UN Deputy Secretary-General, Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, has hailed Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black President for the outstanding legacy he left after his demise, urging people to emulate his virtues.
Mohammed told the UN General Assembly on Monday in New York at a special session held to celebrate Mandela, the man who led the struggle that ended the racist apartheid system in South Africa.
“Nelson Mandela was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations.
“He remains a moral compass and reference to us all.
Madiba walked the path to freedom and dignity with steely determination – and with compassion and love.
“He showed that each and every one of us has the ability – and responsibility – to build a better future for all,’’ quoting the UN Secretary General’s message, as saying.
Celebrating Mandela International Day – officially commemorated on July 18 – the UN deputy chief said that he embodied the highest
Mohammed said Mandela had served as an inspiration to her ever since she was young and finding her path.
“I have taken to heart his profound lesson that we all have the ability – and responsibility – to take action. That there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’.
“We are in this together, carrying a shared responsibility to preserve our common home and stand in solidarity with one another,” she said.
According to her, all over the world, there are people who follow in Madiba’s footsteps with that same stubborn optimism that defined him.
“I want to acknowledge two such people who are with us today – the laureates of the 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize.’’
She announced Mrs Marianna Vardinoyannis of Greece and Dr Morissana Kouyaté of Guinea as recipients of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.
Vardinoyannis was honoured for her decades-long fight against childhood cancer, and Kouyaté for his quest to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Vardinoyannis is the founder and president of an eponymous foundation dedicated to children and the ELPIDA Friends’ Association of Children with cancer.
She has been a Goodwill Ambassador of the UN education and cultural organisation, UNESCO, since 1999.
Kouyaté, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, is Executive Director of the Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (IAC). He is a leading figure in efforts on ending violence against women, including FGM.
Mohammed said that COVID-19 restrictions did not allow travel to New York in 2020, adding that she is very pleased that people could gather to recognise and congratulate them.
The Prize is awarded every five years to one man and one woman, but the presentation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Mandela Prize is guided by the purpose and principles of our United Nations, and the promise of the ideals championed by Madiba.
“We work towards this vision – of peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet – every day, everywhere, leaving no one behind.
“Our best tribute to Madiba is to realise the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, to stand united against hate, and to work for peace, prosperity, and human rights for all, on Mandela Day and every day,’’ she said.
Mohammed presented the Prize to the recipients.
Vardinoyannis took part in the ceremony virtually, and Greece’s Ambassador to the UN, Maria Theofili, accepted the award on her behalf.
