~says UN Secretary-General in celebration of Mandela Day 2020

IN commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated today, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, in a video message, highlighted that there are “deep inequalities” being exposed by COVID-19, as he made calls for unity, solidarity and action to overcome these injustices.
He further stated that the theme of Nelson Mandela International Day “Take action, inspire change”, underscores the importance of working together, from governments to citizens, to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.
“Each year, on Nelson’s Mandela’s birthday, we pay tribute to an extraordinary global advocate for equality, dignity and solidarity. Madela was a moral giant of the 20th century, whose timeless legacy continues to guide us today,” Guterres said.

He added that this year, the day has been marked at a time when the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic endangers everyone, everywhere, and especially the most vulnerable. Hence, in the face of these challenges, world leaders need to recognise the vital importance of unity and solidarity.
“COVID-19 is exposing deep inequalities. We need to fight this pandemic of inequality through a new social contract for a new era. Only together can we fend off the common threat of COVID-19 and recover better.”

He added as the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary at this fragile time, the organisation is reflecting on the life and work of Nelson Mandela, who embodied the highest values of the United Nations and who acted and inspired change.
Despite many years as a prisoner of conscience, he stated that Mandela retained his dignity and commitment to his ideals. Let his example propel governments that keep such prisoners to release them.

“There should be no prisoners of conscience in the 21st century. Nelson Mandela reminded us that: “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.” On this Mandela Day, let us recall that we can, and must, be part of the quest for a better future of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for all people on a healthy planet,” Guterres said.
Additionally, Guterres will deliver the eighteenth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on the theme, “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era”.