July 19, 2022
2 mins read

UN commemorates Mandela

The best way to honour Mandela’s legacy is by taking action, the UN chief added…reports Asian Lite News

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described Nelson Mandela as a “moral compass,” calling for honouring the former South African President’s legacy by taking action.

“Nelson Mandela was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations,” Guterres said on Monday in his message to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day, which was observed on Monday.

“He remains a moral compass and reference to us all,” the UN chief said, adding that Mandela showed that “each and every one of us has the ability and responsibility to build a better future for all.”

“Our world today is marred by war; overwhelmed by emergencies; blighted by racism, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities; and threatened by climate disaster. Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela’s example and inspiration in his vision,” Guterres said.

The best way to honour Mandela’s legacy is by taking action, the UN chief added.

“By speaking out against hate and standing up for human rights. By embracing our common humanity — rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity. And by together making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all,” he said.

Under the theme of taking action and inspiring change, the Nelson Mandela International Day was celebrated through an informal meeting of the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

At the special event, UN officials, representatives of member states, among others, delivered remarks in memory of Nelson Mandela, stressing the relevance of his legacy to the present time.

In his remark, Abdulla Shahid, President of the UN General Assembly, underscored that Mandela’s fight against apartheid was in fact a fight for a better world, in which the freedom, justice and dignity of all were respected.

Citing multiple challenges, including conflict, global pandemic and global food security crisis at the very moment, he said that it’s not the time for despair.

“No matter the challenges and obstacles, we must persevere with conviction, with determination, and with hope,” Shahid said, adding that this is what Mandela would have wanted and fought for.

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.

Prince Harry attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. 

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared on July 18, Mandela’s birthday, as Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former South African President’s contributions to peace and freedom.

ALSO READ-Gandhi-Mandela Peace Initiative launched in India

Previous Story

2,803 Sudanese refugees return from Ethiopian camps

Next Story

Algeria, Italy agree to boost energy ties

Latest from -Top News

Afghanistan Offline: 72 Hours of Chaos

Afghanistan restores internet after three-day blackout; humanitarian aid, trade, and banking resume slowly, while UN warns repeated disruptions threaten recovery and livelihoods for millions of citizens. Internet and telecom services were partially

Over 1,000 lives lost in Pak floods

Pakistan’s floods kill over 1,000, hit agriculture and supply chains; economy shows resilience amid devastation, while Karachi experiences minor earthquake, raising fears in already-stricken areas. Pakistan continues to grapple with one of

Great Soybean Standoff

Trump’s planned meeting with Xi links soybean trade disputes to wider US-China tensions, as American military officials warn of growing threats from both Beijing and Pyongyang….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald

Khadi spirit spins on

From Gandhi’s visit in 1920 to Prime Minister Modi’s call for Swadeshi today, Mahoba’s weavers show how khadi continues to weave empowerment, pride and self-reliance….reports Asian Lite News In the dusty lanes

US urged to deepen defence ties with India

Heritage Foundation expert urges US to deepen defence cooperation with India, share naval intelligence, support drone industry, and avoid domestic criticism to counter China’s rising influence in Indo-Pacific….reports Asian Lite News A
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UN backs Sudan envoy

Sources within Sudan’s foreign ministry said that Perthes will not

UN warns of impending famine in Yemen

The UN is trying to end the civil war that