Dialogue inspires young leaders to turn Mandela’s legacy into action for a better world.
The High Commission of South Africa in Singapore joined hands with the Global Youth Leaders’ Summit (GYLS) and Character & Leadership Academy (CLA) to host the Nelson Mandela Day Youth Dialogue. The event commemorated the legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose birthday was declared Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009.
The dialogue brought together youth leaders and volunteers to reflect on Mandela’s life of sacrifice, forgiveness, and his tireless fight for peace and justice. Participants explored how Singaporean youth can carry forward Nelson Mandela’s legacy by translating their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into tangible community action.
In her address, the High Commissioner of South Africa to Singapore highlighted Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of dedication to social justice—as a lawyer, activist, sportsman, and a leader. She reminded attendees that despite spending 27 of those years in prison, Mandela emerged championing unity, peace, and reconciliation.
This is reflected in his speech to the UN when the UN declared his birthday as Nelson Mandela International Day, he used the moment to pass on the responsibility, reminding everyone: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
