18 July 2011 – The United
Nations today marked the second annual Nelson Mandela International Day with a
series of events dedicated to public service, as well as speeches, exhibitions
and film screenings in recognition of the former South African president’s
contributions as a human rights defender, freedom fighter and peacemaker.
In New York, diplomats and UN staff gathered in Central Park to paint benches as part of the “Take Action! Inspire Change” campaign by the Mandela Foundation, which has exhorted people across the world to pledge “67 minutes of service” today in recognition of Mr. Mandela’s 67 years of selfless public service.
On this year’s Mandela Day, people the world over are being asked by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to do just that. The UN is joining this call to world citizens to devote 67 minutes of our time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
The Nelson Mandela International Day is observed 11 July 2011 for the 2nd time. General Assembly President Joseph Weiss says in his message on this occasion that on this day the world celebrated a rare icon and one of the greatest moral and political leaders of our time whose opinions were more than ever relevant:
Nelson Mandela´s appearance at the United Nations as the first democratically elected President of South-Africa was a landmark both for the world organization and Mr. Mandela personally. In a memorable speech to the General Assembly 3 October 1994 (see: “Mandela´s landmark speech at the UN”), Mr. Mandela said it was a moving moment for him since he stood among friends and people of conscience. "We know this because we know what you did over the decades to secure my release and the release of other South African political prisoners from Pretoria's dungeons."
They don´t have careers to build, they don´t have elections to fight but they have the experience, the knowledge and the necessary networks and influence to make a change.
