Nelson Mandela International Day

Take the ActNow x Mandela Day challenge – to limit global warming and take care of our planet. ActNow is the United Nations campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability. Every one of us can help limit global warming and take care of our planet. By changing our habits and making choices that have less harmful effects on the environment, we can tackle the climate emergency and build a more sustainable world. As Nelson Mandela said, "We must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment." Download the app and join the challenge (or team)! >>

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...

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