International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.

In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this International Day highlights the remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest.  It also a timely reminder to strive to uphold values that Gandhi lived by: the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all, and communities living together in peace. 

According to General Assembly resolution which established the commemoration, this 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”.

The wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy.

He remains a renowned global icon of peace. His vision continues to resonate across the world, including through the work of the United Nations for mutual understanding, equality, sustainable development, the empowerment of young people, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

In today’s turbulent times, violence takes many forms: it stretches from the destructive impact of the climate emergency to the devastation caused by armed conflict; from the indignities of poverty to the injustice of human rights violations to the brutalizing effects of hate speech.

On this year’s observance, we have a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: COVID-19.  There is only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself.

Non-violence must continue to underpin and shape our efforts to foster inclusive equitable growth. It remains relevant because despite the phenomenal development witnessed in recent decades, extreme poverty has not been eradicated and inequality is rising within and between countries. These challenges threaten our economies and fray the fabric of our societies.

As we work to overcome these challenges, there is great scope to draw on lessons from Gandhi’s life.

His belief in non-discrimination is a precursor to the approach taken to sustainable development by United Nations 2030 Agenda. A commitment to inclusiveness has shaped the UN’s pledge to leave no one behind and the recognition that dignity, equality and equity are fundamental for every human person.

Gandhi’s commitment to dialogue, to religious tolerance, to arming ourselves with moral force rather than physical power – remain pertinent to all of us who believe in a more integrated, prosperous and equal world.

“Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

Gandhi constantly highlighted the gap between what we do, and what we are capable of doing. On this International Day, I urge each and every one of us to do everything in our power to bridge this divide as we strive to build a better future for all.

Let us be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter.

Secretary General’s message – 2020

In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, this International Day highlights the remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest.  It also a timely reminder to strive to uphold values that Gandhi lived by: the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all, and communities living together in peace. 

On this year’s observance, we have a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: COVID-19.  There is only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself.

As the pandemic took hold, the UN called for a global ceasefire.

Today we need a new push by the international community to make this a reality by the end of this year.

Cease-fires would ease immense suffering, help to lower the risk of famine, and create space for negotiations towards peace.

Deep mistrust stands in the way.  Yet I see reasons for hope.  In some places, we see a standstill in the violence.

A great many Member States, religious leaders, civil society networks and others back my call.

Now is the time to intensify our efforts.

Let us be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter.