WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 5, 2013)–ONE President and CEO Michael Elliott released the following statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela:

“Nelson Mandela’s unwavering courage, forgiveness and hope touched and inspired people all around the world. He showed that we can make change happen and that the dream of a fair society is possible. In an extraordinary 2005 speech in London, Mandela challenged us to fight poverty, injustice and gross inequality and said, ‘Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.’ The finest honor that we could offer to his memory is to be that generation.”

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About ONE

ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organization of more than 3.5 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Cofounded by Bono and strictly nonpartisan, we raise public awareness and press political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programs. ONE is not a grant-making organization and does not solicit funding from the public or receive government funding. ONE is funded almost entirely by a handful of philanthropists and foundations. We achieve change through advocacy. Our teams in Washington, D.C., London, Johannesburg, Brussels, Berlin, and Paris educate and lobby governments to shape policy solutions that save and improve millions of lives. To learn more, go to ONE.org.