Launch Ceremony for the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of UNESCO - Tribute to Nelson Mandela

As one of UNESCO’s most eminent Goodwill Ambassadors and 1991 Laureate of the Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize, Nelson Mandala exemplified the values that lie at the very heart of UNESCO’s mandate through his outstanding contribution to international peace and understanding. On the occasion of the launch of the celebrations to mark its 70th anniversary, UNESCO pays tribute to the ideals of Nelson Mandela, especially to his dedication to reconciliation among communities, to his unerring commitment to democracy and to his struggle against all form of discrimination, which remain a source of inspiration in a world faced with challenges yet in constant evolution.
The launch of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of UNESCO is composed of four events :

- The colloquium entitled « Mandela’s legacy : pathway to a common future of peace and solidarity » (Room II, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm); The event, opened by the Director General of UNESCO, benefits from the participation of high level personalities, such as Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa Minister of Arts and Culture, representing the Government of South Africa, in particular the African National Congress (ANC), Nelson Mandela’s political party; Professor Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka, Nigerian poet and playright, first African author to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (1986).

- The “Launch ceremony for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of UNESCO – Tribute to Nelson Mandela”: in the presence of Irina Bokova and Michel Martelly, President of the Republic of Haïti. With the participation of Mory Kante , Guinean Singer and player, The Mahotella Queens, South African Group ; Sally Nyolo, Cameroonian singer, accompanied by David Myriam, Sand Art Artist and Sam Tschabalala, choreographer, and his dancers, for the Gumboot Dance, South African dance born during the apartheid.
With the support of Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
(Room I, 7.30 pm to 9 pm).

- The exhibition "Nelson Mandela - From Prisoner to President" dedicated to Nelson Mandela and his action (Hall Segur, from 27 October to 7 November 2014). Organized with the support of the Apartheid Museum and the Permanent Delegation of South Africa to UNESCO.

- "Cultivating a Culture of Peace", an exhibition of a selection of 18 photographs of artists nominated for the Alfred Fried photography price - External Gates around UNESCO Headquarters - From 31 October to 31 December 2014