As the world marks Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2016, UN officials and UN Peace Ambassador Stevie Wonder 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 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.
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.”
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.
Photo credit: UN photo
