotiation, compromise and peaceful settlement. Instead of hatred and revenge we chose reconciliation and nation-building.”
