Washington, July 18: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has marked the 91st birth anniversary of South African statesman Nelson Mandela and called him “a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations.”
“Nelson Mandela has made a lasting imprint on our lives,” Ban said in a statement on the eve of his 91st birthday, yesterday.
“His commitment to a democratic, multiracial South Africa, his steadfast pursuit of justice, his willingness to reconcile with those who persecuted him most – these are just some of the hallmarks of a remarkable man,” he said.
“To this day, he works tirelessly for peace and human dignity throughout the world. His engagement in the fight against AIDS broke new ground against stigma. He is an exemplary global citizen,” the UN chief said.
–PTI