Overwhelmed by intractable conflicts, the United Nations observed Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Nonviolence yesterday, looking for hope in Gandhi’s vision. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that from Ukraine to Sudan, West Asia, and far beyond, war is creating a hellscape of destruction, destitution, and fear. He highlighted that Mahatma Gandhi believed non-violence was the greatest force available to humanity, more powerful than any weapon.

At a meeting on Gandhian values and the UN Charter, General Assembly President Philomen Yang said Gandhi’s idea of satyagraha influenced Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Martin Luther King Jr. in the US. They were deeply influenced by Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, which teaches that truth and justice are not achieved through violence but through moral courage and peaceful dialogue.

India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish said that the story of India reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that strength comes from righteousness, not force, that power comes from truth, not might, and that victory comes from moral courage, not imposed submission.

Permanent Representatives of various nations, including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Jamaica, lauded the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi.

The UN General Assembly declared Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence to disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.