A/HRC/39/38 government led by Mr. Mandela. Freedom Day was a symbol of hope that the struggle to end racism and uphold human rights around the world could succeed. 9. Mr. Mandela’s life had been a vivid testimony to the tremendous achievements that were possible when determination and courage were matched by integrity and married with the values of respect, compassion and dignity. Mr. Mandela had understood that inclusion enhanced the freedom and well-being of all. On becoming President, he had continued to uphold the values that he had championed throughout his search for justice. His calls for forgiveness and reconciliation had spared his country the agony of bloody retribution. He had also known that clear, principled leadership would exert a powerful influence throughout society by promoting long-lasting change and building values that could shield generations from suffering. 10. To truly honour Mr. Mandela and his legacy, the utmost effort should be made to recognize that all people were equal and interdependent, and to act to promote dignity, peace and rights, to end racism, discrimination and hatred, to promote the rights of the vulnerable and oppressed and to renew the fundamental struggle for justice and equality. Ms. Gilmore paid tribute to the resilience and sacrifice of South Africans and all others around the world who had stood up against oppression and for human rights. 11. In concluding, the Deputy High Commissioner recalled that de facto segregation persisted in many parts of the world and that people of African descent, and others, continued to be held back by structural racism and discrimination. At a time of rising divisions, when the cruel winds of hatred and intolerance were being whipped up for personal profit by many leaders across the world, the centenary of Nelson Mandela should serve as a reminder of the duty to struggle to uphold every human being’s rights to equality, freedom, dignity and justice. III. Summary of the proceedings A. Statements by the panellists 12. The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Thomas Kwesi Quartey, welcomed the commemoration of the centenary of the legendary Madiba Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as the symbol of Pan-Africanism, self-determination, reconciliation and solidarity in the struggles of humanity against apartheid, oppression and colonialism. Mr. Quartey also paid tribute to the late Nomzano Winnie Madikizela-Mandela for her incredible determination to keep the torch of freedom and Mr. Mandela’s legacy alive throughout her life. 13. Mr. Mandela had contributed to establishing a strong Pan-African sentiment, as well as a culture of resistance to discrimination, injustice, unfairness, impunity and inequality, principles that had become deeply ingrained in the workings of the African Union. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Mandela for demonstrating by words and deeds that Africa’s total liberation could be achieved if guided by the principles of ambition, perseverance, solidarity and freedom. 14. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development would be instrumental in realizing Mr. Mandela’s vision for a united, prosperous and peaceful Africa, and in eradicating racism, empowering women and young people, and achieving equality and a better life for all. Mr. Mandela had fought not only against racism but also against ethnic discrimination among Africans. Constructive management of diversity, reconciliation, social harmony and nation building must be promoted, as well as the positive interrelationship between active citizenship, democracy, governance, human rights and the rule of law. In that regard, Mr. Mandela should be a role model for all Africans, in particular young Africans. Education was essential to break the cycle of illiteracy and counter the ideologies of militia, as well as to promote the crucial role that young people could play in advancing society. The African Union remained committed to providing young people with credible institutions and an enabling environment to thrive. 3