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Foto do escritorJoana Feliciano

Liderança no legado de Nelson Mandela na UBUNTU UNITED NATIONS

A minha viagem Ubuntu começou formalmente em 2018 e, desde então, tem moldado profundamente a minha vida pessoal e profissional. No meu papel de facilitadora, anfitriã e amiga nas edições da Academia de Líderes Ubuntu e Ubuntu United Nations, tenho tido o privilégio de testemunhar o profundo impacto do Ubuntu em ação.


Hoje tive a oportunidade de partilhar o meu testemunho nesta primeira sessão da II edição do Ubuntu United Nations para cerca de 300 participantes de vários países.


Partilhei o meu ponto de vista relativamente à forma como, enquanto líderes inspirados no exemplo e legado de Nelson Mandela, podemos garantir a dignidade humana, como um Direito Humano que deve ser comum a todos nós 👇 testemunho completo abaixo na sua versão original em inglês👇


 

My Ubuntu journey began formally in 2018, and since then, it has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life. In my role as a facilitator, a host, and a friend in the Ubuntu Leaders Academy and Ubuntu United Nations editions, I've been privileged to witness the profound impact of Ubuntu in action. 


🗣 Today I had the opportunity to share my testimony in this first session of the II edition of Ubuntu United Nations for close to 300 participants from various countries.


I shared my point of view regarding how as leaders inspired by Mandela’s example can we guarantee human dignity, as a Human Right that should be common to all of us 👇 full testimony below👇


Thank you and congratulations for your amazing work Pedro Amaro Santos, Rui Nunes da Silva, Maria Guerra, Rita Miranda Pereira, Moses Machipisa and so many many more!


 

Dear fellow Ubuntus,


My Ubuntu journey began formally in 2018, and since then, it has profoundly shaped my personal and professional life. In my role as a facilitator, a host, and a friend in the Ubuntu Leadership Academy and Ubuntu United Nations editions, I've been privileged to witness the profound impact of Ubuntu in action. It's not merely a philosophy I espouse; it's a guiding principle that infuses every aspect of my existence.




As Archbishop Desmond Tutu beautifully articulated in the past, 'My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours.' This profound truth resonates deeply with me, shaping my interactions and decisions on a daily basis. Every day, we should strive to put Ubuntu into practice, fostering relationships built on respect and solidarity, therefore I want to invite you to join me in creating a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Today, I'm wearing the t-shirt that has been with me since 2018, 466/64 was Nelson Mandela's prisoner number, from the beginning of his imprisonment in 1964 until his release in 1990. Today we gather to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a beacon of hope in our troubled world. Mandela's life was a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and above all, the unwavering commitment to uphold the dignity of every human being.


In Mandela's vision, human dignity was not just an ideal but a universal right that should be common to all of us, irrespective of our backgrounds, beliefs, or circumstances. Yet, as we look around the world today, we see countless examples of humanitarian challenges that threaten this dignity. 


Humanitarian crises such as those in Gaza, Syria, Yemen, the Rohingya crisis, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Mozambique, Venezuela, Somalia, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and countless others, illustrate the dire consequences of political strife and military aggression on innocent civilians, particularly women and children. These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the imperative to prioritize human dignity above all else.

Mandela understood that true leadership is not about wielding power, but about empowering others, lifting them up, and ensuring that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.


So, how can we, as leaders inspired by Mandela's example, guarantee human dignity as a universal right?

We must recognize that human dignity is not negotiable and confront injustice wherever it exists and stand in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized. Mandela once said, "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity." Whether it is discrimination, oppression, or exploitation, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow human beings. We must stand up for justice, advocate for the marginalized, and work tirelessly to dismantle systems of oppression that deny people their dignity and freedom.


But our commitment cannot end there. We must also address socio-economic inequalities that perpetuate suffering and deprivation. Investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all is crucial to ensuring that every person can live a life of dignity and fulfillment.

Central to Mandela's philosophy was the concept of Ubuntu - the belief that "I am because you are." Ubuntu teaches us that our humanity is interconnected, that we are all part of a larger community, and that our well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of others. It is a recognition of our shared humanity and a call to embrace compassion, empathy, and solidarity.


And we must embrace the spirit of Ubuntu because it reminds us that we are all part of the same human family, bound together by our common humanity. We must foster a culture of empathy and understanding. Mandela's ability to forgive his oppressors and seek reconciliation with his adversaries serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of compassion. In a world that is increasingly divided, we must strive to bridge the gaps that separate us, to listen to each other's stories, and to seek common ground based on our shared humanity.

In conclusion, let us remember Mandela's words: "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Let us be inspired by his example, and let us work together to guarantee human dignity as a universal right for all.

Each day presents an opportunity to put Ubuntu into practice, to extend a hand of solidarity to those in need, and to foster a sense of belonging within our communities. Whether it's through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives aimed at social justice, let us be committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.


Let us heed Mandela's call to action: "It is in your hands to make a difference."

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