Remembering Nelson Mandela's Fight for a Better World

Celebrated annually on Mandela's birthday, South Africans and people the world over roll up their sleeves and lend a hand in their communities to mark International Nelson Mandela Day.

The first democratically-elected President of South Africa, and the country's first Black leader, died in December 2013 at age 95. The annual commemoration on 18 July, his birthday, recognizes his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, UN News Service wrote.

Abdulla Shahid, president of the UN General Assembly, recalled that he also advocated for democracy, gender equality, the rights of children and young people, and for protecting the environment.

"Madiba's fight against apartheid, was in fact a fight for a better world, in which the freedom, justice and dignity of all were respected. He called for peace, social justice, equality and human understanding throughout his life," he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, said the life and legacy of Mandela must be celebrated every day, particularly as younger generations may not be familiar with his leadership.

"Let's talk with our children about what he stood for. Let's seek out what we have in common, empower all people to reclaim our democracies, and harness the light of Mandela's memory to illuminate the way forward," he said.