International Nelson Mandela Day

“MAKE EVERY DAY A MANDELA DAY.”

The International Nelson Mandela Day, sometimes referred to as Mandela Day, is a day in honour of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former President and is observed annually on 18 July, on Nelson Mandela’s birthday. This day was officially declared the International Nelson Mandela Day by the United Nations in November 2009.

The day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela and on this day individuals are inspired to – for 67 minutes – take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. It is on this day that individuals are especially encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time to make a difference to someone less fortunate or who needs help in one way or another.

2019 –Ten year anniversary of the International Nelson Mandela Day

This year, 2019, marks the tenth anniversary of Nelson Mandela Day, commemorated under the theme: “Action against poverty”. To commemorate this milestone the Nelson Mandela Foundation has launched a new approach and strategy titled Mandela Day: The Next Chapter.

The strategy outlines a new approach over the next ten years that will significantly change the manner in which the International Nelson Mandela Day impacts people’s lives. This means that the focus will be on harnessing research, analysis and dialogue to build sustainable impact for those that need help the most.

It identifies five key focus areas for global partnerships to focus on to have strategic impact. These areas are education and literacy; food and nutrition; shelter; sanitation and active citizenship, and they are in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International Nelson Mandela Day at Afromusée in Montreal, Canada – 2021. Click here to see more photos.