Nelson Mandela International Day was observed across the world on 18 July 2015 to honour the former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).
The overarching objective of the Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good.
For the first time the day was celebrated on 18 July 2010 as per a UN General Assembly resolution of November 2009.
The UN created the Mandela Day to recognize his contribution to end the discriminatory apartheid system in South Africa.
Further, the day also presents an occasion to remember his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.