In 2005, Nelson Mandela delivered a speech in the center of London and called on a new generation to be great. He had three clear demands – to make trade fair, cancel unpayable debt, and increase and improve the quality of aid. He called on all of us to act for justice.
His call inspired millions of people to become active citizens, who in turn pushed their governments to deliver bold policies that have had a lasting impact for hundreds of millions of people. His speech 20 years ago proved that when we come together and speak as one, we can push our leaders to be much bolder. We can give them the confidence and the push they need to work with other leaders and create historic change.
It sparked an era of action and catalyzed a new path for progress on international development that had previously been absent. Debt relief was expanded, aid grew, and some international reforms were delivered.
An incredible legacy
Mandela’s call and the movement that he helped build is an extraordinary story of human progress.
In 2005 more than 1 in 5 people lived in extreme poverty. Today it’s less than 1 in 10 people. There are more girls in school than ever before. In fact, the gender gap in primary and secondary education has been eliminated.
As of 2023, the average lifespan of humans is now 73.2 years, up from 68.1 in 2025. That’s 2,000 more days on this planet to learn, live, and become the leaders of tomorrow. And thanks to improved healthcare facilities and vaccines, fewer people are dying from preventable diseases, like malaria and tuberculosis.
Our work is not done yet
Despite global progress over the last 20 years, there is still work to be done. The climate crisis is hitting those who are the least responsible for causing it the hardest, and in turn, deepening existing inequalities 2024 was simultaneously the hottest and wettest year on record, with heatwaves and floods displacing millions of people.
Over 700 million people still went to bed hungry in 2024 and compared to 20 years ago, people are twice as likely to live in extreme conditions, with 1 in 6 children living in areas affected by conflict.
There is still work to be done to create a more just and equal world for everyone, everywhere — because none of us are truly equal until all of us are equal.
It’s in our hands to create a more just and equal world
On February 11, 2025, to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and that great speech he delivered in Trafalgar Square 20 years ago, policy makers, activists, artists and citizens came together to be inspired again.
The day started with a high-level policy event, which charted the huge progress that’s been made in the last 20 years, as well as highlighting the work that urgently needs to be done.
Our ONE Activists sprang into action, lobbying politicians directly in Westminster. Showing our leaders that we have the passion and evidence, and that all we need is action.
The day finished in Trafalgar Square, on the very same spot where Nelson Mandela delivered his speech. The evening saw a lively programme of events, including music and rousing speeches, before finishing with a dazzling light show onto Nelson’s Column.
Help light the way toward global progress
Mandela’s legacy is a reminder that great victories can be born in the hardest of times. After 27 years in prison, he led South Africa to freedom. Twenty years ago, his speech was the catalyst for millions of ordinary people demanding a fairer world. It’s now on us to fulfill Mandela’s dream by daring to be that great generation he urged us to be.
The challenges we face are all linked. Wars, the climate crisis, the pandemic, and much more cannot be tackled by one country alone. The world must unite around solutions that are both urgent and lasting.
South Africa is chairing the G20 in 2025, making it the first African country to do so. The focus is on people-driven sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, food security, employment, innovation, and reducing inequality.
This year’s G20 is an opportunity to put the continent at the forefront of global solutions that will benefit people globally, and in turn, help Mandela’s legacy live on.
Mandela stood for freedom. Freedom for each of us to achieve our potential, underpinned by a belief that every life has equal value. We need to believe that progress is possible again. As Mandela said himself, it always seems impossible until it’s done.
Will you endorse Mandela’s message?
The world feels challenging right now. Standing together as ONE behind Nelson Mandela’s vision, we have more power than we know.
