United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has used Nelson Mandela International Day to call on world leaders to intensify efforts to tackle poverty and inequality, saying the late South African leader’s vision remains as relevant as ever.
In a video message marking the annual commemoration, Guterres said Nelson Mandela believed poverty was a matter of justice rather than charity and urged governments to take meaningful action to build fairer and more inclusive societies.
He warned that global inequality continues to widen, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a small minority while millions of people struggle to access decent work, education, healthcare and housing.
Guterres called for greater investment in quality education, universal healthcare, social protection and decent employment, alongside reforms to the international financial system to ensure developing countries receive the funding and debt relief they need. He also highlighted the importance of expanding renewable energy to support sustainable economic growth.
“I’ve always been inspired by Madiba’s life and belief that when people stand together, nothing is impossible,” Guterres said.
“The future is in our hands today and every day. Let’s carry forward Mandela’s vision of a just, inclusive, equal and peaceful world.”
Separately, Guterres expressed concern over escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States, reiterating the UN’s position that attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and that the crisis cannot be resolved through military action.