Statement by the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania,

Statement by the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Tanzania, 

Shabnam Mallick 

Nelson Mandela International Day | Victorious Center of Excellence | 18 July 2024

Guest of Honor 

H. E Ahamada El Badaoui Mohamed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Tanzania

H. E Ambassador Noluthando Mayende-Malepe, the High Commissioner of South Africa in Tanzania

Excellencies, Ambassadors, High Commissioners

Representatives from different organizations and institutions 

My fellow UN Colleagues

Members of the Media

Distinguished Guests, Good Morning!

Habari za asubuhi,

It is with great honor and a profound sense of purpose that we gather here today to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. This year's global theme, "It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity," serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Madiba and the work that remains to be done in our communities and across the globe.

The United Nations acknowledges the significance of Nelson Mandela's leadership by observing Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18th, a day dedicated to promoting his values and encouraging individuals to make positive contributions to society.

Tanzania, a nation that championed the fight against apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela’s South Africa, continues to be a focus for the UN’s work on the continent. The UN in Tanzania echoes Mandela’s values of equality and social justice by supporting initiatives that empower marginalized groups, promote peacebuilding, and champion sustainable development. This aligns with Mandela’s lifelong dedication to dismantling inequality and building a brighter future for all.

Today, we are privileged to be at the Victorious Center of Excellence, an organization dedicated to providing rehabilitation therapies and special needs education for children with Autism and Neurodevelopment Disorders. Victorious Center’s effort to help these children improve their lives and become more independent, embodies the very spirit of Mandela's commitment to equality, compassion, and human dignity.

Nelson Mandela once said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." In line with this, today, we will each spend 67 minutes – a symbolic number reflecting the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for social justice – painting walls and assisting with kitchen chores here at the Center. These 67 minutes represent our humble attempt at fostering a collective commitment to live up to Madiba’s guidance, through a cherished opportunity to touch on those at this Center. 

As we roll up our sleeves and engage in these activities, let us believe that every small action counts. Whether it’s painting a wall or helping to prepare a meal, our contributions today are part of a larger, global effort to combat poverty and inequity. These acts of service, no matter how small, we hope would ripple outward, inspiring others and creating a broader impact.

As we honour Nelson Mandela's legacy today, let us leave here inspired to continue this work, not just today, but every day, through acts of kindness, advocacy, and service.

Distinguished Guests,

I would like to share with you the United Nations Secretary-General’s message for Nelson Mandela Day… 

And I quote:

Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world. 

And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands. 

Our world is unequal and divided. 

Hunger and poverty are rife. 

The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.

These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently. 

We can choose to eradicate poverty. 

We can choose to end inequality. 

We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity. 

We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity. 

Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small. 

I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice. 

Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.

 End of quote. 

Distinguished Guests,

Thank you for being here, for your dedication, and for your commitment to making a difference. Together, we can build a more just and equitable world, one action at a time. 

Asanteni Sana!