Nelson Mandela at Harvard

Transcript

SPEAKER: It is now my very great pleasure and honor to welcome to the podium the president of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Nelson Mandela. [CHEERING, APPLAUSE] NELSON MANDELA: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. President, members of convocation, members of the university, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, whe... Read More

Summary

This video is a speech by Nelson Mandela while he was President of South Africa. He speaks about his age, his appreciation for being honored, the importance of institutions like Harvard in promoting equality and freedom, the challenges of disparities between rich and poor, the importance of education, the need for a partnership between the developed and developing world, and the role of South Africa and the United States in building a better world.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does Nelson Mandela say about his age and the significance of the audience at the event?

Nelson Mandela mentions a story about a young lady who questioned how a man of his age should look like. He humorously states that many people might have come to the event to see how an 80-year-old man looks. He reflects on the appropriateness of his presence at the event and acknowledges the significance of being honored by a prestigious institution like the University of Harvard.

Q: According to Nelson Mandela, what role do institutions like Harvard play in the world?

Nelson Mandela commends institutions like Harvard for choosing to engage globally and bringing hope to those who have been denied opportunities. He believes that the strength and impact of a great university lie in its ability to have a universal presence and provide education and knowledge to those who would not have had a future otherwise.

Q: What does Nelson Mandela say about the struggles and achievements of the South African people?

Nelson Mandela humbly accepts the award from Harvard, acknowledging that it is not just a recognition of his individual achievement but a tribute to the struggles and achievements of the South African people as a whole. He expresses gratitude to the millions around the world who supported the struggle for freedom and justice in South Africa.

Q: What does Nelson Mandela say about the disparities between the rich and the poor in the world?

Nelson Mandela highlights the great disparities between the rich and the poor, both within countries and between different parts of the world. He states that while progress is being made in entrenching democratic forms of government, it is essential to recognize that political rights and freedom must be accompanied by tangible improvements in the material lives of millions of citizens.

Q: How does Nelson Mandela emphasize the importance of education and intellectual resources in Africa?

Nelson Mandela points out that the disparity between the developed and developing world is evident in the sphere of educational and intellectual resources. He believes that the rebirth of Africa as a full participant in the global affairs depends on the mobilization and strengthening of the continent's resources of learning. He commends the emerging Africa's research project undertaken in collaboration with African scholars and research institutions to build African intellectual capacity.

Q: What does Nelson Mandela say about the current world financial crisis and the need for thinkers from developing countries?

Nelson Mandela mentions that the world financial crisis exposes flaws in the concepts and theories that guided the world's economic system. He believes that rethinking and reconceptualization is required, not only from the theories of the North but also from thinkers and intellectuals from developing countries. He calls for a genuine partnership between the North and South to shape a world order that addresses the shared needs of all people, not just the rich.

Q: How does Nelson Mandela express his gratitude towards Harvard and the United States?

Nelson Mandela expresses his gratitude to Harvard and the United States for their partnership and support to South Africa during its democratic transition. He acknowledges the role that Harvard has played in nurturing and honing South African intellectual skills, and how this partnership has helped conceptualize African relations and contribute to the Reconstruction and Development of South Africa.

Q: What is the significance of Nelson Mandela's acceptance of the honor from Harvard?

Nelson Mandela sees the honor bestowed upon him as a symbol of South Africa and the United States, Africa, and the world coming together as partners in building a world order that benefits all nations and people. He believes that the new millennium should bring shared progress where the fruits of learning and technological progress are truly shared throughout the global village.

Q: What story does Nelson Mandela share about a young girl's perception of him?

Nelson Mandela recounts a story where a young girl approached him on his 75th birthday and questioned his age. She humorously called him a stupid old man, but Nelson Mandela reminds the audience to be more diplomatic in their perceptions of him. It serves as a lighthearted moment amidst the serious discussions.

Q: What does Nelson Mandela urge the audience to do in building a better world?

Nelson Mandela encourages the audience to work towards a world that seeks greater equality among nations and citizens. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the material needs of people, such as hunger, preventable diseases, and education, alongside the promotion of democracy and freedom. He believes that working together to combat and eradicate disparities is the greatest challenge facing the world.

Takeaways (in one paragraph)

In his speech, Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of institutions like Harvard in promoting equality and freedom on a global scale. He acknowledges the disparity between the rich and the poor and the need for tangible improvements in the material lives of citizens. Mandela calls for a partnership between the developed and developing world, where thinkers and intellectuals from both sides contribute to shaping a world order that benefits all people. He expresses gratitude towards Harvard and the United States for their support during South Africa's democratic transition and emphasizes the significance of education and intellectual resources in Africa. Mandela believes that the new millennium should bring shared progress, where the fruits of learning and technological progress are truly shared throughout the global village.