NELSON MANDELA EMBODIES HIGHEST VALUES OF UNITED NATIONS, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL,

HAILING ICON’S LEADERSHIP, ‘UNCOMMON HUMILITY’ IN BIRTHDAY REMARKS

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the “Mandela Day” event in New York on 18 July:

I am delighted to join you.  Nelson Mandela’s birthday is one of the great dates on the calendar.

I am especially happy to see so many young students here -- from South Africa and from here in New York City.  Their presence -- and the many similar events happening today in so many places around the world -- show the great power of Nelson Mandela.

He inspires people across the world, and across the generations.  Indeed, Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations.  Through long years in prison, he maintained a steadfast belief in justice and human equality.  Upon his release, he reconciled with those who persecuted him most.  And he led the way towards a democratic, multiracial South Africa.

To this day, he works tirelessly for peace and human dignity throughout the world.  His engagement in the fight against AIDS broke new ground against stigma.  He is, in short, an exemplary global citizen.

Millions of people are better off thanks to his contributions.  Many people, facing tribulations of their own, have found both solace and fortitude in his example.  Above all, he has shown the difference one person can make in the face of injustice, conflict, poverty and disease.

And he has done all of this with uncommon humility.  I recall my own meeting with this great man in South Africa earlier this year.  Having followed his life and career for decades I was eager to meet this heroic figure.  And of course, he did not disappoint.  Far from it.  I took the opportunity to thank him for everything he has done for his fellow South Africans and for all of us in the world.

But he didn’t want to hear my praise.  He insisted that everything he had accomplished had been done not by him, but by countless others, many of whom he had never met.  When I said that, surely, he could take pride in some achievements, he waved me off again.

“It was not me”, he said, who broke down the walls of apartheid it was the many unknown yet courageous people who stood up for their rights.  “It wasn’t me”, he said again, stressing that my admiration should be directed at others, not him.

I was deeply struck by his modesty.  So many people claim more for less.  Not Nelson Mandela.  With towering achievements to his credit, he prefers to speak of what others did and continue to do.  That is humility.  It is also leadership of the highest order.

Nelson Mandela has made a lasting imprint on our lives.  That is why I am so pleased to join people throughout the world in wishing him a happy ninety-first birthday.

May we all continue to benefit from his wisdom, his good works and good humour for many years to come.

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For information media • not an official record