GA Informal Plenary Meeting

General Assembly President's Message — 2011

18 July

Message from H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss, President of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly

On 10 November 2009, the General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution which declared 18 July, the birthday of Nelson Mandela, as the "Nelson Mandela International Day," to be observed each year beginning in 2010.

General Assembly A/RES/64/13 recognizes South African President’s remarkable human values and dedication , and acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

His contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa is outstanding. In his country, instead of revenge and retribution, Nelson Mandela preached for and put in practice peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Today, we celebrate a rare icon and one of the greatest moral and political leaders of our time. He is the best known and best loved hero for all peoples, all races, and all ages. His life reminds the world that we must all continue to improve social equality and justice and pursue peace through dialogue.

Nelson Mandela’s philosophy demands that we make the world a better place, a just and peaceful world. His activism has touched our lives, as shown in his fight against disease, starting with HIV/AIDS, his commitment to reducing poverty, his determination to promote access to quality education, and his love for children.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. An anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress, he was sentenced to life in prison and served 27 years behind bars. Nelson Mandela was the first South African Head of State to be elected in a fully representative democratic election, and served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Up to this day, Nelson Mandela has remained a very strong and eloquent advocate for human rights and racial equality.

As Nelson Mandela celebrates his 93rd birthday with dozens of children around him, we wish him well.

We thank Madiba for being such a unifying figure.