#itisinyourhands

In recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, United Nations General Assembly declares 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day". Resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Mandela's values and his dedication to the service of humanity in: conflict resolution; race relations; promotion and protection of human rights; reconciliation; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; the fight against poverty; the promotion of social justice.



Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the General Assembly

Statement by H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Keynote Speech by H.E. Mr. Andrew Young, former United States Permanent Representative to the UN, to deliver the keynote statement

Statement by a representative of the City of New York (TBC)

Statement on behalf of the African States

Statement on behalf of the Asia-Pacific States

Statement on behalf of the Eastern European States

Statement on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States

Statement on behalf of the Western European and other States; and  United States (as host country).  

The resolution A/RES/64/13 acknowledges the contribution of Nelson Mandela to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July will be celebrated under the theme: “It is in Your Hands.”

Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: "It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised."

These profound words by our global icon and father of our nation is at the heart of our actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling the intersection between climate change and food security.

South Africans can participate in the day by planting trees and contributing to community and home-based food gardens. Nelson Mandela Day targets the planting of one million trees, 60 per cent of which should be fruit trees.

Through the initiative it aims to help mitigate the impact of climate change and contribute to stabilising and enriching the soil around our communities to help food gardens flourish.

The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. We can also play a part by raising awareness and expanding the reach of Mandela’s values including the fight against injustice, helping people in need and advancing reconciliation.

We can restore our nation by helping one person at a time. Every action we take has a knock-on effect, which will soon snowball into rebuilding our nation. It is through this united front that we can build stronger communities and stronger societies.

Government encourages citizens to donate their time by making a difference in their communities this Nelson Mandela day. Through our actions we can help make sustainable and long-term interventions in combatting climate change and food insecurity.

Engage and share your Mandela Day activities on different digital and social media platforms