Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Eastern Emopean States in observance of the International Day as we commemorate on this occasion today the centenary of his birth.

Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa. One hundred years after his birth. Nelson Mandela's example of humility, forgiveness, courage and compassion, and his commitment to social justice, struggle for democracy internationally and promotion of culture of freedom and peace continue to inspire the world. Nelson Mandela embodied the highest vedues of the United Nations. His activities encompassed a wide remge of different fields: , reconciliation, promotion and protection of human rights, fight against racial and other forms of discrimination, gender equality, the rights of children and people in vulnerable situations, and the fight against poverty - all across the mutually reinforcing dimensions of the UN today's work: peace and security, development and human rights.

Indeed, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is dedicating this year's Mandela Day to Action Against Poverty, honoring Mandela's leadership and devotion to fighting poverty and promoting social justice for all. In his own words: "Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom." It is in this spirit that we must achieve the Sustainable Development Goal i, as part of the full realization of the universal, inclusive and indivisible 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. It is a day that can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity. It is a day to honor those who fought and continue to fight for freedom, dignity and human rights and stand up to the values of this great defender of the oppressed and underprivileged in order to build societies where every woman and man can live together in diversity and respect.

Mr. President,

We look forward to the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit to be convened on 24 September in honor of the centenary of his birth, as the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly will focus on global peace and security, promoting Mandela's legacy on conflict resolution and reconciliation. Let us use this opportunity to build on his legacy, to strive for a just, peaceful, prosperous, democratic, inclusive and fair world, and revive the values for which Nelson Mandela stood by placing human dignity at the centre of our actions, and to follow his call to "make ofthe world a better place". I thank you, Mr. President.