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International Day of Non-Violence – 2 October
2 October 2024 hora: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Say No to Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed 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”.
Gandhi and the struggle for non-violence
The name of Mahatma Gandhi transcends the bounds of race, religion and nation-states, and has emerged as the prophetic voice of the twenty-first century. The world remembers Gandhi not just for his passionate adherence to the practice of non-violence and supreme humanism, but as the benchmark against which we test men and women in public life, political ideas and government policies, and the hopes and wishes of our shared planet.
Background
The life and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence, has been the inspiration for non-violent movements for civil rights and social change across the world. Throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to his belief in non-violence even under oppressive conditions and in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The theory behind his actions, which included encouraging massive civil disobedience to British law as with the historic Salt March of 1930, was that “just means lead to just ends”; that is, it is irrational to try to use violence to achieve a peaceful society. He believed that Indians must not use violence or hatred in their fight for freedom from colonialism.
Voices for Peace
🌍 In a world facing increasing conflict, fostering peace, mutual respect and non-violence is an urgent priority. On this International Day of Non-Violence, Mohammed ALSHILWI shares his experiences in humanitarian work, supporting vulnerable communities during challenging times. 🕊️ His story reminds us that peace must be cultivated through small, everyday actions, growing into broader efforts for lasting change, by supporting those in most vulnerable conditions. 📚 Education (SDG 4) must be a tool to foster critical thinking, empathy, and understanding, contributing to peace, justice and stronger institutions (SDG 16). Learning about non-violence is to embrace dialogue and cooperation, fundamental human values to be cherished and practiced everyday at all levels. #HigherEducation #InternationalDayOfNonViolence #Youth