Nelson Mandela
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that Nelson Mandela’s legacy of peace, justice, and human dignity is now the responsibility of the global community.
Speaking at a public service activity to commemorate the 2025 Nelson Mandela International Day, Guterres stated, “Today, Madiba’s legacy is now our responsibility.
“We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.”
Honoring Mandela’s Legacy
To honor Mandela’s legacy, the UN chief awarded the annual Nelson Mandela Prize to two individuals: Brenda Reynolds of Canada and Kennedy Odede of Kenya.
The prize recognizes their reflection of Mandela’s values and commitment to combating poverty and inequity.
A social worker and Saulteaux member, Brenda Reynolds, has spent decades advancing Indigenous rights, mental health, and trauma-informed care.
She highlighted the parallels between the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and other countries, saying, “There are many parallels to what we had experienced in both our countries, where the governments made impacted policies to change who we are, to face oppression, to face violations of human rights in our countries.”
CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), Kennedy Odede, has made a significant impact in Kenya’s Kibera Slum.
He shared his personal story of overcoming adversity, saying, “At 10 years old, fleeing domestic violence, I joined the ranks of Nairobi’s street children…
“A stranger stepped forward, paid for that mango, and in that single act of grace, showed me that kindness could interrupt cycles of violence.”
SHOFCO empowers local groups and delivers vital services to over four million people annually.
