To mark Nelson Mandela International Day, the United Nations Information Service Vienna, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of South Africa, screened the movie "Invictus" directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, at United Nations headquarters in Vienna on Friday 16 July.
H.E. the Ambassador of South Africa, Xolisa Mabhongo, and Sonja Wintersberger, Officer-in-Charge, UNIS Vienna, made introductory remarks.
The United Nations has declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. The 2009 General Assembly resolution commemorates the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's long-standing commitment to promoting conflict resolution, race relations, human rights, reconciliation and gender equality. 18 July 2010, Mr. Mandela's 92nd birthday, will be the first observance of the Day.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned, including in the notorious Robben Island detention centre off the coast of Cape Town. After his release from prison in 1990, Mr. Mandela became the first President elected in a fully representative democratic ballot in post-apartheid South Africa, holding office from 1994 to 1999 in accordance with the country's Constitution.
Nelson Mandela spent more than 67 years serving his community, his country and the world at large. On Mandela Day people are called to devote just 67 minutes of their time to changing the world for the better, in a small gesture of solidarity with humanity, and in a small step towards a continuous, global movement for good.
The Oscar-nominated and multiple award-winning film "Invictus" tells the story of how Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land, enlisting the national rugby team in a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and to unite and inspire a multi-ethnic South Africa.
