Nelson Mandela International Day: History And Significance

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Nelson Mandela International Day is observed every year on July 18 to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great South African leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner

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Born on July 18, 1918, in South Africa, Nelson Mandela grew to become a symbol of hope and unity in the face of adversity

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Despite facing immense challenges, he emerged as a beacon of peace, reconciliation, and equality

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His commitment to social justice and human rights earned him the admiration of the world, leading to the proclamation of the international day on his birthday

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The United Nations officially recognised Mandela Day in 2009, on Mandela's 91st birthday

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It was a tribute to his remarkable efforts to promote peace, freedom, and equality for all

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The day aims to inspire individuals to take action and make a difference in their communities, just as Mandela did throughout his life

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This year's Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated under the theme: "It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity"

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Even though progress has been achieved since his time, inequality and poverty still exist. Millions continue to live in poverty and the wealth gap continues to grow

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