The United Nations is marking Nelson Mandela International Day for the first time this year in honour of the former South African leader’s contribution to the struggle for peace and freedom.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was most impressed by Mr. Mandela’s humility when he met the former anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Mr. Mandela preferred to talk not about himself but about what other people had done in the struggle for human rights and dignity, Mr. Ban said in a message to a special commemorative ceremony held at UN Headquarters in New York.
“That is just one reason why Nelson Mandela is such an inspiration to millions. He was not backed by money or power. As he constantly reminds us, he is an ordinary man. But he has achieved extraordinary things.
un.org