Our stories. Find out more about our work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Laughter, curiosity and confident young voices filled the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund as children took centre stage at the launch of Thando and Freddy's Big SDG Adventure: A Journey with Nelson Mandela, a new children's book that introduces young readers to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the timeless values of former President Nelson Mandela.The event celebrated children as active contributors, storytellers and leaders whose ideas helped shape the final publication. The book follows the fictitious Thando and Freddy as they journey through all 17 SDGs, guided by Mandela's wisdom and values. Through relatable adventures and practical examples, the story encourages children to see themselves as problem-solvers who can make a positive difference in their homes, schools and communities. The book further recommends actions that the children could take as part of the contribution to achieve the SDGs by 2030.Months before the book reached the hands of young readers, children from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Graca Machel Trust were invited to review the manuscript, offering feedback on the language, illustrations and storytelling to ensure it resonated with children. Their participation reflected a simple but powerful principle championed by Mandela himself, that children should be heard, respected and involved in decisions that affect them. That same spirit came alive during the launch as children brought the book to life through storytelling Lwandle Khambule shared the story of Quality Education (SDG 4), reminding the audience that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and fulfil their potential. Remoneilwe Phalane reflected on Gender Equality (SDG 5), encouraging young people to challenge stereotypes and ensure equal opportunities for girls and boys alike. Lathitha Combo captivated the audience with a reading on Climate Action (SDG 13), inspiring children to become environmental stewards, while Ntsika Abashe concluded the storytelling session with Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), highlighting the importance of working together to solve shared challenges. The launch reached its most inspiring moment during the Children's Voices Panel: How Children Contribute to Better Communities, moderated by media personality Lorato Tshenkeng, when young  panelists Fanelesibonge Ndhlovu, Ndivhuwo Mashele and Kamohelo Mosala reflected thoughtfully on their experiences of reviewing the Mandela children's book before publication, sharing how meaningful it was to know that adults had listened to and incorporated children's perspectives.The conversation explored what it means to be a young changemaker, how Mandela's legacy continues to inspire leadership among children, and which SDGs resonate most deeply with young people today. The young panelists also spoke about courage, inclusion, climate action and the importance of education, while engaging the audience with interactive questions about kindness, leadership and building stronger communities together. Their thoughtful reflections demonstrated that children are not merely beneficiaries of development, they are already shaping their communities through compassion, leadership and action.The official unveiling of the book became another symbolic moment as the children joined together to reveal the publication to the audience. The unveiling was a celebration of a generation of young South Africans who are ready to carry forward Madiba's values of equality, justice, compassion and active citizenship. The launch featured remarks from the UN Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh; the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo; the CEO of the Graça Machel Trust, Shiphra Chisa; and Nelson Mandela Foundation Board Trustee Alice Brown, who collectively underscored the importance of empowering children as active citizens and changemakers. Speakers emphasised that children are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but citizens of today whose voices deserve to be heard and whose participation must be encouraged. They called on adults to act as responsible stewards of the world, investing in future generations through education, opportunity and care, while reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting children's innocence, nurturing their potential, and equipping them with the knowledge, values and skills to become the peacemakers, innovators and bridge-builders the world needs.Delivering the closing address, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, reflected on how the event had become much more than the launch of a children's book. She said, “A book is not truly launched when it is unveiled before cameras, but when a child carries its lessons home, when teachers use it to start meaningful conversations, and when institutions are challenged to build a fairer society for children.” Drawing on one of the stories in the book, the Deputy Minister spoke about Sipho, a child who arrives at school hungry and without shoes. While praising the compassion shown by Thando and Freddy, she reminded the audience that children's kindness alone should never bear the burden of solving poverty. Quoting Mandela, she said overcoming poverty "is not an act of charity, but an act of justice," and called on adults to create conditions where every child has access to food, education, safety and opportunity. Addressing the children directly, Ms. Letsike encouraged them never to believe they must wait until adulthood before their ideas matter. She urged them to continue asking questions, standing up for fairness, protecting the environment and building peace in their communities, while challenging adults to listen and act on what children have to say.As the programme concluded, one message stood out above all others: when children are given the opportunity to speak, they do far more than tell stories, they inspire action, and as the UN Resident Coordinator reminded the audience, “We must not ask children to dream boldly while leaving them a world too unequal, too violent, too divided or too uncertain to hold those dreams. Let us protect their innocence, nourish their minds, listen to their voices, and give them the tools to become the peacemakers, innovators and bridge-builders our future requires.” The launch was a powerful reminder that the next generation of changemakers is not waiting for tomorrow. They are already leading today, one story, one conversation and one act of kindness at a time. See below remarks from speakers at the book launch.MANDELA DAY - Honourable Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike | United Nations in South AfricaMANDELA DAY - Remarks by Nelson Muffuh at the book launch of Thando and Freddy's Adventure with Nelson Mandela | United Nations in South AfricaMANDELA DAY - Remarks by CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo | United Nations in South AfricaMANDELA DAY - Remarks by Shiphra Chisha, Chief Executive Officer, Graça Machel Trust on 18th July 2026 at the UN Mandela Children's SDG Book Launch | United Nations in South Africa