The meeting takes place on the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, which is commemorated on July 18 every year.

On this date, the UN invites everyone to collaborate with small actions from their communities, because according to the South African leader, each person has the duty to contribute to a better world.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) dedicated much of his life to fight against discrimination, racism and inequalities.

At age 72, and after 27 years of imprisonment for his anti-apartheid actions, he was elected President of South Africa and continued to promote a culture of peace, tolerance and freedom internationally.

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18, when his birthday is commemorated, as Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition of his contributions.

Since September 2018, a statue of Mandela greets those entering the main building at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Even, another modest homage is erected a block before the UN headquarters, at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue: the corner was named Nelson and Winnie Mandela in 1984.

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