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On the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to the legacy of the renowned South African leader, highlighting his exemplary struggle for resistance, reconciliation, and service to humanity. During an emotional ceremony held in the General Assembly auditorium, Guterres emphasized that “Madiba’s extraordinary life was a triumph of the human spirit,” placing special emphasis on how Mandela, after decades in prison, chose unity over revenge.
Guterres quoted Mandela stating that “power is not a personal possession that can be accumulated. Power is about helping others,” underscoring that true leadership lies in empowering others—an ideal that Mandela embodied throughout his life. In this context, the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 2025 Award was presented to Brenda Reynolds, a member of the Fishing Lake Nation in Canada, and to Kennedy Odede, a well-known community activist from Kibera, a slum in Kenya. This award, given every five years, recognizes those who have dedicated themselves entirely to the service of humanity, marking the third edition of the award.
Brenda Reynolds has worked diligently to support survivors of the Canadian residential school system, while Kennedy Odede has established a network of community services that benefits over 2.4 million people annually. Guterres echoed Mandela’s words by noting that “what matters in life is not merely having lived, but the difference we have made in the lives of others.”
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the UN, Guterres urged the defense of the values that guided Mandela: freedom, justice, equality, solidarity, reconciliation, and peace. He stated that the world faces a growing risk to human rights and dignity and called on everyone to follow the path of service that Mandela paved, reminding us that change is possible through courage and collective commitment.
For his part, the President of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, also honored Mandela, describing him as one of the most emblematic figures of our time. Yang emphasized that Madiba’s legacy invites us to choose dialogue over hate and unity over division.
The event coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which establish standards for the treatment of prisoners. Yang stressed that these rules are a legacy of Mandela’s 27 years of imprisonment, underscoring that freedom, dignity, and equality are not privileges but universal rights. “Mandela’s dream now rests in our hands,” he concluded.
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