Message of the Secretary-General António Guterres on Nelson Mandela International Day 2026

Today, we honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela — a towering figure of peace, reconciliation, justice, and human rights. 

This year’s theme reminds us that Madiba was also a clear-eyed champion of poverty eradication and equality.

He knew that ending poverty is not an act of charity. 

It’s an act of justice. 

And a duty that belongs to us all. 

We live in a world where inequality is becoming entrenched. 

Where wealth accrues disproportionally for a lucky few — while many struggle to afford basic needs like food, water, shelter and education. 

And where years of poverty-fighting progress have been stalled by conflict, economic shocks and climate disasters. 

Like Madiba, we can all play a part in building fair economies and inclusive societies. 

By investing in decent work, universal health coverage, quality education and social protection systems. 

By scaling-up financing and reforming the international financial architecture, so developing countries get the funds and debt relief they need. 

And by building economies rooted in renewable energy — for people and planet. 

I have always been inspired by Madiba’s life and belief that when people stand together, nothing is impossible. 

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. 

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