New York, Oct 02 (V7N) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for greater courage, empathy, dignity and shared humanity, urging the world to embrace dialogue and non-violence amid rising division, tension and conflict.
In a message marking the International Day of Non-Violence, Guterres paid tribute to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, describing his example as an enduring demonstration of how lasting change can be achieved while remaining committed to peace.
Guterres said Gandhi showed that the most effective response to injustice was not to replicate the cruelty and violence associated with systemic discrimination and oppression, but to use dialogue and non-violence to build understanding, uphold dignity and bring about lasting change.
“Gandhi’s lessons speak to us with renewed urgency,” Guterres said, noting that people around the world are suffering amid growing divisions, tensions and conflicts.
He said poverty and inequality were widening the gap between the rich and poor, while fundamental pillars of peace and development—including the UN Charter, human rights, international law, diplomacy and dialogue—were being ignored or violated.
Against this backdrop, the UN chief urged the international community to draw inspiration from Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence.
He called for genuine dialogue and diplomacy to heal divisions, end suffering and help build a more peaceful world through non-violent means.
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