UN Leaders Amplify Mandela’s Principles of Unity, Justice
(MENAFN) The United Nations observed Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue to replace hatred, understanding to overcome fear and vengeance, and unity above all else.
Philemon Yang, president of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), highlighted Mandela’s embodiment of core values such as peace, equality, human rights, and dedication to service during an informal UNGA session.
He said that in a world fractured by ongoing conflicts and inequalities, "Mandela's legacy urges us to still choose dialogue over hatred, understanding over fear and vengeance, and unity above all."
This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules — the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, he added.
"These rules are a testament to yet another aspect of Nelson Mandela's legacy: justice and dignity for all, everywhere," Yang remarked.
He urged the international community to draw inspiration from Mandela’s bravery as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.
"Our abiding aim must be to strengthen multilateralism. So that tomorrow's leaders, who will write its next chapters, pick up a mantle of courage, compassion, and hope," Yang stressed.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, noting Mandela’s enduring legacy of reconciliation and transformation as the world body celebrates eight decades.
"We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity," Guterres affirmed.
Highlighting a core lesson from Mandela’s life, Guterres said power "is not a personal possession, to be hoarded."
"Power is about lifting others up. It is about what we can achieve with one another, and for one another. Power is about people," he explained.
The UN chief also pointed out that human rights and dignity face threats worldwide — not only from ongoing conflicts and instability but also due to entrenched inequalities, exclusion, climate crises, and the erosion of hard-fought freedoms.
"Now is the time to renew our global commitment to the principles that define our organization -- and indeed, the extraordinary life of Nelson Mandela. Freedom. Justice. Equal rights. Solidarity. Reconciliation. Peace," Guterres emphasized.
During the event, the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize was awarded to individuals dedicated to advancing humanity and the UN’s core values.
This year’s honorees are Brenda Reynolds of Canada, a social worker championing indigenous health, mental wellness, and reconciliation both domestically and internationally, and Kennedy Odede of Kenya, a prominent advocate for social entrepreneurship and community development.
Guterres praised the laureates for embodying Mandela’s famous words engraved on their awards: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others."
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