Madam President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of the Western European and Others Group.

Today, as every year, the international community comes together at the United Nations to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela. It is a legacy of service to principles and institutions bigger than any one person. Principles such as equality, freedom, justice, and human rights for all.

Mandela’s uncompromising commitment to these principles brought about change that nobody thought possible at the time. Some of his greatest achievements include the critical role he played in overcoming the cruel system of Apartheid; dismantling its legacy; fostering reconciliation and building a more inclusive democracy.

While all of those achievements required collective action, Mandela also stressed individual responsibility and agency. He highlighted the capacity of individuals to make a positive impact in their respective communities. Madiba – as some call him – demonstrated time and again that firm conviction and moral fortitude can overcome even the greatest injustices and unlikely odds.

This belief is reflected especially this year, as we mark the International Year of Volunteers. Volunteerism serves as a bridge between people and Member States in addressing global challenges. The work of United Nations Volunteers offers young people the opportunity to contribute to positive change around the world, and support communities in areas such as education, health, youth engagement and environmental protection.

As acts of community service, they are a shining example of Mandela’s legacy. They remind us that the values he embodied remain relevant today – especially here at the United Nations.

Let us emulate this example by renewing our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – principles championed by Nelson Mandela.

Let us heed this day as a call to action. Today, we face many of the same the challenges Mandela tackled: The fight against poverty and inequity, the protection of human rights, fostering reconciliation, and ensuring the upliftment of communities. Consider the capacities that states have to make a positive difference in those areas. Let us redouble our efforts in the spirit of dialogue, mutual respect, and multilateral cooperation.

As Madiba said: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”

Thank you.