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

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

    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.