Dame Marcella Liburd Serves as Eminent Person for the 2025 UN Nelson Mandela Prize Selection Committee

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, a small island nation, has once again demonstrated its commitment to global peace and justice through the significant contribution of its Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd. Dame Marcella served as a key advisor in the selection process for the prestigious 2025 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, an accolade bestowed upon individuals who embody the late South African leader’s values of peace, reconciliation, and social transformation. Her appointment to this esteemed panel placed her alongside prominent international figures, including former President Tarja Halonen of Finland, Nobel Laureate Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei of Egypt, and Polish legal scholar Elżbieta Mikos-Skuza. This distinguished group of Eminent Persons provided crucial guidance to the official selection committee composed of UN Member State representatives, chaired by General Assembly President Philemon Yang. The committee’s work culminated in the selection of two exceptional laureates from a pool of over 300 nominees representing 66 countries.

The 2025 Mandela Prize recognizes the remarkable achievements of Brenda Reynolds, a Saulteaux social worker dedicated to improving the lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and Kennedy Odede, the founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities, a grassroots organization working to transform life in Kenya’s urban slums. These two laureates exemplify the spirit of Nelson Mandela, dedicating their lives to service and embodying the ideals of social justice and positive change within their respective communities. The selection process was overseen by the UN’s Department of Global Communications and the Office of the General Assembly President, with support from key mission deputies including St. Kitts and Nevis’ own Minister Counsellor, Mr. Eustace T. Wallace. This involvement highlights the small nation’s active participation in the international arena and its commitment to promoting Mandela’s legacy of peace and equality.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ contribution to the Mandela Prize selection process is underscored by the nation’s unwavering dedication to the principles of peace, justice, and diplomacy. Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations and representative for the Latin American and Caribbean Group on the Selection Committee, highlighted the importance of Mandela’s legacy in a world grappling with conflict and escalating inequality. She emphasized that St. Kitts and Nevis has long championed the values of peace, reconciliation, inclusion, and dialogue, both before and after achieving independence, and continues to uphold these principles on the global stage. This consistent commitment to these values reinforces the nation’s role as a strong advocate for peaceful resolution and equitable solutions to global challenges.

Dame Marcella Liburd herself emphasized the significance of her involvement, highlighting the alignment between her role and St. Kitts and Nevis’ national anthem, which calls upon its citizens to be champions of peace and justice. She further connected her participation to the ongoing diplomatic efforts of Ambassador Williams and her team in elevating the nation’s voice on the world stage as an advocate for diplomacy, equity, and peace. This reinforces the collaborative nature of St. Kitts and Nevis’ international engagement and underscores the nation’s dedication to promoting peace and justice through active participation in global initiatives. Dame Marcella’s contribution to the Mandela Prize selection exemplifies the nation’s commitment to embodying the very values the prize represents.

The selection of Brenda Reynolds and Kennedy Odede as the 2025 Mandela Prize laureates reflects the global reach of Mandela’s enduring legacy. Reynolds’ work with Indigenous communities in Canada addresses critical issues of social justice and equality, while Odede’s grassroots movement in Kenya tackles poverty and empowers marginalized communities. Their selection highlights the continued relevance of Mandela’s values in addressing contemporary global challenges. The prize also underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who, like Mandela, dedicate their lives to the betterment of humanity and strive to create a more just and equitable world.

The formal award ceremony, scheduled for July 18, 2025, during the annual Nelson Mandela International Day commemoration, will be held under the theme “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.” This theme further emphasizes the continuing relevance of Mandela’s work and the ongoing need for collective action to address pressing global issues. The awards will be jointly conferred by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Yang, signifying the international community’s recognition of the laureates’ exceptional contributions. St. Kitts and Nevis’ participation in this process further solidifies the nation’s commitment to promoting the values of justice, dignity, and humanity championed by Nelson Mandela and embodied by leaders like Dame Marcella Liburd.