This life-size bronze statue of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 – 2013) is a gift to the United Nations from the Republic of South Africa. Mandela gained international acclaim for his activism as an anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist. He also served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial reconciliation. He is regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice. 

The plaque at the base of the statue mentions Nelson Mandela as the founding father of Democratic South Africa. He was a hero for the liberation struggle for his country and beyond and a global icon. The statue was donated on the occasion of the Centenary Celebration of Nelson Mandela’s birth, 18 July 1918.

Artist Andre Otto is a South African sculptor.

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Mandela’s birthday, 18 July, as “Mandela Day"". It marked his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle and called on individuals to donate 67 minutes to do something for others. This act commemorates the 67 years that Mandela had been part of the movement. Also, in 2015 the UN General Assembly named the amended Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners as the “Mandela Rules” to honor his legacy. 

The statue of Nelson Mandela was unveiled at a ceremony hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in the presence of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UN President of 73rd Session of the General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, and Permanent Representative of South Africa Jerry Matthews Matjila.