Helena Ndume of Namibia and Jorge Sampaio of Portugal were on 24 July 2024 awarded with the first-ever Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize by the United Nations (UN) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Laureates of the 2015 UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize Helena Ndume (left) and Jorge Fernando Branco Sampaio
Ndume, a female ophthalmologist, was awarded for treating blindness and eye-related illnesses in Namibia and throughout the developing world.
Sampaio, the former president of Portugal from 1996 to 2006 and also the former mayor of Lisbon from 1989 to 1995, was awarded for his contribution to his country for his struggle for the restoration of democracy in Portugal.
The award ceremony was a part of the annual commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day, which is observed on 18 July every year.
About Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize
- The prize was established in June 2014 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to pay homage to Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life and legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation.
- It also recognizes the achievements of those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity particularly in the promotion of social cohesion and community development by promoting the UN purposes and principles.
