July 18, asks ordinary people to give up 67 minutes of their time in an act of public good – one for each of the years Mr Mandela spent devoted to public life.

Achmat Dangor, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said: “We are seeing the re-emergence of a global movement for good and the celebrities here tonight can bring the message of Mandela Day to people around the world. It is the young generation that can change this world, one day at a time.”

Josh Groban, singer and songwriter, said: “We are here to lead by example and to take the message of Mandela Day seriously.”

Alicia Keys, singer and songwriter, said: “It is a necessity to have a Mandela Day, as a reminder of the capacity and duty we have to be meaningful.”

Russell Simmons, media mogul, said: “Use Mr Mandela as your inspiration to make your difference in the world.”

Spike Lee, director and actor, said: “We are taking one day, and Mr Mandela spent 27 years incarcerated. We must honour his life and his legacy and must make the world a better place.”

Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Mr Mandela, said: “Mandela Day is about going back to the people, to the community, and not forgetting where you come from. It means celebrating the identity of Africa. HIV/AIDS is something I am very aware of, both my parents died of HIV/AIDS. My message to people would be: love yourself, protect yourself, love the world.”

Loyiso, singer, said: “It’s about time that we have this . . . I believe that it is a gift to the world and a day that should be celebrated throughout the world.”

Fekile Magubane, consul general of South Africa to New York: “As a South African, Mandela Day is very special as