Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Western European and Other States Group on the occasion of the ‘Nelson Mandela International Day’.
Each year we gather together at the United Nations to honor Mr. Mandela’s life, and to reflect on his legacy with the aim of improving the lives of those we serve. It is appropriate therefore that this year’s theme for the International Day is ‘the legacy lives on through you’.
Through his words and actions, Nelson Mandela demonstrated the importance of working together to affect real and meaningful change. In the most trying of circumstances, he remained steadfast in his commitment to bridging divides and building trust for the betterment of the people of the world. He taught us to stop spreading hate, and instead spread understanding and tolerance.
Mr. President,
The wisdom of Nelson Mandela’s approach can and should help inform the way in which we conduct our work here at the United Nations. It is only by working together, as Nations who are United, that we can drive positive change in the world.
And yet on the 10th anniversary of his death, we find that a trust deficit has emerged, both between Member States, and in the United Nations itself.
But with challenge comes opportunity.
As we prepare for the SDG Summit and the Summit of the Future Ministerial Meeting, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild that trust.
Trust in each other, and trust in this very institution.
To do so, we must demonstrate a willingness to bridge divides and to come together to tackle some of the most challenging issues of our time.
Issues such as achieving sustainable development, addressing climate change, safeguarding universal human rights, and reinvigorating multilateralism to deliver more effective outcomes for those we serve.
No country can go at it alone. Our collective action is needed now more than ever. And in doing so, we must listen to the ideas of a wide range of individuals, groups, and organisations directly involved in driving change at the local and national levels.
Mr. President,
Mr Mandela’s work and extensive contribution on the promotion of freedom, equal access to justice for all, democracy, human rights, gender, and racial equality, as well as conflict prevention and reconciliation continue to inspire us to work towards sustainable and resilient societies. Societies where everyone is included and can live a life in dignity and peace.
Mr. President,
Dear colleagues,
I wish to close with the words of Nelson Mandela: “it is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it”. As is the theme for this International Day, ‘the legacy lives on through you’.
I thank you.