United Nations Honours Nelson Mandela With Global Holiday

NELSON MANDELA Photo: Getty Images.

Los Angeles (THEWILL) - The United Nations has declared July 18 of every year " Nelson Mandela International Day" in acknowledgement of his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom, according to a UN statement.

The resolution was adopted tuesday by the 192-member UN General Assembly to mark the Nobel Peace Prize winner's commitment to promoting conflict resolution, race relations, human rights, reconciliation and gender equality.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon had earlier this year referred to Mandela as " A living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations." 

Nelson Mandela, 91, also pupularly called Madiba back home, was a former political prisoner and ex president of South Africa. He was born on July 18, 1918.