In a world grappling with escalating tensions and profound divisions, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless message of peace. He emphasized the urgent need for the global community to embrace Gandhi’s principles to bridge divides and foster diplomacy.
This compelling call for peace was made during a special event hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The occasion marked the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.
During his address, the UN Chief expressed deep concern over the ‘troubling’ erosion of our ‘shared humanity’ that the world is currently experiencing.
Mr. Guterres stated, ‘On this International Day of Non-Violence, we pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and profound legacy, characterized by his steadfast dedication to peace, truth, and universal dignity. Gandhi didn’t just preach these ideals; he embodied them. Today, amidst increasing global tensions and widening divisions, his message resonates with an even greater sense of urgency.’
He lamented, ‘Dialogue is being overshadowed by violence, civilians are suffering disproportionately from conflicts, international law is disregarded, human rights are violated, and the very bedrock of peace is under severe pressure.’
Gandhi recognized that non-violence isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a profound strength possessed by the brave. Mr. Guterres explained, ‘It is the capacity to oppose injustice without succumbing to hatred, to confront oppression without resorting to cruelty, and to forge peace through dignity rather than dominance.’
He urged, ‘In these perilous and fractured times, let us summon the courage to follow his example: to alleviate suffering, promote diplomatic solutions, mend our divisions, and build a just, sustainable, and peaceful world for everyone.’
Gandhi’s Universal Message: India’s UN Representative Speaks
Speaking to a gathering of UN envoys, officials, and civil society members, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, asserted that in our current age of global fragmentation and conflict, Gandhi’s message shines brightly: non-violence is humanity’s most potent tool for achieving lasting global peace.
Mr. Harish eloquently stated, ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s vision transcends geographical boundaries and historical eras. It continues to illuminate our path toward a future where peace conquers conflict, dialogue prevails over division, and compassion vanquishes fear.’
He emphasized that as ‘we work towards this noble objective, we must wholeheartedly adopt Mahatma Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to truth, his philosophy of ‘Sarvodaya’ — ensuring the upliftment of all and leaving no one behind — and his conviction that genuine progress stems from the pursuit of truth and non-violence.’
Nepal’s UN Envoy Highlights Gandhi’s Enduring Wisdom
Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN and President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), addressed the gathering, characterizing Gandhi as an iconic figure of peace, non-violence, and exemplary moral leadership.
Mr. Thapa remarked, ‘Gandhi imparted the lesson that authentic change originates from moral clarity and collective efforts. This fundamental principle must steer our journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering lasting global peace.’
He further noted that Gandhi’s appeal for simple living, reverence for nature, and resolving conflicts through dialogue is more vital than ever, especially as ‘we confront increasing polarization, violent confrontations, climate change, rampant inequalities, and a significant decline in trust.’ As the United Nations nears its 80th anniversary amid multiple overlapping crises, Mr. Thapa urged the international community to reassert its belief in the efficacy of multilateralism to tackle shared global challenges.
Mr. Thapa concluded, ‘We must opt for inclusion over isolation, dialogue over division, and cooperation over confrontation. Our true strength resides in our unity, our solidarity, and our collective actions.’ He called upon everyone to honor Mahatma Gandhi on this day by ensuring that the quest for peace and dignity is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of sustainable development, striving to leave no one behind and constructing a brighter future for all generations.
He ended with a powerful message: ‘Let us transform his moral clarity into impactful collective actions, making non-violence not merely a principle, but a tangible route to justice, resilience, and shared prosperity.’