© UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Mandela Prize 2015
"United Nations Announces Call for Nominations for Newly Established Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize"
Press Release Issued on 13 April 2015
UNITED NATIONS, New York, 13 April 2015 – The United Nations is calling for nominations for the 2015 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. The Prize, newly established, is an honorary award to be presented once every five years as a tribute to the outstanding achievements and contributions of two individuals (one female and one male). The Prize will be awarded in recognition of their dedicated service to humanity, in promotion of reconciliation and social cohesion, and in community development, guided by the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
The laureates will be selected by a United Nations committee chaired by the President of the General Assembly and composed of representatives of six Member States, including representatives from each of the five regional groups and a representative of the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations, who will serve as an ex officio member. The UN Department of Public Information will serve as the committee’s secretariat.
Nominations for the 2015 prize will be accepted until 18 May 2015. Details on submission of nominations >>.
It is expected that the laureates will be announced in June 2015 with the first prizes awarded at UN Headquarters in New York during the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July).
Background on the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize
The United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize is an honorary award originally established by General Assembly of 6 June 2014. Its statute was approved by General Assembly of 2 April 2015. It is presented once every five years as a tribute to the outstanding achievements and contributions of two individuals, one female and one male Laureate, who shall not be selected from the same geographic region.
More on the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize >>
More on the 2015 Laureates of the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize >>
Email — mandelaprize@un.org.
Background on Mandela International Day
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. General Assembly recognizes Mr. Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups.
Media contact:
UN Department of Public Information
Ms. Martina Donlon — donlon@un.org — +1 (212) 963 6816