Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly
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Observance of the annual Nelson Mandela International Day
(As delivered)
Mr. Secretary-General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to join the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Permanent Mission of South Africa, and all of you to honour Nelson Mandela.
Madiba’s life sculpted monumental change during the 20th century and his legacy continues to shape the 21st.
As we grapple with the world’s many problems, it is easy to feel that our individual footprint is too light to make a lasting mark.
But Nelson Mandela shattered this notion, proving that one person does in fact have the power to make a significant impact on our world.
To bring about a transformation.
An uncompromising hero against the cruelty of Apartheid, and as we just heard from the movie – Mandela spent almost three decades in jail standing up to human rights abuses and severe injustices against black South Africans.
His remarkable journey serves as an example of transformation through forgiveness.
He bequeathed a multiracial, democratic South Africa vastly different from the racist state into which he was born.
Madiba’s lifelong commitment to human rights embodies a founding principle of this organisation: We cannot leave anyone behind.
One word captures this sentiment perfectly – Ubuntu.
It recognises that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eyes.
That there is a oneness of humanity.
That by sharing and caring for all those around us, everybody succeeds.
These notions must sound familiar to all of us who care about global transformation today, seeking stability and wellbeing for people and planet.
Mandela not only embodied Ubuntu but taught millions to find that truth within themselves.
Today, we draw inspiration from his legacy – and we also try to follow in his footsteps.
As in previous years, the United Nations is encouraging individuals and groups worldwide to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day through 67 minutes of local action.
This is in memory of the 67 years of his service to the public.
In New York, the UN community is partnering with the City of New York in an act of community service at the Nelson Mandela High School in Brooklyn.
The project is in line with this year’s theme of the International Day, “Climate, Food and Solidarity” – issues and values which underpin our sustainability transformation.
In times of turbulence and uncertainty, there might be little room for idealism.
But we need ideals, in both sense of the word.
Meaning, on the one hand, standards of perfection and, on the other hand, people we can respect.
Role models, if you wish, men and women who influence others by serving as an example.
Let us follow Madiba in embracing the power of
– resistance to oppression,
– justice over inequality,
– dignity over humiliation, and
– forgiveness over hatred.
Meaningful change rarely takes place when we remain impassive to the world around us.
And, for real change to unfold in our lives, we must wish for others as we wish for ourselves and do to others as we would have them do to us.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is not easy to be selfless and magnanimous.
Yet, as Madiba so passionately asked for, let us try to be those who not only “cast off our own chains but live in ways that respect and enhance the freedom of others”.
I thank you.
