Photo: Reuters
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's message of non-violence, peace, and equality, expressing deep concern over a world "bristling with violence" and ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East.
“On the International Day of Non-Violence, we commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and reaffirm the values he dedicated his life to: equality, respect, peace, and justice,” Mr. Guterres stated in his message marking Gandhi's birthday on October 2. He expressed alarm that the world is currently fraught with violence, with conflicts erupting globally.
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“From Ukraine to Sudan, the Middle East, and beyond, war is generating a landscape of destruction, poverty, and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are eroding the foundations of peace. Additionally, hate propagated online is spilling into the streets,” he added.
The UN chief emphasized Gandhi’s belief that non-violence is the greatest force available to humanity, more potent than any weapon. He urged the international community to collectively build institutions that support this noble vision. A special event titled 'Gandhian Values and the UN Charter' is scheduled for Wednesday at the UN headquarters, organized by India's Permanent Mission to the UN to honor the International Day of Non-Violence.
During this event, Ivor Fung, Chef de Cabinet of the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly Philemon Yang, remarked that Gandhi's life serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of peaceful protests, inspiring individuals worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa.
Delivering a message on behalf of Yang, Mr. Fung noted that leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were significantly influenced by Gandhi’s concept of ‘Satyagraha.’
“As the world experiences a turbulent time with conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, Gandhi's message of peace resonates more strongly than ever,” he said.
Mr. Fung called on the international community to honor Gandhi's values and reaffirm their commitment to the principles outlined in the UN Charter. “Let us resolve to end conflict, halt violence, protect human rights, and strive for a more just and equitable world. By doing so, we uphold the legacy of Gandhi and the founders of the United Nations, shaping a future where peace and justice prevail.”
In his address, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, stated that in a world grappling with violence, armed conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence, dialogue, and tolerance continue to guide efforts to ensure peace and stability globally. Earlier, Harish paid floral tribute to Gandhi’s bust located on the North Lawns of the United Nations.
He remarked that the bust serves as a reminder for humanity to adhere to Gandhi’s ideals and work toward a better and peaceful world, a fundamental goal of the United Nations. Harish emphasized that India's narrative reflects Gandhi's belief that strength arises from righteousness rather than force, that power is rooted in truth rather than might, and that victory comes from moral courage rather than imposed submission.
He noted that today’s commemoration allows for reflection on Gandhi's life and reaffirms the universal relevance of non-violence in fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding worldwide.
Speaking at the special event, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mohan Pieris, stated that the current world is undergoing a transitional phase. “We have witnessed unimaginable changes in recent years,” he said.
Pieris compared the “highest values prescribed for humanity by one of the greatest figures of humankind” with an entity created by the people in a Charter intended to uphold the highest values of freedom, aiming to ensure that humanity lives in peace and dignity. He noted that the UN Charter’s emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution and war prevention reflects Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and non-violent means. He explained that Gandhi's principle of ‘Ahimsa,’ or non-violence in thought, word, and action, is foundational to his worldview.
“Now, when you contrast that with Article 1 of the UN Charter, which stresses maintaining international peace and security through peaceful means, it mirrors Gandhi’s advocacy for non-violent resolution,” Pieris highlighted, asserting that Gandhi’s philosophy profoundly influences the founding values of the United Nations and continues to inspire international movements.
However, he acknowledged that while Gandhian values align with the UN Charter, “some critics argue that the global system, including the United Nations, often prioritizes Western political and economic interests, which may conflict with Gandhi’s vision of decentralized power and economic independence.” He stated that as the UN pursues global peace and justice, the principles of non-violence, truth, and equality, as espoused by Gandhi, remain crucial in shaping a more just and sustainable future.
The UN observes the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. According to the General Assembly resolution passed in June 2007 that established this commemoration, the International Day is an opportunity to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness." The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the aspiration "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence."
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