On the occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, the Alliance Française of The Hague, in partnership with the Embassy of South Africa in The Hague and Sociëteit De Witte, is organizing the Nelson Mandela Eloquence Contest 2026, a public speaking competition designed for students and young professionals who wish to express themselves on the major challenges of our time.

The event will take place on 18 July 2026 at the Leiden University The Hague Campus and will highlight the values of justice, dialogue, reconciliation, and collective responsibility embodied by Nelson Mandela.

A COMPETITION OPEN TO YOUNG TALENTS

The competition is open to participants aged 15 to 35, from academic, diplomatic, and international backgrounds.

Speeches will be delivered in either French or English, with two separate categories:

• French-speaking category
• English-speaking category

One winner will be selected in each category.

COMPETITION THEMES

Each participant must deliver a five-minute speech in their chosen language, answering one of the following questions:

“Is reconciliation a form of justice or a concession to injustice?”
“Is intergenerational solidarity a moral duty or a political necessity?”

These themes invite candidates to reflect on contemporary challenges and to propose their vision of a more just and united future.

WHY JULY 18?

July 18 is celebrated worldwide as Nelson Mandela International Day, a global day of action honoring Mandela’s commitment to peace, equality, human rights, and dialogue between peoples.

In this spirit, the Nelson Mandela Eloquence Contest aims to encourage a new generation of engaged citizens to speak up and contribute to public debate on major societal issues.

PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES

The two winners of the competition will receive a special prize offered by the Embassy of South Africa in The Hague.

All participants will also receive a certificate of participation, in recognition of their engagement, reflection, and contribution to this international event.

A GRAND FINALE IN SEPTEMBER

A Grand Finale will be held on 24 September 2026 at Sociëteit De Witte in The Hague.

This evening will bring together finalists, partners, and guests around the values that shaped Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Participants are warmly invited to attend and continue the exchange while celebrating this initiative.

Attendance at the Grand Finale is not mandatory, particularly for participants facing geographical or travel constraints.

To help with event organization, candidates are kindly asked to indicate in the registration form whether they plan to attend the Grand Finale.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Date: 18 July 2026
Location: Leiden University The Hague Campus, The Hague
Age requirement: 15 to 35 years old
Languages: French and English
Speech duration: 5 minutes
Grand Finale: 24 September 2026 at Sociëteit De Witte, The Hague

Speak up, defend your ideas, and bring Nelson Mandela’s legacy to life through eloquence and dialogue.