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

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

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

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It’s an act of justice.

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And a duty that belongs to us all.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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The future is in our hands.

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Today and every day, let’s carry forward Mandela’s vision of a just, inclusive, equal and peaceful world.​

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- UN Secretary-General António Guterres -