PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
UN: UN officials, Stevie Wonder urge global community to imbibe Madela's virtues
New York, US (PANA) - As the world marks Nelson Mandela International Day, UN officials and UN Peace Ambassador Stevie Wonder on Monday in New York paid tribute to the South African activist and peacemaker's tireless efforts to end intolerance and injustice, calling on the international community to follow his guiding example in efforts to build a better world for all.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly special session to mark the Day, which is observed annually on 18 July, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, said: "Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of a legend who embodied the highest values of the United Nations."
"Today, we remember a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement who worked tirelessly for peace and human dignity," Eliasson said in a speech he delivered on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is currently in South Africa for the International AIDS Conference.
The UN deputy chief emphasized that as the UN sets out to implement the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN member states should seek to continue building on Mandela's legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose.
He stated: "Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to bring change to the people of South Africa. His accomplishments came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his nation, but all people around the world, giving them hope to fulfill their dreams and aspirations."
He also added that, "Nelson Mandela continues to show us the way."
Eliasson said that the UN joined the Mandela Foundation in inviting people around the world to devote at least 67 minutes today to community service activity, because at the heart of the Day is volunteer work for people and the planet.
"There is so much we can do. Tutor a child. Feed the hungry. Clean up a site or care for your environment. Volunteer to serve at a hospital or community centre. Help a refugee family. Be part of the Mandela movement to make the world a better place. Nobody can do everything but everybody can do something," he said.
The UN deputy chief also noted that, the theme of this year's Day: "Take action! Inspire change", is meant to mobilize the human family to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world, saying: "This is the best tribute we can give to an extraordinary man who, with his steadfast belief in justice and equality, showed how one person can make a difference."
"Let us all continue being inspired by Nelson Mandela's lifelong example and his call to never cease working to build a better world for all," he added.
Also, UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft noted that the Day represents an opportunity for the General Assembly to celebrate and promote the values and extraordinary vision of one of the greatest men in modern history.
"President Mandela's contribution to humanity extends across the three pillars of the UN and both the Nelson Mandela Prize and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners also known as 'Nelson Mandela Rules' are a testament to his global impact," Mr. Lykketoft said.
"But an even greater testament to Mandela's influence, would be for all world leaders to follow his example," the UN official said, encouraging UN member states to write a new chapter of history by dedicating their time and talent to improving the lives of billions of people everywhere.
In a keynote address, American music icon and UN Peace Ambassador, Stevie Wonder, said he was overwhelmed with joy to be part of the festivities for Mandela, whose struggle for democracy, human rights and social justice was only possible because he conducted himself with the highest standard of courage, integrity and grace.
"Mandela set forth a model of behaviour and sense of being, that is so very desperately needed today. He has given the world a road map to follow in order to advance peace and social justice more effectively. We must follow it," Wonder said.
He also said that he will continue his longstanding work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
He renewed an appeal that opportunity should be equally made available for all, calling on countries to strengthen efforts to promote access to technology and create adequate public infrastructure and transportation services, in order to have a more inclusive, accessible society for all.
"Be not afraid! Be the bridge! Not the wall to peace and understanding. Be the man or woman that Nelson Mandala would be proud to call his brother or sister in the struggle for peace and love," the music icon said.
Wonder concluded his address with a new song he wrote a couple of weeks ago, asking "where is our song of love, not a song for you and me but a song for humanity."
In honour of Mandela, a clothing donation public service activity was held at the Secretariat Circle at UN headquarters, which is one of several events scheduled on Monday around the world to mark Mandela's Day.
The UN General Assembly declared 18 July (Mandela's birthday), as Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition Mandela’s contributions to democracy, racial justice, and reconciliation, and his service to humanity,
Every year since 2010, on 18 July, individuals around the world are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to helping others.
The campaign: "Take Action, Inspire Change" is based on people devoting one minute of their time for every year that Nelson Mandela devoted to public service, as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
-0- PANA AA 18July2016
Speaking at a UN General Assembly special session to mark the Day, which is observed annually on 18 July, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, said: "Nelson Mandela International Day is an opportunity to reflect on the life and work of a legend who embodied the highest values of the United Nations."
"Today, we remember a man of quiet dignity and towering achievement who worked tirelessly for peace and human dignity," Eliasson said in a speech he delivered on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is currently in South Africa for the International AIDS Conference.
The UN deputy chief emphasized that as the UN sets out to implement the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UN member states should seek to continue building on Mandela's legacy of selflessness and deep sense of shared purpose.
He stated: "Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to bring change to the people of South Africa. His accomplishments came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his nation, but all people around the world, giving them hope to fulfill their dreams and aspirations."
He also added that, "Nelson Mandela continues to show us the way."
Eliasson said that the UN joined the Mandela Foundation in inviting people around the world to devote at least 67 minutes today to community service activity, because at the heart of the Day is volunteer work for people and the planet.
"There is so much we can do. Tutor a child. Feed the hungry. Clean up a site or care for your environment. Volunteer to serve at a hospital or community centre. Help a refugee family. Be part of the Mandela movement to make the world a better place. Nobody can do everything but everybody can do something," he said.
The UN deputy chief also noted that, the theme of this year's Day: "Take action! Inspire change", is meant to mobilize the human family to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world, saying: "This is the best tribute we can give to an extraordinary man who, with his steadfast belief in justice and equality, showed how one person can make a difference."
"Let us all continue being inspired by Nelson Mandela's lifelong example and his call to never cease working to build a better world for all," he added.
Also, UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft noted that the Day represents an opportunity for the General Assembly to celebrate and promote the values and extraordinary vision of one of the greatest men in modern history.
"President Mandela's contribution to humanity extends across the three pillars of the UN and both the Nelson Mandela Prize and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners also known as 'Nelson Mandela Rules' are a testament to his global impact," Mr. Lykketoft said.
"But an even greater testament to Mandela's influence, would be for all world leaders to follow his example," the UN official said, encouraging UN member states to write a new chapter of history by dedicating their time and talent to improving the lives of billions of people everywhere.
In a keynote address, American music icon and UN Peace Ambassador, Stevie Wonder, said he was overwhelmed with joy to be part of the festivities for Mandela, whose struggle for democracy, human rights and social justice was only possible because he conducted himself with the highest standard of courage, integrity and grace.
"Mandela set forth a model of behaviour and sense of being, that is so very desperately needed today. He has given the world a road map to follow in order to advance peace and social justice more effectively. We must follow it," Wonder said.
He also said that he will continue his longstanding work and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
He renewed an appeal that opportunity should be equally made available for all, calling on countries to strengthen efforts to promote access to technology and create adequate public infrastructure and transportation services, in order to have a more inclusive, accessible society for all.
"Be not afraid! Be the bridge! Not the wall to peace and understanding. Be the man or woman that Nelson Mandala would be proud to call his brother or sister in the struggle for peace and love," the music icon said.
Wonder concluded his address with a new song he wrote a couple of weeks ago, asking "where is our song of love, not a song for you and me but a song for humanity."
In honour of Mandela, a clothing donation public service activity was held at the Secretariat Circle at UN headquarters, which is one of several events scheduled on Monday around the world to mark Mandela's Day.
The UN General Assembly declared 18 July (Mandela's birthday), as Nelson Mandela International Day, in recognition Mandela’s contributions to democracy, racial justice, and reconciliation, and his service to humanity,
Every year since 2010, on 18 July, individuals around the world are encouraged to devote 67 minutes to helping others.
The campaign: "Take Action, Inspire Change" is based on people devoting one minute of their time for every year that Nelson Mandela devoted to public service, as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
-0- PANA AA 18July2016
