GA Informal Plenary Meeting

Secretary-General's Message — 2022

18 July

Today, the world honours a giant of our time; a leader of unparalleled courage and towering achievement; and a man of quiet dignity and deep humanity.

Nelson Mandela was a healer of communities and a mentor to generations.

He remains a moral compass and reference to us all.

Madiba walked the path to freedom and dignity with steely determination ¨C and with compassion and love.

He showed that each and every one of us has the ability ¨C and responsibility ¨C to build a better future for all.

Our world today is marred by war; overwhelmed by emergencies; blighted by racism, discrimination, poverty, and inequalities; and threatened by climate disaster.

Let us find hope in Nelson Mandela¡¯s example and inspiration in his vision.

Today and every day, let us honour Nelson Mandela¡¯s legacy by taking action.

By speaking out against hate and standing up for human rights.

By embracing our common humanity ¨C rich in diversity, equal in dignity, united in solidarity.

And by together making our world more just, compassionate, prosperous, and sustainable for all.

Ant¨®nio Guterres