UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underlined Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence, peace and equality as he expressed deep concern over a “world full of violence” and ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East.
“On the International Day of Non-Violence, we celebrate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirm the values to which he dedicated his life: equality, respect, peace and justice,” Mr Guterres said, commemorating Gandhi’s birthday for the day. Said in his message. On 2 October.
Expressing concern that the world is grappling with violence today, Mr. Guterres said conflicts are on the rise around the world.
“From Ukraine to Sudan, the Middle East and beyond, war is creating an infernal landscape of devastation, destruction and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are undermining the foundations of peace. And the hatred spread online is spilling over into the streets,” he said.
The UN chief underlined that Gandhi believed that non-violence was the greatest power available to humanity, more powerful than any weapon. He called on the international community to come together to create institutions “to support that great vision.” A special event titled ‘Gandhian Values and the United Nations Charter’ was planned at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday, organized by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations to observe the International Day of Non-Violence.
During that event, Ivor Fung, Chef de Cabinet of Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, said that Gandhi’s life is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of peaceful protests, inspiring people around the world, especially Asia and Africa.
Delivering a message on behalf of Yang, Mr Fung said leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr were deeply influenced by Gandhi’s concept of ‘Satyagraha’.
He said, “As the world is going through a turbulent period with ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and elsewhere, the Mahatma’s message of peace is resonating stronger than ever.”
Mr. Fung called on members of the international community not only to respect the values espoused by Gandhi, but also to reaffirm “our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
“Let us resolve to end conflict, stop violence, protect human rights, and strive for a more just and equitable world. “In 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 United Nations Ambassador Parvatneni Harish in his address said that today when the world is grappling with violence, armed conflict and humanitarian emergencies, the ideals of non-violence, dialogue and tolerance promoted by Gandhi guide our actions. Ensuring peace and stability throughout the world.” Earlier in the day, Harish paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the North Lawn of the UN.
He said that the statue reminds humanity to follow its ideals in letter and spirit and create a better and peaceful world, which is a fundamental objective of the United Nations. Harish asserted that India’s story reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that strength comes from righteousness, not force; That power comes from truth, not force, and victory comes from moral courage, not imposed submission.
Harish said today’s commemoration helps us reflect on the life of Gandhi and reaffirms the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence to secure a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding across the world.
Addressing the special event, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mohan Pieris, said that the present world is going through a period of transition.
“The past years have seen unimaginable changes,” he said.
Pieris drew a comparison between “the highest values set forth for humanity by one of the greatest of mankind and an entity created by We the People with the intention of preserving the highest values of freedom for mankind in a charter Has gone.” “This hopes to ensure that we live in peace and dignity.” Pieris said the UN Charter’s focus on the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the prevention of wars “reflects Gandhi’s lifelong commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and non-violent means.” He said that Gandhi’s principle of ‘non-violence’, non-violence in thought, word and deed is the basis of his world view.
Nonviolence is a way of living in harmony with others.
“Now, when you compare this to Article 1 of the United Nations Charter, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining international peace and security through peaceful means, I say, it echoes Gandhi’s advocacy for non-violent solutions. Reflects.” Pieris highlights that Gandhi’s philosophy has had a direct and profound influence on the founding values of the United Nations, and has continued to inspire international movements.
Although he said Gandhian values are consistent with the UN Charter, “some critics argue that the global system, including the UN, often gives priority to Western political and economic interests which may conflict with the Gandhian vision of decentralized power and economic freedom.” ” He said that as the United Nations continues its efforts towards global peace and justice, the principles of non-violence, truth and equality espoused by Gandhi remain important in shaping a more just and sustainable future.
The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the June 2007 General Assembly resolution that established the commemoration, the International Day is an opportunity to “disseminate the message of nonviolence, 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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