The commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated on July 18, pays tribute to his struggle for freedom and equality, both at home and around the world.
Mr. Mandela, who is affectionately known by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, spent nearly three decades in prison for standing up for human rights abuses and gross injustices against black South Africans.
‘Change through forgiveness’
He was released from prison in 1990 and was elected President four years later in the country’s first multiracial elections.
Csaba Kőrösi, President of the UN General Assembly, said that Mr. Mandela served as an example of change through forgiveness as he left behind a multiracial, democratic South Africa that was very different from the racist state in which he was born.
“Madiba’s lifelong commitment to human rights embodies a fundamental principle of this organization: We leave no one behind,” he added.
Honor him with action
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called Mr. Mandela who is one of the greatest heroes of the people.
“Nelson Mandela was a man of great courage and conviction,” he said. “How can we pay tribute to such a giant? Through words of respect, sure. But we honor Madiba through action.
Mr. Guterres called for action against racism, discrimination, hatred, and to “extinguish the legacies of colonialism.” He also appealed for the promotion of equality, human rights “and above all, justice.”
The UN chief said that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed global inequalities and “three years later, the need to bridge the global justice gap is more urgent than ever.”
Change the world
He points to the injustice at the heart of the international financial system which is rooted in colonialism. Until now, Africa lacks representation in the global financial architecture and the continent does not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, he said.
He recalled that Mr. Mandela addressed these issues in a speech at the UN almost 30 years ago, arguing against the unequal distribution of resources and decision-making power.
“The world is still waiting for change,” said Mr. Guterres. “Finally, we need fundamental reform of the international financial system. But we also need to support developing economies with concrete steps that we can take now.”
He called for an urgent repair of the business models of multilateral development banks, providing a sustainable plan to stimulate development, and establishing debt relief that supports payment suspensions, among other measures.
Hope, freedom and dignity
American politician and activist Andrew Young, former US Ambassador to the UN, shared the memories of Mr. Mandela who was a friend and brother.
“We heard things that seemed impossible to us: that he invited his prison to sit with his family at his inauguration and that he always tried to unite South Africa despite all its divisions,” he said.
Mr. Young, now 91, says his own country is now struggling with some of the same dynamics that plagued apartheid-era South Africa.
“We are grateful for the example set by President Madiba,” he said. “And we are grateful to this institution for following that tradition and keeping alive the hope of freedom and dignity, and a realization that we can be free despite the cultural chains that bind us.”