UNIS/SGSM/1329
17 July 2023
Nelson Mandela was a colossus of courage and conviction.
A leader of immense achievement and extraordinary humanity.
A giant of our times, whose legacy we best honour through action:
Action to expel the poison of racism, discrimination and hate;
Action to extinguish the legacies of colonialism;
And action to promote equality, human rights and above all, justice.
Today, poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise.
Countries are drowning in debt.
The climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it.
And our unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net.
We have it in our power to solve each of these problems.
So, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, let us be animated by his spirit of humanity, dignity and justice.
Let us stand with women and girls, young people and change makers everywhere.
And let us take action to build a better world.
Thank you.
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The new Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations (Vienna), Claudia Salerno Caldera, presented her credentials today to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly.
To commemorate International Moon Day the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA is issuing six postage stamps and three souvenir sheets featuring various pictures from lunar missions.
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) adopted four new texts and agreed on a future programme of work at its 57th session in New York.
"Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world. And as the theme of this year's Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands." — António Guterres