July 04, 2026 07:01 pm (IST)
Follow us:
UN establishes prize in honour of late Nelson Mandela
New York, Jun 7 (IBNS): The United Nations General Assembly on Friday established the "United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize" as a tribute to the achievements and contributions of the late South African leader who inspired not only his own country but the rest of the world.
“Our best tribute to Nelson Mandela is not found in words or ceremonies – but in actions that take up the torch he passed to us,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in remarks to the Assembly, following the adoption by consensus of the resolution establishing the prize.
“The United Nations General Assembly has a proud record of acting against apartheid – and for Nelson Mandela,” said Ban.
“From the early days of sanctions to the more recent declaration of 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, this Assembly has placed itself on the right side of history – with the people who need us most.
“On Friday, the Assembly took another step forward in carrying on Nelson Mandela’s lifelong work through this meaningful prize.”
By the terms of the resolution, the Assembly asked the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the Assembly, to establish within six months of adoption of the text the criteria and procedures for bestowing the prize. This is to be adopted by the Assembly no later than 30 November 2014.
Ban recalled that when Mandela himself accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, he said he was a representative of the countless human beings who quote, ‘recognised that an injury to one is an injury to all and therefore acted together in defence of justice and a common human decency.’
“Nelson Mandela embodied this altruistic spirit of solidarity. The United Nations will forever be inspired by his example,” the Secretary-General stated.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
'Complete fabrication': Netanyahu fires back at media report on alleged Iran assassination plot
Sat, Jul 04 2026
UK pubs to stay open until 5 am for England vs Mexico World Cup clash as govt makes late licensing u-turn
Thu, Jul 02 2026