International Day of Non-Violence: The United Nations calls for peace and dialogue to reduce violent conflict and injustice

"Little Amal" stands next to the "Non-Violence" or "Knotted Gun" sculpture by artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd at the United Nations Visitors Plaza

October 2 is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi of India. Gandhi's advocacy of social change and resistance to injustice through nonviolent means is seen as a symbol of the global idea of nonviolence. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution officially designating Gandhi's birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence, with the aim of promoting the concept of non-violence and encouraging education and awareness raising to reduce violent conflict and promote peace and harmony.

Turn promises into reality

In his speech, Guterres said that the world is full of violence today. Around the world, conflicts are raging. From Ukraine to Sudan, the Middle East and beyond, war is creating a hellish spectacle of destruction, abject poverty and fear. Inequality and climate chaos are eroding the foundations of peace. The hatred on the Internet has spread to the streets.

He said the Future Summit held last month lit a lamp of hope. Countries have come together to lay the groundwork for reinvigorating multilateralism and to prepare for peace in an unpredictable world. Actions to that end include a renewed focus on the root causes of conflict — from inequality to poverty and division. He said bluntly that it was now up to countries to translate these commitments into reality.

Overcoming divisions requires peace and dialogue

The values of truth, non-violence, equality and justice advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, said in a speech at the commemoration of the International Day ·of Non-Violence at Headquarters in New York on Wednesday that the values of truth, non-violence, equality and justice advocated by Mahatma Gandhi are enshrined in the UN Charter. Although Gandhi was not directly involved in the development of the Charter, his leadership of India's struggle for independence had shown that peaceful resistance and nonviolent action could challenge even the deepest systems of oppression.

In a message read out through his Chief of Staff, Fremont · Jan said that peace and dialogue are urgently needed in a world torn apart by conflict, a world that bridges divisions.

He said that at a time of turmoil in the world, with conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and elsewhere, Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace resonated more strongly than ever.

"On this International Day of Non-Violence, let us not only remember the values embodied by Gandhi, but also reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations," he said. Let us resolve to end conflicts, stop violence, protect human rights and work towards a more just and equitable world. In this way, we can build on the legacy of Gandhi and the founders of the United Nations and shape a future in which peace and justice prevail. ”