Nelson Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday today, 18 July 2008. Thanks to the BBC for posting a multimedia celebration of his extraordinary life and career. As a lawyer and activist he campaigned against South Africa’s apartheid regime. Accused of trying to overthrow the government, he spent nearly 30 years in prison. After his release in 1990, he went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and to become his country’s first black president. Mr. Mandela is also a founder of The Elders, a gathering of world leaders who come together to guide and support the Global Village. The Elders, free from political, economic or military pressures, The Elders only agenda is humanity. And their only purpose is to ease human suffering in three essential areas:
Offering a catalyst for the peaceful resolution of conflict
Seeking new approaches to seemingly intractable global issues
Sharing wisdom: reaching out to grassroots Elders and to the next generation of leaders. Listening and helping to amplify voices for good all over the world.
