国产AV

At UN, countries pledge to be guided by Mandela鈥檚 legacy in working for a better world

Get monthly
e-newsletter

At UN, countries pledge to be guided by Mandela鈥檚 legacy in working for a better world

UN News
By: 
Gra莽a Machel, member of The Elders and widow of Nelson Mandela, makes remarks during the Nelson Mandela 国产AV Summit.
UN Photo/Cia Pak
Gra莽a Machel, member of The Elders and widow of Nelson Mandela, makes remarks during the Nelson Mandela 国产AV Summit.

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday honoured Nelson Mandela with a pledge to build a just, peaceful and prosperous world and to revive the values for which the former South African President and anti-apartheid campaigner stood.

At the听Nelson Mandela 国产AV Summit, held in New York, Member States adopted the first resolution of the听, 鈥渃ommitting to demonstrate mutual respect, tolerance, understanding and reconciliation in [their] relations.鈥

鈥淲e resolve to move beyond words in the promotion of peaceful, just, inclusive and non-discriminatory societies, stressing the importance of the equal participation and full involvement of women and the meaningful participation of youth in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security,鈥 read the resolution.

Member States, many represented by their heads of State and government, also reiterated the importance of the听2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development听and said that they remain committed to achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions 鈥 economic, social and environmental 鈥 in a balanced and integrated manner.

鈥淪ustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development. We reaffirm our pledge that no one will be left behind,鈥 they resolved.

Addressing the Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres听spoke听of the growing pressure against human rights around the world, and urged everyone to draw inspiration from Nelson Mandela鈥檚 wisdom, courage and fortitude, to face the challenges.

鈥淸That] is the only way to build the just, peaceful and prosperous world envisioned in the United Nations Charter, the听听and the听,鈥 said Mr. Guterres.

鈥淢adiba was a global citizen whose legacy must continue to guide us,鈥 he added.

Today鈥檚 国产AV Summit coincides with the centenary year of Mr. Mandela鈥檚 birth.

Unveiling of Nelson Mandela鈥檚 statue

Earlier in the day, a statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at UN Headquarters by Mr. Guterres alongside Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, and Mar铆a Fernanda Espinosa, the President of the current session of the General Assembly.

Gifted by South Africa to the UN, the life-size statue shows Madiba with his arms outstretched and bears his warm and broad smile.

Speaking at the unveiling, Secretary-General Guterres听highlighted听Mr. Mandela鈥檚 humility as a hallmark of his greatness.

鈥淲hen he achieved the pinnacle of power as president of his beloved country, Madiba set an example that still resounds throughout Africa and the world 鈥 he stepped down after one term, confident in the durability of South Africa鈥檚 newfound democracy 鈥 He did not pursue power for its own sake, but simply as a means of service,鈥 said the UN chief.

Also speaking at the unveiling, Ms. Espinosa听recalled听Mr. Mandela鈥檚 first landmark speech at the UN, in 1994, in which he spoke of the interdependence of all nations and asked what can and must leaders do to ensure that democracy, peace and prosperity prevail everywhere.

鈥淚t is my hope that the placement of this statue 鈥 within the physical boundaries of the UN territory 鈥 will serve as an inspiration and reminder to all Member States,鈥 added the Assembly President.

鈥淎 reminder that our differences are to be celebrated; that our work is wholly and unreservedly for the people for whom we serve; and that our efforts, in whatever form they take, should always be guided by the inspiration and the promise that Mandela has left us.鈥

Topics: