General Assembly Observes Nelson Mandela International Day

A wide view as Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the informal meeting on the observance of the annual Nelson Mandela International Day.

"One of the central lessons of Mandela's life was that power is not a personal possession, to be hoarded. Power is about lifting others up. It is about what we can achieve with one another, and for one another. Power is about people. In every facet of his life, Nelson Mandela demonstrated the power of collective, grassroots action to drive change and progress, and deliver power to the powerless," said the Secretary-General.

Formal recognition of the two 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize Laureates is taking place during the meeting. The 2025 Prize is awarded to Mrs. Brenda Reynolds of Saulteaux First Nation and Canada, and Mr. Kennedy Odede of Kenya. The Prize aims to recognize the achievements of those who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity as guided by the purposes and principles of the UN, while honouring and paying homage to Mandela's extraordinary life and legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation. It is awarded every five years and was first awarded in 2015.