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UN chief urges global action against poverty
By Tosin Oyediran
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on governments and citizens around the world to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by taking concrete action to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and build more inclusive societies.
In his Saturday message to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, Guterres described the late South African leader as “a towering figure of peace, reconciliation, justice, and human rights.”
PUNCH Online reports that Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated annually on July 18th—the birthday of the late South African anti-apartheid icon and president.
According to an update on the UN website, it is a global call to action encouraging individuals to honor Mandela’s legacy by dedicating 67 minutes to community service, symbolizing the 67 years he spent fighting for social justice.
The official theme for 2026 is “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity
Highlighting this year’s theme, he said Mandela was “also a clear-eyed champion of poverty eradication and equality.”
“He knew that ending poverty is not an act of charity. It’s an act of justice. And a duty that belongs to us all.”
The UN chief said the world was facing widening inequality, with wealth increasingly concentrated among a small number of people while millions continued to struggle to meet basic needs.
“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.
“And where years of poverty-fighting progress have been stalled by conflict, economic shocks and climate disasters.”
Guterres urged collective action to build “fair economies and inclusive societies” by investing in decent work, universal health coverage, quality education and social protection systems.
He also called for increased financing for developing countries, reforms to the international financial architecture and debt relief to support sustainable development.
The Secretary-General further advocated for economies driven by renewable energy, saying such an approach would benefit both people and the planet.
Reflecting on Mandela’s enduring influence, Guterres said: “I have always been inspired by Madiba’s life and belief that when people stand together, nothing is impossible.
“The future is in our hands. Today and every day, let’s carry forward Mandela’s vision of a just, inclusive, equal and peaceful world.”
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