Nelson Mandela has accepted a unique honorary doctorate from Queen’s University, Belfast.
The former South African President will formally become the university's Centenary Honorary Graduate at a ceremony tonight.
Mr Mandela, who was in London for his 90th birthday celebration concert in Hyde Park last Friday, is not able to attend the ceremony, but recorded a message to be played at the event.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who led the struggle against apartheid, receives his doctorate for distinction in public service.
In his citation, Queen's Chancellor, Senator George Mitchell, described Mr Mandela as "an inspirational figure".
Mr Mandela, who was elected as his country's first black president in 1994, will be conferred with his degree at a special ceremony taking place during the university's summer graduation dinner tonight.
Mr Mandela received a copy of his degree parchment a few days ago from and recorded a special message to be relayed to the audience at the ceremony.
Accepting his degree, Mr Mandela said: "Thank you for the honour bestowed upon us today. My grandchildren will be impressed when I can boast I have an honorary degree from such an esteemed institution.
"Queen's University Belfast plays a central role in the life of Northern Ireland and is key to its future."
Senator Mitchell said Mr Mandela was "an inspirational figure and a global statesman whose courage and leadership brought about healing within a nation divided by apartheid."
In May, QUB honoured former taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former British prime ministerTony Blair with
special degrees for their efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland. The ceremony took place during an international peace conference at the university.