June 26, 2008 – A specially erected marquee in the heart of London’s Hyde Park was the unique and splendid setting for last night’s birthday dinner celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. The private event was held in London to raise funds for Madiba’s global charity projects, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664.
The evening of tribute and thanks to honour the world’s most iconic and loved leader included a tribute from UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, followed by former US President Bill Clinton. Other guests among the 520 who attended included Cherie Blair and leading industrialists, including Sir Richard Branson.
Mr Mandela addressed the audience and said:
“Friends, thank you for joining us here this evening, and your support for our causes.
“It is a great privilege having been able to travel here in our 90th year and be in the presence of so many good friends.
“Thank you for the continuing support in the fight against the terrible scourge of HIV and AIDS. You understand that it is in your hands to make a difference.
“The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.
“We look back at much human progress, but we sadly note so much failing as well. In our time we spoke out on the situation in Palestine and Israel, and that conflict continues unabated. We warned against the invasion of Iraq, and observe the terrible suffering in that country.
“We watch with sadness the continuing tragedy in Darfur.
“Nearer to home we had seen the outbreak of violence against fellow Africans in our own country and the tragic failure of leadership in our neighbouring Zimbabwe.
“It is within this context that we should also see the plight of those affected by HIV and AIDS.
“It is now in the hands of your generations to help rid the world of such suffering.
“I thank you.”
Paul Gambaccini hosted the evening and was joined by a host of international friends and supporters including Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker and Robert de Niro and 46664 ambassadors Will Smith, Brian May, Roger Taylor and Annie Lennox, together with the performing artists for tomorrow’s 46664 90th birthday celebration concert.
Hugh Edmeades from international auction house Christie’s presided over an auction with a truly unique and remarkable collection of items including royal portrait painter Richard Stone’s striking portrait of Mr Mandela, a signed photograph of Madiba taken by Alet van Huyssteen and a unique bronze cast of Mr Mandela’s hand.
A special rendition of the 46664 HIV/AIDS play Khululeka – It’s in our hands was also performed by Viva Hecate Productions.
Guests were given the opportunity to pledge for their own limited edition silver 46664 bangle. The signature bangles, which will raise funds for 46664 HIV/AIDS awareness programmes, are made by South African craft workers using local precious metals. A special platinum and diamond 46664 bangle handmade by Rael Kahn was one of the unique lots available at the auction.
Funds raised on the night will help to promote Madiba’s legacy through the Nelson Mandela Foundation and support 46664 HIV/AIDS projects and outreach campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa. The evening was sponsored by Investec.
On Friday June 27, the 46664 concert to honour and celebrate Nelson Mandela at 90 will be staged in Hyde Park.