The United Nations’(UN) Nelson Mandela International Day is annually celebrated on July 18th the birth anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, to recognise his contribution in creating a democratic South Africa.The first Nelson Mandela International Day was celebrated on 18th July 2010.
The theme of Nelson Mandela International Day is “Take action, inspire change”
UN’s 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize:
The 2020 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize laureates, Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea will be recognised in the annual commemoration event which will be conducted on 20th July 2020 as a virtual event due to global pandemic situation.
2020 Events:
i.United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will deliver the 18th Nelson Mandela Annual lecture titled “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era” on 18th July 2020 over a virtual platform from the UN headquarters, New Work.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/64/13 on 10th November 2009, declaring July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day, recognising his key role and support to the struggle for liberation and unity of Africa and his contribution in the fights against racial inequalities and human rights violation.
ii.July 18th was chosen to celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day, following the international campaign initiated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and other organisations to annually observe the birthday of Nelson Mandela, July 18 as Mandela Day, inaugurated on 18th July 2009.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela:
i.Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and later he founded the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL).
ii.He became the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994.
iii.He retired from active politics in 1999.
iv.Mandela who was fondly known as “Madiba” passed away at the age of 95 on 5th December 2013 in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Awards and honours:
i.Along with F.W. de Klerk, he won the Nobel Peace prize in 1993.
ii.He was given Honorary citizenship to many countries including Canada and France.
iii.He received Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India in 1990.
About Republic of South Africa:
President– Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa
Capital– Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (Judicial), Cape town (legislative)
Currency– South African rand
