The General Assembly held a special meeting to commemorate the Nelson Mandela International Day, marking the 95th birthday of the “global hero and icon of justice and equality”. The International Day has been observed annually on 18 July starting in 2010, in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. Speakers at the event included Acting Assembly President Nawaf Salam; Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; former United States President Bill Clinton; Andrew Mlangeni, South African Member of Parliament and former Robben Island political prisoner with Mandela; and Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., American civil rights and anti-apartheid activist.

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. (seated left) with Mr. Andrew Mlangeni at the event. Also pictured (standing, centre), Tegegnework Gettu, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management.