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UN chief calls for volunteer work for a better world

Xinhua, July 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday invited people around the world to devote at least 67 minutes today to a community service activity.

The UN chief's appeal came on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day which falls on Monday with a theme of "Take action, Inspire Change."

Ban said Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to bring change to the people of South Africa, and the international community shall continue building on his legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose.

"At the heart of Nelson Mandela International Day is volunteer work for people and the planet," said Ban. "Its theme -- "Take action, Inspire change" -- is meant to mobilize the human family to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world."

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18, Mandela's birthday, as "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African president's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. Enditem