Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

3 P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches Laureates. Excerpts The situation in many parts of the African continent can only be described as calamitous. The spectre of famine, starvation, violence and diseases, such as AIDS, is stalking at a time when science and modern technology are reaching the heights of accomplishment. The international community responds with various forms of aid. We welcome and need this solidarity, with the injunction that what our continent needs, above all, is development, to promote and realize our human potential at its fullest. Development is in the interest of all humankind. Massive inequality in our globe is as dangerous, unjust and destabilising as gross inequalities within a country. The North-South debate must be renewed and the international structures of cooperation must be strengthened. Nelson Mandela — Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation 1992 In 1992, Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was President of the African National Congress (1991-1997). — Excerpt from the speech given on the occasion of receiving the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation on 31/10/1992.