Annual Commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

20 July 2020 

His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General

His Excellency Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa

Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis,

Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté,

Mr. Sello Hatang, Chief Executive Officer of the Mandela Foundation,

Mr. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor of New York City,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

 It is an honour to welcome you to this annual United Nations General Assembly observance of Nelson Mandela International Day.  

At the outset, I extend my condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Ambassador Zindzi Mandela. She lived a life that embodied the ideals that Mandela fought for. At this moment we keep the Mandela family in our thoughts, and we acknowledge the personal sacrifices made by the families of activists and campaigners for social justice around the world.

In 2009, the General Assembly established Nelson Mandela International Day, to celebrate the remarkable life and contribution of Nelson Mandela each year on the day of his birth, July 18^th. This Day provides us with a moment to reflect upon the contribution of Nelson Mandela to our world, and to re-affirm our collective commitment to eradicate racism and racial discrimination in every context.

Nelson Mandela provided the world with a moral compass throughout his life: demonstrating his uncompromising commitment to humanity through his actions and unwavering commitment to freedom, justice, peace and human rights. His efforts and sacrifice paved the way for the liberation and democratization of South Africa, heralding a new era of hope for communities around the world.

In his life and in his legacy, Madiba has inspired generations of changemakers around the world to practice humility while standing up for what is right – even when the odds are not in our favour. Let us not forget his words,

“Everything seems impossible, until it is done.”

Excellencies,

Five years ago, Dr. Helena Ndume of Nambia and His Excellency Mr. Jorge Fernando Branco Sampaio of Portugal were awarded the inaugural UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. The Prize was designed to recognize the outstanding achievements of two distinguished individuals, one female and one male, who have dedicated their lives to the service to humanity, particularly in the promotion of reconciliation, social cohesion, and community development.

Today is indeed a special occasion as we award the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize for the second time. The efforts of the awardees have made a significant difference to the lives of others, as inspired by Nelson Mandela, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

It is therefore my great pleasure to welcome Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté of Guinea Conakry as Laureates of the second ever United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis is a prominent philanthropist and advocate for human rights, education, and the protection of children’s health and welfare, including children on the move.

She has also  served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for over two decades and has dedicated her life to improving the lives of children, as the Founder and President of the Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation, the ELPIDA Friends’ Association of Children with cancer, the Orama Elpidas Association.  In doing so she has paved the way for a peaceful and just future, reminding us of Nelson Mandela’s words,

“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté is a leading advocate on ending violence against women and girls in Africa and also serves as Chairman of the Conakry Red Cross. Dr. Kouyaté has been steadfast in his quest to end all forms of violence against women and girls through his clinical work and campaigning. He initiated efforts to address violence against women with the African Union Commission, leading to the Maputo Protocol, Africa’s regional instrument on ending violence against women. 

In addition, through the Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices he has advocated for the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: including the Initiative for the International Day on Zero Tolerance for FGM through General Assembly Resolution 67/146. 

Dr. Kouyaté has emulated Nelson Mandela in his determination to peacefully dismantle harmful social structures which threaten the future of his community, and in turn the global community.

On behalf of the General Assembly, I congratulate both Laureates on their well-deserved selection as the second recipients of the Nelson Mandela Prize. The world is a better place because of your courage, empathy, and dedication to upholding human rights.

I thank the Members of the Selection Committee, the distinguished Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan, Burundi, Greece, Hungary, Nicaragua and, in ex-officio capacity, South Africa, as well as the Eminent Persons His Excellency Jorge Sampaio, His Excellency Eduard Kukan and Mrs. Amina Bouayach for a job well done. I also convey my deep appreciation to the Department of Global Communications, as the Secretariat of the Selection Committee, for their support throughout the process.

In this 75^th year of the United Nations, I urge you to take inspiration from our esteemed Laureates and honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by serving your community in pursuit of a more equal, just, and peaceful future as set out in the Charter of the United Nations.

I leave you with the words of the late Nelson Mandela,

“Do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognize that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision.’’

I thank you.