New York, July 18 (RHC)-- Nelson Mandela was an “extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality” who anyone in public service should seek to emulate, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday marking the International Day that honours the iconic anti-apartheid campaigner, and South Africa’s first democratically-elected President.

As “one of the most iconic and inspirational leaders of our time”, the UN chief said: “Nelson Mandela exemplified courage, compassion and commitment to freedom, peace and social justice”.  

“He lived by these principles and was prepared to sacrifice his liberty and even his life for them”, Guterres added.

In November 2009, the UN declared 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day as a global call to action under the premise that everyone has the power to make an impact on the planet.  Mandela was born on that day in 1918.

With hate speech casting a growing shadow around the world, “Nelson Mandela’s calls for social cohesion and an end to racism are particularly relevant today”, said the UN chief.

“As we work collectively for peace, stability, sustainable development and human rights for all, we would be well served to recall the example set by Nelson Mandela,” he asserted.