'International Nelson Mandela Day' celebrated on 18th July
The birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela, Nobel laureate for peace and former President of South
Africa, is celebrated on 18 July by the United Nations as 'International Nelson Mandela Day'.
In the year 2010, it was decided to celebrate this day on 18th July every year. Significantly, during the
apartheid regime in South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years of his life in the prisons there.
This day recognizes the sustained efforts made by Nelson Mandela towards the establishment of
peace, the eradication of apartheid, the protection of human rights and the establishment of gender equality. Nelson Mandela is considered a global symbol of
courage, compassion and commitment to freedom ,peace and social justice.
He was the President of South Africa from May 10, 1994 to June 14, 1999 and was the first black President of Africa. In the year 2014, the United Nations General Assembly instituted the Nelson Mandela Award to recognize the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity.