Nelson Mandela International Day, observed annually on July 18, commemorates the birth of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first Black President and a global icon of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Recognised by the United Nations in 2009, the day promotes the values Mandela stood for—freedom, dignity, equality, and human rights.
The idea of Nelson Mandela Day was first introduced by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2009 and was later officially adopted by the UN General Assembly.
The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 is 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity'.
Jul 17, 2025
World Day for International Justice
The World Day for International Justice is celebrated annually on July 17 and is devoted to advancing international criminal justice and honouring the struggle against impunity for the most serious crimes that impact the world.
The Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), was adopted on July 17, 1998, marking the beginning of the World Day for International Justice.
Jul 15, 2025
World Youth Skills Day
World Youth Skills Day is celebrated on July 15 every year to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
The United Nations General Assembly in November 2014 designated July 15 to be celebrated as World Youth Skills Day.
The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2025 is 'Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills'.
Jul 14, 2025
Bastille Day or French National Day
Bastille Day, marked on July 14, is also known as France's National Day. It represents French patriotism and national identity while recalling the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789. This watershed moment in the French Revolution signalled the end of absolute monarchy and the start of the modern French Republic.
Jul 12, 2025
Malala Day
Malala Day is celebrated every year on July 12 to mark the birthday of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She is known around the world for standing up for girls' right to education. This day honours her brave fight, her work to help others, and the powerful message she spread after surviving an attack by the Taliban in 2012.
Paper Bag Day
World Paper Bag Day is an annual event that is celebrated every year on July 12 to help raise awareness of the environmental benefits of using paper bags over plastic bags.
This day also celebrates the invention of the first paper bag machine in 1852 by Francis Wolle.