Best tribute to Mandela are actions that improve world - UN Chief

EghtesadOnline: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on Nelson Mandela International Day, 18 July 2017, said the best tribute we can pay to this great man is not words or in ceremonies, but actions that improve our world.

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19 July 2017

The full text of his message, a copy of which was made available to IRNA on Tuesday, reads:

'Nelson Mandela continues to inspire the world through his example of courage and compassion, and his commitment to social justice and a culture of freedom and peace.

'I had the honor of meeting Nelson Mandela several times, including during South Africa’s transition. Each time, I was struck by his wisdom, his compassion, and above all, his humility.

'One of the most important lessons we can learn from Nelson Mandela is that to make progress, we must look forward, however difficult that may be.

'Nelson Mandela was known as prisoner 46664 for 18 years. But he never became a prisoner of his past. Sentenced to hard labor and solitary confinement on Robben Island, he rose above suffering and indignity to lead his country, and our world, to a brighter day.

'He did not succumb to bitterness or personal animosity, but poured his formidable energy into realizing his vision of a peaceful, multi-ethnic, democratic South Africa.

'Nelson Mandela once said a saint could be defined as a sinner who keeps on trying. That is a powerful message of hope, in a world riven with fear and cynicism. It is never too late to face the future, and try again.

'Today, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s lifetime of service, the best tribute we can pay this great man is not words or in ceremonies, but actions that improve our world.

'Each of us can make a difference in promoting peace, human rights, sustainable development, and lives of dignity for all. Each of us can be inspired by Nelson Mandela’s example, and by his famous words: It always seems impossible until it’s done.

'Let us all build on the legacy of Nelson Mandela.'

Meanwhile, to honor Mandela’s memories Iranian director Meysam Shahbabaei is making a documentary on him: “Nelson Mandela Forever”.

Shahbabaei started filming “Nelson Mandela Forever” in December 2014 in Pretoria, South Africa. The film documents chronicle life story of the South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.

A number of famous Iranian actors play in the movie, including Mahtab Keramati, Tirdad Kiaei and Amir Shariat.

The Anti-apartheid South African leader Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95 on December 5, 2013. He was the most famous figure to fight Apartheid and his efforts resulted in facilitating South African transition from apartheid to democracy.

The international movement of solidarity with the struggle for freedom in South Africa was the biggest social movement that the world has seen.