July 18, 2010 in the calendar of international holidays added a new date - Nelson Mandela Day. She appeared in recognition of the enormous contribution of the former African president to freedom and peace.
Nelson Mandela is a man who devoted his whole life to resolving interracial conflicts, protecting and promoting human rights, and improving the living standards of the poorest people in the Republic of South Africa. For his convictions and struggle, he spent 27 years in prison, and having left it, he became the first black president of South Africa elected democratically. He was at this post from 1994 to 1999. And in 1993, the South African president was awarded the Nobel Prize.
In 2009, for its enormous contribution to peace and humanism, the UN General Assembly decided to proclaim July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. This is Mandela’s birthday, as well as a day of recognition of his life values, beliefs and devotional service to humanity in the establishment of the world.
On this day, various thematic events are held at political institutions around the world and at UN information centers. Debates and concerts of ethnic music are being organized, screenings of the film "Unconquered", shot about the life of Nelson Mandela, are held, as well as historical and photographic exhibitions dedicated to the South African president. Politicians and UN members from around the world come to Johannesburg, where Mandela now resides, to express his gratitude and congratulate him on his birthday.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, to which all UN members join today, urges everyone to devote 67 minutes of their time that day, a minute for each year of the former leader’s social activities, to people who need help. For example, talk with single people, help the poor or the weak, give away unused things to other people, and even help animals. It is such actions that truly unite the people and contribute to peace on earth.
