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World leaders pledged themselves to seek peace as they gathered for a United Nations summit marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela.
The session was held before the start of Tuesday of the annual debate of the United States General Assembly, where most of the world's leaders are meeting this week.
"Today, we remember a man of great wisdom, undisguised dignity and outstanding achievements, who has worked tirelessly for peace and human dignity everywhere," said Monday. Secretary General of Mexico, Antonio Guterres. "It's the goal of our organization and as leaders, it's our responsibility."
South Africa also offered the Americans a life-size bronze statue of Mandela – smiling, arms raised – that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled just before the summit.
"It would represent the hopes of millions of South Africans who dreamed of a life without barriers to a system that would limit their potential and stifle their possibilities on the basis of their skin," Ramaphosa said at the summit.
The African Union has declared 2014-2024 the Nelson Mandela Decade for Reconciliation in Africa. On July 18, 1918, the man known as "Madiba" was born in the South African village of Mvezo. Mandela died five years ago. In 1994, he was elected the first black president of South Africa.
Leaders and ministers from nearly 160 countries honored Mandela's commitment to peace and democracy and his enormous personal sacrifices to end apartheid in his country.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the African Union Commission, explained how Mandela would respond to the many challenges the world is facing today.
"He would certainly have said not to be fatalistic, he would certainly have told us not to give up our struggle for life," said Faki. "Neither would he have told us to resolve the conflicts by fire and blood, nor by hatred, exclusion, repression and oppression of the other, he would have urged us to redouble our efforts to dare to fight ".
During his lifetime, Mandela founded an organization known as The Elders, which mobilizes former leaders to work together for peace and human rights.
Mandela's widow, Graca Machel, who co-founded the group, said, "It's time to say," That's enough! She told the leaders, "Do not just let it be another peak. . "
She urged them to address the root causes that fuel conflict and to put aside respectful decision-making and inflexible political beliefs.
"You have a moral imperative and the ability to carry through the death and destruction that we are witnessing," added Machal. "The humanity will hold you accountable if you allow the suffering to continue on your watch."
