United Nations, Jul 25 (IANS): Helena Ndume of Namibia and Jorge Sampaio of Portugal received the first-ever Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize at the UN Headquarters in New York on Friday.
The prize was established in June 2014 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to recognise the achievements of those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity by promoting the UN purposes and principles, Xinhua reported.
Ndume, a female ophthalmologist, has been treating blindness and eye-related illnesses in Namibia and throughout the developing world.
Sampaio, the former president of Portugal from 1996 to 2006 and also the former mayor of Lisbon from 1989 to 1995, has been awarded for his contribution to his country.
The UNGA set up the Nelson Mandela Prize as a tribute to the late South African leader, known for his legacy of reconciliation, political transition and social transformation.