The Nelson Mandela International Day

On Nelson Mandela International Day, I had the privilege of serving with the Africa Section at the United Nations when the resolution establishing this special day was adopted. Alongside my dedicated colleagues, I engaged in community service that was profoundly enriching—working at the UN felt less like a job and more like a continual journey of learning and growth in an environment defined by its diversity.

I began working in the Africa Section in 2009 under the visionary leadership of Masimba Tafirenyika, then the Editor‑in‑Chief of Africa Renewal. He spearheaded a bold modernization initiative, fast‑forwarding the publication from its Africa Recovery roots—founded in 1987—into a vibrant, contemporary magazine aligned with Africa’s renewal story. Masimba is now the Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Pretoria, South Africa since May 2017.

As part of the team, I had the privilege of seeking out and selecting compelling images to vividly illustrate our stories. Masimba was a consummate professional with a forward‑looking mindset. Under his guidance, Africa Renewal swiftly rose to the top among UN publications. His emotional intelligence fostered a collaborative environment; he welcomed our input, made us feel valued, and motivated us all to excel.

Also joining in 2009, Kingsley Lington Ighobor has since advanced into the role of Digital Creator. Remarkably, exactly ten years after our first full-colour edition in August 2010, the magazine evolved into a fully digital publication in 2020.

With my dear friend and Former UN Intern, Stefano de Cupis, who is now Strategic Communications & External Affairs Officer with the World Bank Group - Education Global Practice and my friend & former colleague, Dr. Kingsley Lington Ighobor, Strategic Communications Specialist; Africa Renewal Magasine in 2010 & 2011

Masimba's Farewell at my apartment in Manhattan in 2017

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my dear friend and mentor Marian Aggrey. She was instrumental in my selection to succeed her in our Section when she moved on to a higher role. Marian’s patient, professional training laid a strong foundation for my growth. We’ve remained close over the years; I had the pleasure of visiting her in Geneva in 2018, where she’s now based as Programme Management at United Nations Office at Geneva

With my UN colleagues of the Africa Section: Masimba, Kingsley, Marian and Bo

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly officially declared 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of Mandela’s remarkable contribution to cultivating a global culture of peace and freedom. The resolution (A/RES/64/13) honors his lifelong commitment to:

• Conflict resolution

• Racial reconciliation and human rights

• Gender equality and the protection of children and vulnerable groups

• The eradication of poverty and the advancement of social justice 

  
  

It also lauds his international leadership in fostering democracy and nurturing a worldwide culture of peace .

Why this matters: Nelson Mandela International Day is more than a date—it stands as a universal call to action, inspired by Mandela’s legacy. It compels each of us to commit to the service of humanity, echoing the spirit of his life’s mission.

Nelson Mandela International Day Volunteer Work in Central Park with Masimba, Kingsley, Margaret Novicki , Maher Nasser & Mike Fleshman with Jane Goodall, UN Messenger of Peace in 2011

A Masimba reunion with colleagues at the United Nations in New York in 2017