New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a keynote address at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum, emphasizing that Mandela's legacy should be measured by contemporary actions against injustices rather than mere commemoration.

He called on world leaders and citizens to honor Mandela through solidarity and courage, drawing parallels between the anti-apartheid struggle and modern issues like the Gaza conflict, immigration, and xenophobia.

Mamdani highlighted Mandela's commitment to universal solidarity, even when politically unpopular, and warned that economic inequality and social media algorithms are deepening societal divisions.

He urged people to focus on justice in real-time rather than waiting for historical verdicts, stressing that solidarity is about choosing others over self-interest.The forum, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, aims to foster global dialogue and engagement ahead of International Mandela Day on 18 July.