UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence, peace, and equality even as he sought to diffuse the tensions in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Guterres's message aims to enhance tolerance among world leaders to end the ongoing wars and suffering in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“On the International Day of non-violence, we commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the values to which he dedicated his life: equality, respect, peace, and justice,” Guterres said in his message for the day, commemorating Gandhi’s birthday on October 2.
Voicing concern over the ongoing and brewing conflicts, he said, “From Ukraine to Sudan, the Middle East, and far beyond, war is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution, and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are undermining the foundations of peace. And hate whipped up online is spilling over onto the streets.”
A special event was planned on Wednesday at the UN headquarters titled ‘Gandhian Values and UN Charter’, organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence.
During the event, Ivor Fung, Chef de Cabinet of the President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang, said that Gandhi’s life stands as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of peaceful protests, inspiring people across the world, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Delivering a message on behalf of Yang, Fung said that leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were deeply influenced by Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha.
“As the world endures a turbulent period with conflicts raging in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, the Mahatma’s message of peace resonates more strongly than ever,” he said.
Fung said, “Let us resolve to end conflict, halt violence, protect human rights, and strive for a more just and equitable world. By doing so, we carry forward the legacy of Gandhi and the founders of the United Nations, shaping a future where peace and justice prevail.”
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said that today, when the world grapples with violence, armed conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, the ideals of non-violence, dialogue, and tolerance promulgated by Gandhi continue to “guide our actions in ensuring peace and stability around the world.”
The UN observes the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the General Assembly resolution of June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion 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 desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding, and non-violence.”
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