Event on International Day of Non-Violence

Event entitled “Non-violence in Action” (on the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence) (A/RES/61/271)

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Side Events
• Video Length: 01:28:16
• Production Date: 2 October 2018
• Asset Language: English
• Personal Subject: ACHIM STEINER; MARIA F. ESPINOSA GARCES
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - UNDP
• Subject Topical: NON-VIOLENCE
• Geographic Subject: INDIA
• MAMS Id: 2252197
• Parent Id: 2251552

Description

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".