Welcome to the United Nations. It's your world.

Nelson Mandela International Day, July 18
For freedom, justice and democracy

Photo Gallery

Mr. Mandela kissing the hand of a baby.

Mr. Mandela kissing the hand of a baby.

NMF Photo/Peter Morey

" To the youth of today, I also have a wish to make: Be the script writers of your destiny and feature yourselves as stars that showed the way towards a brighter future. "

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (left), President of South Africa, enters General Assembly Hall to address its fifty-third session. He is flanked by United Nations Chief of Protocol, Nadia Younes. Nelson Rorihlahla Mandela, President of South Africa, addresses the 49th session of the General Assembly. Nelson Mandela, Deputy President of the African National Congress of South Africa, addresses the Special Committee Against Apartheid in the General Assembly Hall. Mandela's hands, February 2005. Portrait of Mandela, February 2005. Mr. Mandela with a child on his lap, talking to her. Taken during meetings about HIV/AIDS in November 2004. Mr. Mandela, surrounded by children, clapping his hands & 90th birthday cake on the table Mr. Mandela writing, March 2009. Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress, addresses a press conference where he called for a "phased maintenance" of sanctions. Mr. Mandela kissing the hand of a baby. Mr. Mandela addressing women in a room with HIV/AIDS posters, taken during meetings about HIV/AIDS in November 2004. Mandela's fist, March 2009. Nelson Mandela, Deputy President of the African National Congress of South Africa, addresses the Special Committee Against Apartheid in the General Assembly Hall. Portrait of Mr. Mandela. President Nelson R. MANDELA of South Africa addressing correspondents at a press conference held at United Nations Headquarters. Mr. Mandela and Ms. Graça Machel with children during a Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund event, August 2007. Nelson MANDELA, President of South Africa, speaking at a luncheon given by the Secretary-General in honour of Heads of State or Government attending the 49th session of the General Assembly. Mr. Mandela and his great grandson Ziyanda Manaway, taken on the occasion of the publication of the Children’s Version of Long Walk to Freedom, 2009 Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress (ANC), casting the ballot in his country's first all-race elections, at Ohlange High School near Durban. Close up of Mr. Mandela’s hand, fingers spread, April 2009. The United Nations has been involved with the situation in South Africa for more than four decades. It has spearheaded the international campaign against apartheid and initiated and supported programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering of its victims. It has also provided a forum for the representatives of South African organizations such as the African National Congress to advance the anti-apartheid campaign. South Africa held its first all-race elections from April 26 to April 29, 1994. Newly-elected President Nelson Mandela delivering his inaugural address from a balcony of the Townhall. Nelson Mandela, taken on the occasion of the NMCF’s Annual Children’s Celebration and preferred site dedication ceremony for the Establishment of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, July 2009. Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress (ANC), addresses the Security Council. Mr. Mandela holds the FIFA World Cup before the start of the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Mr. Mandela’s and baby’s hands. Portrait of Mr. Mandela. Mr. Mandela and his daughter Zindzi. Taken during a private meeting in March 2008. Secretary-General, Javier Perez de Cuellar (right), meets with Nelson Mandela, President of the African National Congress. 3 December 1991 President Nelson R. Mandela (left) of South Africa displays a book that he received from Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. The book is about the United Nations and its efforts against apartheid. Secretary-General Kofi Annan (right) meets with former South African President Nelson Mandela in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa. 15 March 2006 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets former President Nelson Mandela in South Africa. February 2009