In New York, Madiba’s leadership inspires a global conversation

More than 1,000 people gathered at The Town Hall in New York on 15 July 2026 for the launch of the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum, ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day.

The Forum brought together leaders, thinkers, artists, diplomats, journalists, civil society representatives and members of the public to reflect on leadership, justice, democracy, inequality and social cohesion.

For more than two decades, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has created spaces for dialogue on some of the most pressing challenges facing society.

The Global Leadership Forum builds on this work by inviting people across sectors and generations to consider the kind of leadership required in a world marked by deepening inequality, conflict, democratic strain and political polarisation.

Held at the historic Town Hall, a venue with a long tradition of artistic expression, civic engagement and public debate, the evening combined conversation, reflection and performance.

The evening opened with a performance by Sing Harlem, a choir, rooted in Harlem's rich musical tradition, their performance reflected the role music has long played in sustaining movements, expressing collective memory and bringing communities together.

Nelson Mandela Foundation Chief Executive Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi welcomed guests and situated the gathering within the Foundation's longstanding commitment to dialogue and public engagement.

"We gather to think deeply about what it means for leaders to serve the majority of people in their communities, their countries and the world, and not just their small circles."

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani delivered the keynote address , drawing deeply on Nelson Mandela's leadership and values as he reflected on the responsibilities facing leaders today.

Mamdani recalled growing up in Cape Town and described Madiba as the first president he ever knew - a leader who appeared capable of changing the world and who demonstrated that justice must be more than an ideal.

Throughout his address, he challenged audiences not to turn Mandela into a distant or flawless historical figure, detached from the struggles and choices that shaped his life.

"To treat him as more myth than man is to do him a grave disservice. It is to sanctify a man who once famously said, 'I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.'"

For Mamdani, it is Madiba's humanity that makes his example meaningful to future generations.

"It is his humanity that allows us to look towards the next generation of leaders and say sincerely: you too can be Madiba."

He also reflected on the importance of remaining committed to principle, particularly during periods of pressure, disagreement and division.

"Anybody who changes his principles depending on who he is dealing with, that is not a man who can lead a nation."

The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its appreciation to Brand South Africa, Future Forum, the City of New York, The Town Hall, Sing Harlem, Ephraim Sykes, the speakers, performers, partners, guests and members of the public who contributed to the inaugural gathering.

The evening demonstrated that Madiba's leadership remains more than a source of remembrance. It continues to challenge leaders and citizens to act with courage, principle and a commitment to justice.

Watch the full event recording below.

Inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum