When we hear a story of the abuse of a child or the abuse of women almost all people are appalled by instances of that kind.

I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.

Africans believe in something that is difficult to render in English. We call it ubuntu, botho. It means the essence of being human. You know when it is there and when it is absent. It speaks about humaneness, gentleness, hospitality, putting yourself out on behalf of others, being vulnerable. It embraces compassion and toughness. It recognizes that my humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.

There is room for everyone; there is room for every culture, race, language and point of view.

You stand out in the crowd only because you have these many, many carrying you on their shoulders.

I have a lot of time for young people.

The destruction of the earth’s environment is the human rights challenge of our time.