Cape Town – Following the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the United Nations assesses the tournament as a great success for all involved parties. Irrespective of the result of the final, the real victor of the 2010 World Cup is Africa and the South African people. (more…)
“We stand here today to salute the United Nations Organization and its Member States, both singly and collectively, for joining forces with the masses of our people in a common struggle that has brought about our emancipation and pushed back the frontiers of racism.”
South African President Nelson Mandela
Address to UN General Assembly
3 October 1994
Pretoria – In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. It is the first time that the UN has dedicated an International Day to an individual. (more…)
Pretoria – In an historic move, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously on the 2nd of July to create a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. (more…)
Geneva – Today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is heading to South Africa where one of the most anticipated sporting events in history will begin this Friday. For the very first time ever, the FIFA World Cup will take place on African soil, representing an immense opportunity for positive change in the region. The UN’s strong presence at and around the event will emphasize that while the competition will undoubtedly be fierce, the tournament represents much more than victory and defeat. (more…)
“Equal rights, equal opportunities: progress for all”
Gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental to the global mission of the United Nations to achieve equal rights and dignity for all. This is a matter of basic human rights, as enshrined in our founding Charter and the Universal Declaration. It is part of the Organization’s very identity. (more…)
