On 18 July, the UN Brussels team joined the call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, a day in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to peace and freedom. On this day, UN staff members around the globe are invited to donate 67 minutes of their time for public service.

That is 1 minute for every year Mr Mandela estimated he had devoted in the service to humanity – as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, and as an international peacemaker. About 20 volunteers from the UN Brussels team, including the UNEP Brussels Liaison Office, collaborated with the Town of Brussels to help rid the Bois de la Cambre of invasive species affecting certain areas of the park.