As the world marked Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, communities across the globe rallied behind this year’s theme “The Power to End Poverty is in Our Hands.”
From the United Nations halls to South African kitchens, Mandela’s legacy of justice, compassion, and unity inspired a wave of service and reflection. In South Africa, thousands participated in food drives and volunteer initiatives. Notably, Rise Against Hunger Africa and its partners packaged over 850,000 meals — far surpassing their 600,000 goal — to feed underserved children nationwide. At Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre, the energy was palpable as individuals rotated through 67-minute shifts, symbolizing Mandela’s 67 years of public service.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres and UNGA President Philemon Yang called for global recommitment to Mandela’s ideals of peace, equality, and reconciliation. Guterres reminded attendees that Mandela believed “power is about lifting others up,” urging unity in a world marred by conflict and inequality. This year also marked the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which define humane treatment standards for prisoners, further underlining Mandela’s unwavering belief in dignity for all.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Nelson Mandela Prize was awarded to Brenda Reynolds of Canada and Kennedy Odede of Kenya, whose community work embodies Mandela’s belief that “what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived — it is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” Mandela’s message endures — not only in memory, but in collective action.