Nelson Mandela Foundation

The United Nations in South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the family of former president Nelson Mandela, the government and the people of South Africa.

The passing of Nelson Mandela represents the loss of an extraordinary human being, leader and national treasure. His life and struggles for freedom and dignity embodied the very principles of the United Nations.

“We grieve with his family and the people of South Africa,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa Dr Agostinho Zacarias, speaking on behalf of the 1 000 staff of 17 UN organisations in South Africa. 

“Nelson Mandela’s struggle against racism and his fight for freedom and democracy continue to be an inspiration to each of us in the UN family as well as to millions of people around the world. We remember and honour his life, his leadership, and his pursuit of social justice. We will all miss Madiba’s humour, leadership and humanity.”

The elimination of apartheid was put on the agenda of the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948. In the decades that followed, the United Nations supported the global movement against apartheid. In 1994, Nelson Mandela addressed the UN General Assembly celebrating the end of apartheid as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.

He noted the importance of international solidarity in ending subjugation for South Africans and others around the world: "We stand here today to salute the United Nations Organisation and its Member States, both singly and collectively, for joining forces with the masses of our people in a common struggle that has brought about our emancipation and pushed back the frontiers of racism," he declared.

In 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of his leading role in Africa's struggle for liberation and his outstanding contribution to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.

It further acknowledges Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

The celebration of this day calls for an ongoing commitment of everyone, everywhere to make the world a better place.