Nelson Mandela International Day: UN chief says he was the world's 'moral compass'

• Image Credit: Internet

• Jul 18, 2022 | Kabir Chakraborty

Every year on July 18, the globe observes Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the former president of South Africa's dedication to global freedom and peace. Mandela led South Africa's first multiethnic government and led the fight against the apartheid system there.

Digital Desk: Nelson Mandela
is still "a giant of our time" and a "moral compass" for
the entire globe, more than nine years after his passing, according to United
Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief said of Mandela:
"A leader of incredible courage and tremendous achievement; and a man of
quiet dignity and deep humanity," In his call for the elimination of
various vices from the world, he urged people to draw inspiration from the
previous president of South Africa.

"War, emergency situations,
racism, prejudice, poverty, and inequities all plague today's world, which is
also in danger of a climatic catastrophe. "Let us draw inspiration from
Nelson Mandela's example and find hope in his mission," Guterres stated.

Every year on July 18, the
globe observes Nelson Mandela International Day to recognize the former
president of South Africa's dedication to global freedom and peace. Mandela led
South Africa's first multiethnic government and led the fight against the
apartheid system there.

Nelson Mandela International
Day was established by the UN in 2009 to recognize the revolutionary and his
achievements. The day honours the South African leader's 67-year battle against
racial discrimination and violations of human rights.

Some facts about Nelson
Mandela:

• Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, into
a Xhosa royal family in the Transkei town of Qunu, South Africa. Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela is recognized for his dedication to promoting peace,
dialogue, and reconciliation.

• For his tireless efforts in politics and activism to
realize his lifetime ambition of a free and just society, he spent 27 years of
his life behind bars.

• Four years after breaking out of jail, on May 10, 1994, he
took the oath of office as South Africa's first black president. To realize for
the African people a society free from the chains of racism and discrimination,
Mandela devoted his life to realizing this vision.

• Mandela said on his 90th birthday, "It's time for
fresh shoulders to bear the weight. It is now in your possession."
However, some organizations began commemorating this day on July 18, 2009.

On this day, individuals are
expected to be aware of the critical global challenges in progress and to alert
those responsible for endangering international peace, security, and
well-being.