Saturday, 21/07/2018 09:17 (GMT+7)
The United Nations (UN) has marked the 100th birth anniversary of anti - Apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.
Late President of South Africa Nelson Mandela (Source: ozy.com)
“Nelson Mandela was a towering global advocate for justice and equality” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his video message for Nelson Mandela International Day.
"Nelson Mandela continues to inspire the world through his example of courage and compassion... He poured his energy into reconciliation and his vision of a peaceful, multi-ethnic, democratic South Africa", he added.
Mr Mandela, who died in 2013, spent 27 years in terrible conditions in prison for his political beliefs and actions, and then, on his release, became the first black President of South Africa.
He worked to end South Africa’s system of apartheid, which kept black people away from white people, and his actions won him the Nobel Peace Prize.
In South Africa, Nelson Mandela is described as the “Father of the Nation” and is seen as a global symbol of peace.
According to the UN, the Mandela's centennial is an excellent opportunity to reflect on his life and legacy, and follow in his footsteps to make the world a better place.
In November 2009, the General Assembly of the UN proclaimed the date of July 18th as Nelson Mandela International Day, which is celebrated every year from 2010 in recognition of the contributions made by the South African leader to the culture of peace and freedom./.
Compiled by BTA