JOHANNESBURG, July 19: Former US president Bill Clinton on Saturday called on the world to emulate Nelson Mandela and help Africa to fight the challenge of AIDS and debt.

“If you want to give Madiba a birthday present, do something about Africa’s challenges and about untapping its potential,” Clinton said.

He was speaking at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Lecture in Johannesburg, one of several events to mark the internationally respected statesman’s 85th birthday. Clinton’s wife Hillary Rodham Clinton and Mandela and his wife Graca Machel — the couples are close friends — were in attendance. The audience of around 1,000 invited guests included local and international politicians, judges, and several international superstars, including U2 lead singer Bono.—dpa