Nelson Mandela International Day observed on 18 July

18 July 2026National

Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every 18 July (Mandela's birthday) to honour his legacy of service, freedom, justice and democracy. The UN adopted it in 2009; first observed in 2010. The 2026 theme is It's Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity. People are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to community service, symbolising Mandela's 67 years of public life.

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Nelson Mandela: South Africa's first Black President (1994) | Nobel Peace Prize: 1993 (with F.W. de Klerk) | India's Gandhi Peace Prize to Mandela: 2000 | Clan name: Madiba

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Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July) marks its 2026 theme It's Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity, urging 67 minutes of service.

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