On Nelson Mandela Day, an international call to make the best choices to eradicate poverty and achieve equality

In his speech to the audience – which was read on his behalf by his Chief of Staff, Earl Courtenay Rattray – the Secretary-General said: “that Mandela firmly believed that our common humanity is capable of triumphing over the forces of hatred, division, discrimination and injustice, and that nothing changes reality more than people’s solidarity and unity.”.

He talked about the slogan of the event Nelson Mandela International DayHe said, “We still have the fight against poverty and inequality in our hands,” saying that we live today in a world where inequality is entrenched, and poverty is still deeply rooted in many parts of the world.

He recalled what Mandela once said: “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made.”

He emphasized that, guided by the life and legacy of Madiba (as he was called in his country), “We can make better choices”adding: “Eradicating poverty and inequality requires reshaping economies and societies to direct policies, budgets and investments to their rightful destination: people.”.

He pointed out that Mandela realized that progress does not happen automatically, but is the result of work, stressing that “We all have a responsibility to come together to make this progress a reality, and to end poverty and inequality through our actions, advocacy and voices.”.

Motivation to work

President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, said: “Mandela reminded us that peace requires more than the absence of conflict; it also requires human dignity, justice and equality for all.”.

added: “As we commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, we not only honor that vision, but we also recognize our responsibility to advance this work and this spirit.”.

She warned that the progress made towards ending poverty remains uneven, and that only one in five countries is on track to achieve its national goals related to poverty rates by 2030, despite member states declaring their commitment to eradicating poverty in all its forms through… Sustainable development goals.

She stressed that Nelson Mandela International Day should not be just an occasion to honor his legacy by recalling the past, but rather it should be an incentive for actual action.

Before the year 2030, the date for achieving the sustainable development plan, Baerbock called for focusing on what can be done today, “How many families can we help in four years? How many more children can we educate? How many hungry people can we feed?”. She called for the struggle until the end, similar to what Nelson Mandela did.

“The Mandela we need today”

Among the keynote speakers at the event was Shafiu Asumalo, Director of Strategic Relations for Africa at the New York City Mayor’s Office, who said that building a more just world and following the path outlined by Madiba, “It requires not only acts of courage and genius on the part of outstanding individuals, but also governments committed to providing a life of dignity.”.

He stressed that commitment on Nelson Mandela Day represents appreciation for the excellence shown by people who perform small acts that demonstrate courage and concern for others. “And to demand a similar level of excellence from all of us, whether in government or in institutions.”.

In turn, South African journalist and writer, Reddy Tlhabi, said: “Mandela destabilized an international system that was accustomed to injustice, and perhaps this is the Mandela we desperately need today.”.

She added that if Mandela were here today, “He would have asked whether we have confused military superiority with moral superiority. He would have wondered why children keep dying while the world is busy debating measures.”.

She stressed that the world today needs not another annual celebration of Mandela, but rather his courage, leaders ready to shake the foundations of comfortable injustice, countries ready to defend international law, and institutions ready to reform themselves.

Nelson Mandela Day

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18 as “Nelson Mandela International Day,” in recognition of the former South African president’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

The decision is approved A/RES/64/13 With Mandela’s values ​​and dedication to serving humanity in the areas of conflict resolution, inter-ethnic relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice.

The resolution also recognizes his contribution to the struggle for democracy at the international level and the promotion of a culture of peace in various parts of the world.