UN celebrates Nelson Mandela, ‘a colossus of courage and conviction’
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for action to build a better world in his message to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for action to build a better world in his message to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on Tuesday.
The annual celebration pays tribute to Mr. Mandela’s 67 years of service to humanity as a human rights lawyer, prisoner of conscience, international peacemaker and the first democratically elected President of post-apartheid South Africa.
Honour the legacy
The UN chief described the former leader, who died in 2013, as “a colossus of courage and conviction”.
Mr. Guterres said the best way to honour his legacy is through action against racism, discrimination, hate and the legacies of colonialism.
“And action to promote equality, human rights and above all, justice,” he added.
Inspiration for action
The Secretary-General noted that poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise today, with many countries drowning in debt.
Meanwhile, the climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it, and the unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net.
“We have it in our power to solve each of these problems,” he said.
“So, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, let us be animated by his spirit of humanity, dignity and justice. Let us stand with women and girls, young people and changemakers everywhere. And let us take action to build a better world.”
Climate action now
Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on his birthday, 18 July, and people everywhere are encouraged to volunteer for 67 minutes, either in their communities or virtually.
This year, the UN called for supporting its ActNow campaign on climate change and sustainability, recalling that Mr. Mandela said “we must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.”
The UN General Assembly will hold an informal meeting on Thursday to mark the International Day.
Speakers will include Andrew Young, politician, activist, and former United States Ambassador to the UN.
© UN News (2023) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Syria: WHO Regional Director calls for greater investment in health sector Sunday, May 19, 2024
- Gaza: Nearly 800,000 now displaced from Rafah Saturday, May 18, 2024
- Rising Temperatures Drive Human-Wildlife Conflict in Zimbabwe Friday, May 17, 2024
- Women Organize to Fight Coastal Erosion in Southeastern Brazil Friday, May 17, 2024
- More Diversified Trade Can Make Middle East & Central Asia More Resilient Friday, May 17, 2024
- India’s LGBTQIA+ community notches legal wins but still faces societal hurdles to acceptance, equal rights Friday, May 17, 2024
- UN rights office urges Sri Lanka to reveal fate of the disappeared Friday, May 17, 2024
- Israel refutes South Africa’s accusations at UN world court Friday, May 17, 2024
- Gaza: Aid delivery via floating dock welcomed, but land routes ‘more important’ Friday, May 17, 2024
- Crimes against nature: UN agency puts environmental legislation under scrutiny Friday, May 17, 2024
Learn more about the related issues: