Nelson Mandela International Day 2025: Date, history, significance, inspiring quotes — all you need to know

He was South Africa’s first democratically elected president, serving from 1994 to 1999. Mandela’s brave 27-year prison fight and mission to protect human rights and advocate for social justice and equality for people throughout the world.

The day celebrates the 67 years of Mandela’s public service and unwavering commitment towards establishing freedom, justice and human rights in the rainbow nation that had a history of inhuman racial discrimination against the Black Africans.

How did Mandela Day come into being?

In November 2009, the United Nations declared to mark July 18 as the Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

In December 2015, the UN General Assembly decides to expand the scope of Nelson Mandela International Day by highlighting the importance of humane prison conditions, raising awareness about prisoners’ continued inclusion in society, and valuing prison staff’s work as a critical social service.

The day recognises Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity and acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally.

The Nelson Mandela International Day is used to promote the message of peace, reconciliation and equality across the globe.

Inspiring quotes by Nelson Mandela:

“It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.”

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

“It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”