Do not look the other way; do not hesitate. Recognise that the world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision. - Nelson Mandela
A new collection of quotes from Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, serves as a reminder of the impact that a single individual can have on the world.
Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome [...] overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. (Goal 1: No poverty)
Compiled by the United Nations in South Africa in cooperation with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the booklet is dedicated to the legacy of the icon who inspired generations to fight for a more just, equal, and sustainable world.
Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression. (Goal 5: Gender equality)
Mandela’s words are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, offering insights, inspiration, and a call to action to each one of us to make a difference in our communities and beyond.
“The booklet strives to bring to life some of his sayings (before, during and after his 27 years in prison) by matching them with related SDGs as we reach the mid-point for reaching the currently off-track targets for people and planet,” writes Nelson Muffuh, Resident Coordinator United Nations in South Africa, in the introduction.
It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. (Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth)
“As we reflect on Nelson Mandela's words and actions before the 2030 SDG Summit (18-19 September during the UN General Assembly in New York),” Mr. Muffuh concludes, “let us remember the power each of us holds to make a difference, as he aptly said, ‘it's now in your hands’.”