In a statement to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Baso Sangqu, permanent representative of South Africa to the UN, highlighted the reasoning behind the proposed resolution.

 

“Mr President, on 18 July 2009, millions of people across the globe came together to give 67 minutes or more of their time in community service, their actions inspired by the life’s work of Nelson Mandela. In turn, the actions of these millions of people, men, women and youth across the globe and from all sectors of society, including heads of state, governments, NGOs and civil society, have inspired us to introduce this draft resolution to the General Assembly.”

 

The resolution was unanimously adopted, with the support of all UN member states and co-sponsorship of over 165 members, from all regions of the world, representing the overwhelming support of the entire international community in honouring Madiba.

 

Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. Driven by 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, it serves as a catalyst for each and every person to realise that they have the ability to change the world through action.

 

It is not about creating institutions with huge infrastructure, but a global movement for good which recognises that positive change begins with small actions. These actions can range from a vision for creating peace and reconciliation to sharing food with a neighbour in need. Mandela Day is particularly geared towards people doing work in their communities and is not event-driven. It is not a holiday.

 

As Mr Mandela has reminded us, “it’s in our hands” to create a better world.  We take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility to others.

 

Nelson Mandela spent 67 years of his life actively devoted to promoting and bringing about social change. On Mandela Day we ask individuals to symbolically give at least 67 minutes of their time in service to their communities in whichever way they choose.

 

In adopting the resolution, the UN recognised Mr Mandela’s role in South Africa’s liberation struggle, his “values and dedication to the service of humanity as a humanitarian, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups ... ”

 

The UN welcomed the Mandela Day initiative and invited all “member states, organisations of the United Nations system and other international organisations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organisations and individuals, to observe Nelson Mandela International Day in an appropriate manner”.

 

Ambassador Sangqu’s statement to the UN and the UN resolution to adopt Nelson Mandela International Day are available on the site as downloadable PDFs.