Nelson Mandela International Day

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “ It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity. ” Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: "It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised." These profound words by our global icon and father of our nation are at the heart of our actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice .  The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. We can also play a part by raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values which include fighting injustice, helping people in need and advancing reconciliation. We can restore our nation by helping one person at a time. Every action we take has a knock-on effect , which will soon snowball into rebu...

Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Mandela's values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice. Programme: Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly Statement by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations Keynote by H.E. Ms. Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa Awarding of the 2025 UN Mandela Prize to Ms. Brenda Reynolds and her remarks Awarding of the 2025 UN Mandela Prize to Mr. Kennedy Odede and his remarks Remarks from Member States Related Sites and Documents:  More information about the Mandela Prize . Watch the Nelson Mandela Day 2025 commemoration!

   The Nelson Mandela Moot Court Competition is an annual event in which students from around the world come together in Geneva to argue a hypothetical human rights case. The Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition is the only global moot court competition explicitly dedicated to human rights. It is co-organised by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, the Academy on Human Rights, Washington College of Law, American University, and the United Nations Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB), at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Watch the 17th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition! Human Rights Council

On Friday, 18 July 2025, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will present a concert in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. On this occasion, prepare to be captivated by the music of Wouter Kellerman, a three-time Grammy Award-winning South African flautist, producer, and composer, who has also earned nine South African Music Awards. The event will open with insightful remarks from H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, and Ndaba Mandela, Founder & Chairman of the Mandela Institute for Humanity. Honouring the enduring legacy of the former South African President and his commitment to peace, freedom, and service, the music program will feature two powerful musical tributes composed by Wouter Kellerman: "The Long Road", an extraordinary flute solo that serves as a biographical homage to Nelson Mandela's journey, and "Madiba", a musical prayer, spe...

  Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life showed how one person can transform oppression, struggle and subjugation into reconciliation, social justice and unity. Just as Madiba’s life was a triumph of the human spirit, his legacy is a call to rekindle our global commitment to peace, justice and human dignity. This year’s theme reminds us that the power to end poverty and inequality is in all our hands. Mandela believed in the power of collective, grassroots action. He knew that ordinary people could bend the arc of history, and that lasting change started not in capitals and boardrooms, but in neighbourhoods and communities. Mandela’s life of service and progress continues to inspire our own efforts at the United Nations, as we celebrate our 80th anniversary. On this important day, and every day, let us all be guided by Madiba’s lifelong commitment to freedom, justice, equality and the rights that belong to every person on earth. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, Message on the o...

On July 18th at the Governors Island in New York Harbor, Join the Volunteering for #MandelaDay: the annual volunteer event in honour of Nelson Mandela will take place on Governors Island in New York Harbor. Volunteers will weed and pick up trash, enjoying the spectacular scenery with friends and colleagues. Each year, individuals around the world are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on this day to community service – in honor of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela devoted to public service and the pursuit of social justice. This year, we reflect and act under the theme: “ It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity .” The UN is also cross promoting this event and encouraging colleagues to undertake additional service projects through the ActNow campaign app. Organizers: The volunteer activity was a collaboration co-organized by the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, the UN Department for Global Communications, the Office of the President of the U...

At the UN Headquarters, on July 18th, starting at 10:00 a.m. (EST); The United Nations General Assembly marks Nelson Mandela International Day with an informal plenary meeting under the Theme: “ It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity ”  Speakers: H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang (President of the General Assembly) H.E. Mr. António Guterres (UN  Secretary-General) .  Message 2025 H.E. Ms. Naledi Pandor (Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa) Ms. Brenda Reynolds, 2025 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize laureate Mr. Kennedy Odede, 2025 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize laureate Chairpersons of regional groups

The United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize aims to recognize the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity as guided by the purposes and principles of the UN, while honouring and paying homage to Mandela's extraordinary life and legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation. It is awarded every five years and was first awarded in 2015 . The 2025 Prize is awarded to Mrs. Brenda Reynolds of Saulteaux First Nation and Canada, and Mr. Kennedy Odede of Kenya, selected by the UN Selection Committee which was advised by a group of eminent persons. The laureates will be recognized at the annual commemoration by the General Assembly of Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July 2025, which is Nelson Mandela International Day. Selection Committee In accordance with Article 4 (1) of the Statute , the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize recipients are selected by the 2025 selection Committee composed as follows: Chair of the...