The United Nations (UN) Member States on Monday the 18th of July gathered at the UN headquarters in New York to observe Nelson Mandela International Day, a celebration for everyone to take action and inspire change in their communities.
The annual commemoration on July 18, his birthday, recognises his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom globally.
Mandela – affectionately known as “Madiba”, his Xhosa clan name – fought against the racist apartheid system in his homeland, and for equality and freedom for all people.
President of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid disclosed that Mandela advocated for democracy, gender equality, the rights of children and young people, and for protection of the environment.
“Madiba’s fight against apartheid was in fact a fight for a better world, in which the freedom, justice and dignity of all were respected.
“He called for peace, social justice, equality and human understanding throughout his life,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, said the life and legacy of Mandela must be celebrated every day, particularly as younger generations may not be familiar with his leadership.
“Let’s talk with our children about what he stood for. Let’s seek out what we have in common, empower all people to reclaim our democracies, and harness the light of Mandela’s memory to illuminate the way forward,” he said.