"Nelson Mandela changed the world" (UN Secretary-General)

United Nations, New York, 18 July 2010 - This is the video message of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the occasion of the first celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day.
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Nelson Mandela is a towering figure. He embodies the highest values of humanity, and of the United Nations. His life, his strength and his decency are an example to us all. He fought his oppressors for years. And then, he forgave them.

I am lucky enough to have met Nelson Mandela. Like so many others, I was struck by his charisma and charm. But I was most impressed by his humility. When I tried to thank him for his life's work, he replied: "It was not me." He preferred to talk about what other people had done in the struggle for human rights and dignity.

That is just one reason why Nelson Mandela is such an inspiration to millions. He was not backed by money or power. As he constantly reminds us, he is an ordinary man. But he has achieved extraordinary things.

Nelson Mandela's accomplishments came at great personal cost to himself and his family. His sacrifice not only served the people of his own nation, South Africa, but made the world a better place for all people, everywhere. Today, on the first Nelson Mandela International Day, we thank him for everything he has done for freedom, for justice and for democracy.

He showed the way. He changed the world. We are profoundly grateful.

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Nelson Mandela International Day website:
http://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/index.shtml

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• United Nations
• UN
• Nelson Mandela
• South Africa
• International Day
• 2010
• SG
• Ban Ki-moon
• Secretary-General
• Human Rights
• Democracy
• Freedom
• Black
• Segregation
• Apartheid
• Justice

[ervadolce]

Unfortunately nobody wanna hear what we have to say, in 2010 and we still suffer discrimination in America, I have a governmental job and not too long ago I was stopped to hang out in a certain break room. The employees complained about my presence and the management just went along with it... nobody to complain... nobody wanna hear. My friends co-worker now nick named me "Keep Out". Nelson Mandela keep up the good fight.

[crashnburn254]

ALL HAIL THE GOD EMPEROR MANDELA.

[Ferandaa]

Nelson Mandela is un example to us all

[BaFUD]

UN you suck, comment waiting to be accepted? SHOULDN'T YOU BE NEUTRAL AND SHIT

[ahersi29]

Nelson Mandela is my hero! Amazing figure who represents justice, freedom, and humanity! Long live Nelson Mandela! Thanks for all you have done and without you I doubt the World Cup would have been able to be played in South Africa. Thanks also Mr.General Secertary Ban ki Moon for recognizing Nelson Mandela and also his day. Long live the United NAtions and Peace!

[JacobK747]

LIKED :D

LONG LIVE NELSON MANDELA

ONE OF THE GREATEST MEN TO EVER WALK THE FACE OF THIS PLANET!