“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.” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres
The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and
strategy of non-violence.
According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International 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”.
Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s
Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that 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. Quoting the late leader’s own
words, he said: “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”.