New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani used Nelson Mandela International Day to deliver a message centred on justice, equality and moral leadership, while also reigniting debate over international accountability ahead of the United Nations General Assembly later this year.

Speaking at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum in New York, Mamdani reflected on Mandela's lasting influence, describing his legacy as a call for ordinary people to stand against injustice wherever it exists.

Addressing an audience gathered to commemorate the late South African president, Mamdani said Mandela's values continue to inspire campaigns for democracy, human dignity and social justice around the world. He argued that true solidarity is demonstrated when people choose to stand with others, even at personal cost.

The annual forum, organised by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, was established to encourage discussions on ethical leadership at a time when many countries face growing inequality, political division and declining public trust in institutions.

Mamdani, who spent part of his childhood in Cape Town after being born in Uganda, spoke of his personal connection to South Africa and credited Mandela's leadership with shaping global conversations around freedom and human rights.

Image: Supplied

Away from the commemorative event, attention has also focused on Mamdani's recent comments regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with The New York Times, the mayor said he believes Netanyahu should face proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant alleging war crimes linked to the conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu rejects the allegations, and Israel disputes the ICC's jurisdiction.

Mamdani has previously indicated that New York authorities would comply with legal obligations should ICC warrants become enforceable within their jurisdiction, comments that have drawn strong criticism from Israeli officials.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed Mamdani's position, accusing him of seeking political attention rather than addressing local concerns. Netanyahu is still expected to attend the UN General Assembly in September, where international tensions surrounding the conflict are likely to remain firmly in focus.