18 Jul, 2014

Thailand chosen for Asian launch of Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lectures

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BANGKOK: South Africa launched its Annual Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lecture in Asia by inviting former Thai Prime Minister Mr Anand Panyarachun to deliver the inaugural one at Thailand’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University. South African Ambassador to Thailand Ms Robina Marks initiated the lecture at the University’s Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration on July 18, which was marked worldwide as the first UN-designated Nelson Mandela Day. With Thailand facing more or less similar issues related to peace and reconciliation that South Africa faced in the post-apartheid era, the lecture provided  common ground for what the Ambassador called “rich reflection on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, and the significance of that legacy for Thailand.”

In his introductory remarks, President of Chulalongkom University Professor Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D.  said there is much for everyone to learn from the late South African leader’s “legacy and moral leadership”, especially “in the midst of ongoing struggle both nationally and across borders.” He said the lecture was also an “important step in our university’s journey towards the upcoming 100-year anniversary (in 2017) and towards our thinking in the next century.” He said it was also a recognition of the invaluable role of “cross cultural learning in contemporary society.”

Ambassador Marks said that it is because of Mr Mandela’s life and legacy that today, “South Africa is at the forefront of global efforts to promote and foster democratic systems of government. This is especially important in Africa, and our concerns are fixed upon securing a spirit of tolerance and the ethos of self-governance throughout the continent. (Mr Mandela) believed that there cannot be one system for Africa and another for the rest of the world. If there is a single lesson to be drawn from Africa’s post-colonial history, it is that an accountable government is a good government.”

Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar reminded the audience of “an unusual plant which grows in some of the driest parts of South Africa. It is known, in English, as the resurrection bush (Uvuka kwabafileyo in Xhosa). What makes it remarkable is that, for years, it seems dry, shrivelled, and without life. At the first sign of rain, however, it unfolds and grows – green and powerful. This is the power of unexpected change, of unpredicted growth and of unforeseen hope. It was the same power which drove the impact of Nelson Mandela’s life – living for decades through the drought of discrimination, repression and seeming-despair, but holding within his heart the seeds of change.”

In his keynote, Mr Anand, who twice assumed the premiership to haul Thailand out of previous crises not much different from the present one, highlighted what he called “seven pathways to democratic governance, which are particularly relevant for Thai society.” He said, “For emerging democracies, a persistent challenge is how to foster and sustain a democratic system, together with checks-and-balances against abuse of power, as part of democratic governance.” His conclusion: “In Asia as in the West, democracy is won not just through the ballot box. The real struggle is fought out on the streets by students, farmers, workers and other ordinary citizens who come out en masse to express their dissatisfaction. For democracy to live, citizens must resist the temptation to being apathetic. This is part of democratic governance.”

Read the full texts of all the powerful and deeply significant statements below. Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil was the only travel trade journalist to cover this historic event.

‘Long Walk to Democratic Governance”

Full text of the Distinguished Lecture by Mr. Anand Panyarachun

We are gathered here today to honour a great leader, Nelson Mandela, a man who gave his life for his people, and in so doing, changed the course of history.

Today is also an occasion for us to reflect on the values that President Mandela stood for, namely freedom, equality, justice and dignity.

His life and universal legacy remind us of the crucial link between those values and the path to democratic governance.

Tracing his footsteps, there are many key lessons which resonate strongly today, with a sense of immediacy and relevancy.

Courage in the face of Adversity

Many of us are familiar with Nelson Mandela’s “Long Road to Freedom.” His life was – par excellence – a lesson in commitment, tenacity and sacrifice.

He was born of royal lineage.

He built the African National Congress (ANC) to help liberate South Africa from the apartheid regime.

He fought for equality for non-whites so they could become part and parcel of an all embracing democratic process.

He spent twenty-seven years in prison standing up for his beliefs and ideals.

He endured hardship, without his spirit ever being daunted.

He continued, despite imprisonment, to promote the cause of freedom, democracy and justice.

As the international pressure for his release gained momentum, South Africa was on the brink of ethnic strife.

In 1990, when he was freed, he seized his own destiny and that of his country and people.

He reined in his emotions and let reason prevail. Indignation opened the door not to retribution but reconciliation, not to vengeance but compassion, not to vilification but democratization.

Nelson Mandela had succeeded in turning the tide.

Empathy in the face of Animosity

He was freed at the time when South Africa was highly polarized – with looming threats of mass violence along racial lines.

What path did he choose? He shunned aggressive and divisive policies, revenge and punishment.

He reached out to justice, while offering a hand to former foes for the sake of peace and unity.

He demonstrated the qualities of enlightened leadership in the face of animosity, particularly from those who were partisan and prejudiced.

He recognized from the political negotiations after his release that he had to help heal South Africa and introduce a different construct of Statehood, as a “community” for all racial and social groups.

In 1994 he was elected as South Africa’s first black President, with all citizens enjoying universal suffrage.

He established a government of National Unity, a coalition government that included many previous foes, but now with a new lease of life.

He set out to build “The Rainbow Nation” premised upon a multicultural democracy.

His empathy towards skeptics was shown most creatively when he initiated the process of truth and reconciliation, which helped to nurture back to life a community traumatized by racial scars and pervasive oppression.

His wisdom recognized that the victims of apartheid had to be heard, and the alleged perpetrators had to be identified and listened to, with due regard for rehabilitation and accountability.

He realized that the process had to be cathartic – it had to open the door to documenting the truth, with a hand of forgiveness for minor transgressions for those who spoke the truth and were repentant.

Those failing to assist, those who did not repent, those who preferred to hide in the quagmire of their misdeeds, and those who had committed major crimes were channelled to the natural course of justice, being accorded due process of law.

Democracy in the face of Fragility

What are some of the lessons and implications for democracy today? We know there is no single, absolute model of democracy. It has to be nurtured, sometimes within a fragile environment. Its progression may not necessarily be linear in progression.

For instance, European history is a chronicle of civil wars, revolutions and dictatorships. Yet democracy took root and today no rival political system challenges it in Europe.

It should not be forgotten that the Magna Carta had to gestate for many centuries before the advent of universal suffrage and full-fledged democracy.

Likewise, the American Revolution had to wait two more centuries before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would guarantee equality between whites and blacks.

For emerging democracies, a persistent challenge is how to foster and sustain a democratic system, together with checks-and-balances against abuse of power, as part of democratic governance.

On this auspicious day, I would thus like to reflect, based on South Africa’s experience, on seven pathways to democratic governance, which are particularly relevant for Thai society.

First, “free and fair” elections are a fundamental element of all healthy democracies.

The advent of elections, an elected President, Parliament and a liberal Constitution in South Africa bore the trademark of a dynamic process towards democracy, instilling democratic values in the national mind set. Yet, as President, Nelson Mandela also recognized that democracy had to deliver on the goods – the basics of life, such as food, shelter, income and welfare services, to be truly credible and acceptable. Democracy is not a synonym for good government.

The mere act of holding an election, by no means, guarantees democracy, particularly in the absence of a multiparty political system or where there is a tendency towards monopoly of power. Proper mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that elections are free and fair, and conducted in an open and transparent environment.

Second, respect for diversity of views and beliefs as well as tolerance are part and parcel of a functioning democracy.

An election does not give a mandate to oppress or sideline those who voted against the winning party. If we prescribed to the notion of “winner-take-all”, we would seriously impede the development of a democratic society.

Therefore, majoritarian rule has to be respectful of the rights and interests of both the majority and the minority. What the winner earns is an ongoing duty to strike a balanced consensus in society, which President Mandela aspired to throughout his term in office.

If minority groups do not benefit equitably from the electoral process, conflict will be stoked.

In an inclusive society, one learns to live side by side with your opponents, albeit with room for reasoned debate and disagreement.

Third, respect for human rights and the rule of law are paramount. Human rights are the benefits to which we should all be entitled and guaranteed by the State based on universal norms.

There are civil and political aspects, such as freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

There are economic, social and cultural aspects, such as the right to an adequate standard of living and food security. Those rights go hand-in-hand and are indivisible.

Meanwhile, the Rule of Law implies that actions must not be arbitrary and must be based on law, tested against the backdrop of international standards. There should be guarantees for accused persons, such as access to courts and lawyers to ensure justice.

Nelson Mandela contributed greatly to the emergence of a new Constitution for South Africa in 1996 which embedded human rights and the Rule of Law in his country. The 1996 Constitution is appreciated globally as ground breaking in a variety of ways. It underlines the concept of “human dignity” as an overarching rationale and linchpin, a concept closely linked with human rights. And it contains a Bill of Rights entrenching a broad range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, while clarifying also whether those rights are absolute and what is to be permissible when a state of emergency is to be imposed.

Fourth, accountability and transparency should be guiding principles for governance.

What plagues many governments is the opaque nature of power, replete with the ominous three C’s, namely (1) Corruption; (2) Cronyism; and (3) Clientelism. Where accountability and transparency are jeopardized, good governance is compromised and democracy is undermined.

As with all settings, there is a need for checks-and-balances to prevent abuse of power and to ensure responsibility and accountability of actions. The South Africa which emerged with Nelson Mandela and the advent of democracy tried to address this equilibrium by means of a variety of institutions and processes. For instance, there is an active Constitutional Court which has used the notion of “human dignity” to press for changes in the economic sphere and a more effective response to overcome poverty.

There is also a National Human Rights Commission which helps to keep a check on executive action, especially where the latter infringes basic rights, with the possibility of redress against violations.

The presence of national pillars embodying power at the top is complemented by decentralization and respect for the provinces and other localities. Interestingly, the South African Constitution set up a Parliament consisting of not only the National Assembly, but also the National Council of Provinces, with both houses participating in the legislative process so that there is a balance between the centrality of the State and the plurality of its provinces.

To promote democratic governance, even where democracy has in appearance arrived, various entry points need to be explored to nurture a sense of responsibility, particularly among those in power.

For instance, access by the public to information held by governments is crucial to promoting transparency and responsible decision-making.

In regard to politicians and law enforcers, there is a need to select capable candidates who possess integrity, to provide them with adequate remuneration, and to evaluate their performance with appropriate motivational incentives.

Likewise, there is a need for laws, policies and practices for the prevention and elimination of monopolies and the promotion of competitiveness; and a need for education and capacity-building to foster responsible behaviour from a young age, including a sense of duty to contribute to the collective interest and welfare of society.

Fifth, a vibrant civil society is a key to ensuring a responsive government and safeguarding against executive excesses. Nelson Mandela recognized well the critical role of civil society, and a vocal press. Indeed, his emergence from years of imprisonment was largely due to assistance by those elements to remind and mobilize the global and local communities to pressure for his release.

In South Africa, the post-apartheid era has thus flourished with a plethora of civil society actors, including non-governmental organizations and community groups, which address a range of societal concerns and keep a watch over governmental and bureaucratic actions.

Further, the health of a democracy can be measured by the authenticity of its civil society and the extent of citizen participation in public policy-making. Civil society provides an important source of information for intelligent debate on matters of public interest.

Civil society also provides a mechanism whereby the collective views of citizens can shape and influence government policy. By bringing into the public domain arguments and information as a context for examining policy, a democratic government is forced to present counter-arguments or to modify its position. Such exchange strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Finally, it is clear that when the deliberative process within a political system accepts the role played by civil society, it also implicitly agrees that citizens have a role to play in checking government in decision-making. A vibrant civil society thus ensures more thorough decision-making in a democracy.

Sixth, responsive leadership that answers to the needs of the people is critical. Whatever “pathways” are opened to democratic governance, the aperture would be incomplete without transparent and responsive leadership.

Nelson Mandela’s achievements are not only to be measured by what he did during his term of office, but also by what he did after the end of his Presidency. He was a key supporter of a range of humanitarian concerns, including programmes and services for disadvantaged groups. He became, and remains today, a great role model for all of humanity.

The qualities of leadership for sustainable democracy are to be found in those who act in an honest, transparent and accountable manner. They are consensus builders, open-minded and fair. They are committed to justice and advancing the public interest. And they are tolerant of opposing positions.

The seventh and final pathway that I want to emphasize concerns the need to promote broad-based education and knowledge sharing. The work which Nelson Mandela initiated continues and cannot be considered to have finished. Its mission depends on building the knowledge base, attitude, skills and behaviour responsive to human rights and democracy.

Democracy starts with the wisdom of the voting public, however that wisdom is acquired.

The voting public must understand its responsibilities in a democracy and have access to the means to exercise choice in the democratic process.

Much depends on an educational setting that helps to open up the mind and avoid dogma and prejudice. Learning by doing is essential, underlining not only access to formal educational settings but also participation in community work to nurture a sense of care and commitment for the less advantaged.

A struggle in many developing countries is how to channel resources to make education more relevant to the tasks of daily life, to change the emphasis from rote memorization to creativity and independent thinking, and to extend the outreach of education programmes to all, including girls and women living in poverty.

The heart of democracy beats not only with universal quality education, but also with the participation of all citizens in exercising their rights – first, to call for inclusion of issues of concern to them in the political agenda, and second, to choose among those whom they feel would best address their concerns in the political process.

In Asia as in the West, democracy is won not just through the ballot box. The real struggle is fought out on the streets by students, farmers, workers and other ordinary citizens who come out en masse to express their dissatisfaction. For democracy to live, citizens must resist the temptation to being apathetic. This is part of democratic governance. Each community, workplace and school needs programmes for promoting grassroots democracy.

We must enable the process to mature through our sustained commitment and actions.

Ladies and gentlemen, I started my statement by alluding to Nelson Mandela’ s legacy and the critical link between the values he stood for and the path to democratic governance.

I would like to end my statement today with a quote from a 1999 speech by Mr. Mandela: “It is true that South Africa was often brought to the brink of destruction because of differences. But let us reaffirm this one thing today: it is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not! ” Let us draw from these words of wisdom in our collective efforts to build a stronger foundation for democracy in Thailand.

Let us strive to avoid the mistakes of the past and continue our mission to complete the “long walk to democratic governance.” I thank you.

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Make every day a Nelson Mandela Day

Opening Remarks by Ambassador Robina P. Marks

We welcome you on behalf of the South Africa Embassy to the first Annual Nelson Mandela  Distinguished Lecture. It is indeed fitting that the lecture takes place at the very university who recognized and acknowledged the achievements and contributions of this icon for peace and reconciliation by conferring an honorary degree to him in 1997. Dr Mandela received this degree when he was invited to visit Thailand by His Majesty King Bhumibhol, and who also  graciously allowed him an audience to thank him for his contribution to peace and reconciliation.

This lecture comes at a time when both the United Nations and the African Union have expressed concern on the current outbreak of hostilities between the Palestine and Israel, and this morning we woke to the news of a Malaysian flight carrying several nationalities of 298 people crashing. It also comes at a time when Thailand stands at a critical moment within its own history. There is therefore no better moment to reflect on Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy on peace and recondition.

We hope that this lecture will become a flagship event that will provide a platform for reflection and social dialogue. A major aim of this event is to facilitate, promote and contribute to a public conversation nationally and internationally on contemporary social issues. This event is also an annual event in SA, and in the last few years since its inception, we have had distinguished lectures from influential and important voices such as Former President Bill  Clinton, Nobel Peace laureate Wangarai Maathai and Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Khun Anand therefore joins a rich tradition of distinguished leaders to join in a dialogue that will reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, and the significance of that legacy for Thailand.

This year’s lecture by Khun Anand is therefore appropriately entitled: “The Long Road to  Democratic Governance”, and I hope that it will make for rich reflection. This year’s lecture also have the further significance that it occurs almost a year since the sad passing of this great man.

Today therefore marks his passing with sadness, but also with a renewed sense of commitment to continue his legacy of peace and reconciliation in our homes, communities, cities and countries.

And what a life he has led — a life that spanned the greater part of the 20th century and into the 21st century, and into the third millennium. And a life that not merely marked time through those historic decades, but one that made history, that formed and shaped historic events. And a life that inspired, and a legacy that continues to inspire throughout the world. And it is that legacy that we are here to honor.

We have received much sympathy and support after our beloved Madiba passed away, and many requests to share our story of realizing peace and reconciliation with Thailand. This we  do, but it is probably instructive to share the frame that we use, though the example of Nelson Mandela, to share our story.

Various scholars of political science hold diverse views about the concept of soft power, and the use thereof. But for an American Scholar, Joseph Nye, the definition of soft power focuses on, amongst others, the power of “influence.”  As a country and as a mission in Thailand, our contribution to Thailand through this lecture can probably find best expression in the concept of “soft power”, and the use of it and in the way that it is defined by Joseph Nye. His definition seems to find more resonance with South Africa’s diplomatic practice. He defines soft power as a country’s ability to influence events through persuasion and attraction, and he asserts that a country has more soft power if its culture, values and institutions incite admiration and respect in other parts of the world.

The Annual Distinguished Lecture, therefore, seeks to frame the legacy of Nelson Mandela within the context of Nye’s narrative of soft power.

And so today, as we celebrate UN Nelson Mandela Day, we also consider the influence of Mandela’s “soft power” in a world where his name has become indistinguishable from our struggle for liberation, freedom, justice, human rights and human dignity.

Madiba spent 27 years in prison for the cause whose freedom and democracy we enjoy today  in South Africa, and indeed 67 years of his life dedicated to giving service to humanity. On Nelson Mandela International Day, we are expected to spend just 67 minutes of our time doing community work to emulate the selfless spirit that Madiba represents.

This is a man we have always known as the father of our nation, the son of Africa, and a truly distinguished citizen of the world whose life and work has been celebrated the world over.

He has inspired many – young and old, black and white, at home and abroad – through his  steadfast, dignified and disciplined character. But what was most striking about his vision as the first Black President in a democratic SA was to lead us into a SA that is united, non-racial,  non-sexist and democratic.

And what was most profound in his reflection was that South Africa had always embraced the cry for democracy. Across the world, South Africa is at the forefront of global efforts to promote and foster democratic systems of government.

This is especially important in Africa, and our concerns are fixed upon securing a spirit of  tolerance and the ethos of self-governance throughout the continent.

He believed that there cannot be one system for Africa and another for the rest of the world. If  there is a single lesson to be drawn from Africa’s post-colonial history, it is that an accountable government is a good government.

We have over the years managed to reposition our country as a key partner and player on issues of global governance. Indeed, the present day South Africa has changed dramatically from what it was under Apartheid.

Today, South Africa is a better place that it was 20 years ago. Very few countries in the world have achieved what our nation has in just 20 years.

To this end, the work we continue to do for humanity is inspired by the values of Nelson  Mandela. What we want for ourselves as a country represents our wish for Thailand. Our desire to grow and prosper reflects our vision for a prosperous, united and peaceful Africa, and  indeed the world.

It is therefore in our best interest that Africa and the world emerge a better place for all to live in. it is the very character of our history that should and does place us firmly as champions of democracy, good governance, human rights, peace and justice. In so doing, we are paying tribute to the life and times of Nelson Mandela.

The principle of soft power also beckons us to utilize UN Nelson Mandela International Day to build a country and contribute to a world that is based on his values and dedication to peace, nation-building, reconciliation, human rights, gender equality and the upliftment of the poor.

Even in his physical absence, we must continue to promote Nelson Mandela’s values by seeing the world through his eyes, and hearing its voices through his ears.

We hope that you will commit to make every day a Nelson Mandela Day.

I thank you.

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The Power of the Resurrection Bush

Message by Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations & Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

In November 2009, the United Nations declared 18 July to be Nelson Mandela Day – a global call to action celebrating the idea that every person has the power to make a difference, that every individual can change the world.

There is, of course, a note of sadness in our first commemorations of this day since Nelson Mandela’s passing, but I am truly honoured to join you for this inaugural Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lecture.

I would like to congratulate Ambassador Marks and her team for taking the initiative to establish an annual lecture series as a very fitting tribute to Madiba’s life.

There is, I believe, an unusual plant which grows in some of the driest parts of South Africa. It is known, in English, as the resurrection bush (Uvuka kwabafileyo in Xhosa). What makes it remarkable is that, for years, it seems dry, shrivelled, and without life. At the first sign of rain, however, it unfolds and grows- green and powerful.

This is the power of unexpected change, of unpredicted growth and of unforeseen hope.

It was the same power which drove the impact of Nelson Mandela’s life – living for decades through the drought of discrimination, repression and seeming-despair, but holding within his heart the seeds of change.

When allowed to grow it nourished, in turn, the democracy, freedom, equality, diversity, reconciliation and respect for which South Africa has become so deservedly renowned.

Just a few weeks ago, the General Assembly established the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize – celebrating the inspiration of his life to people in every part of the world.

Madiba believed, in his own words, that: “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives, [will] go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately [dream] of.”

This ethic of service above self, this ethos of upliftment, is at the heart of every Nelson Mandela Day, and it also underpins the work of the United Nations in every region of the world – none more so than right here in Asia and the Pacific.

Our shared challenge is to take up the torch he passed to us, and to live his legacy by ensuring that the ideals flourish today for which he lived, struggled and was prepared to die.

I thank you.