“Non-violence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed,” - MAHATMA GANDHI
01 Oct 2007
MESSAGE FROM UN SECRETORY-GENERAL :
MAHATMA GANDHI’S INSPIRATION NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER, SECRETARY-GENERAL
SAYS IN MESSAGE TO MARK FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the first observance of the International Day of Non-Violence, to be marked tomorrow, 2 October:
The United Nations was created in the hope that humanity could not only end wars, it could eventually make them unnecessary. Our founders hoped that the Organization could help stop violence by spreading a culture of peace, promoting tolerance and advancing human dignity.
These same ideals sum up the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, whose birthday we celebrate today. His peaceful struggles against unjust regimes in South Africa and India captured the world’s imagination. And his incorporation of non-violence into everyday life inspired countless individuals to lead better, more meaningful lives.
“Non-violence is the first article of my faith. It is also the last article of my creed,” was the Mahatma’s response when charged with agitation against the State in 1922.
The Mahatma’s inspiration is needed now more than ever. All around us, we see communities increasingly mired in rising intolerance and cross-cultural tensions. We see extremist dogma and violent ideologies gaining ground, as moderate forces retreat.
Recently, we have witnessed lethal force being used against unarmed and non-violent marchers who exemplified the very spirit of the Mahatma’s teachings.
Today, there is a great need to address these trends and to promote true tolerance and non-violence at every level, from the individual all the way up to the State.
The International Day of Non-violence can help advance this effort. May it help spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence to an ever wider audience, and hasten a time when every day is a day of non-violence.
Original link here :
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11198.doc.htm
02 Oct 2007
UNITED NATIONS TO MARK FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE ON 2 OCTOBER
The United Nations will observe the first International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October with an informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly at UN Headquarters. Speakers will include the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa and Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, India.
2 October is the birth anniversary 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, 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”.
The Department of Public Information will provide live television and audio coverage of the proceedings in the General Assembly Hall.
Other activities on the Day include a film screening titled Mahatma: The Great Soul.
A photo exhibition titled “Gandhi & Global Non-Violent Awakening” will be on display from 3 October in the Secretariat, South Lobby.
Programme of Activities at United Nations Headquarters
9:30 a.m. -- 10:30 a.m. Informal plenary meeting of the General Assembly (General Assembly Hall). The President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa and Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, India, will make statements. The meeting will be webcast at www.un.org/webcast.
6 p.m. Screening of the film Mahatma: The Great Soul (Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium).
Access is limited to UN passholders. Media without UN accreditation who wish to attend the above events should follow the instructions for obtaining accreditation at www.un.org/media/accreditation.
Original Link :
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/note6107.doc.htm
UN declares 2 October, Gandhi’s birthday, as International Day of Non-Violence.
15 June 2007
THE DECLARATION :
15 June 2007 – The United Nations General Assembly today decided to observe the International Day of Non-Violence each year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
Introducing the resolution adopted by the 192-member body, Anand Sharma, India’s Minister of State for External Relations, said the idea originated at an international conference on “Peace, Non-Violence and Empowerment – Gandhian Philosophy in the 21st Century” convened in New Delhi in January this year.
The late leader’s “novel mode of mass mobilization and non-violent action” brought down colonialism, strengthened the roots of popular sovereignty, of civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle and inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Sharma stated.
The Assembly, “desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence,” invited States, UN bodies, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to commemorate the Day, including through education and public awareness.
In a further effort to promote a culture of peace and cultural diversity, the Assembly also decided to recognize the year from 12 September 2007 to 11 September 2008 as “the year commemorating the Ethiopian Millennium.”
Highlighting the significance of the event, Ethiopian Ambassador Negash Kebret Botora, said it is “not only for celebrating the unique and distinct nature of our system of calendar” but also “helps promote and further strengthen cultural understanding among the people of the world.”
The Assembly began its work today by extending its condolences to the family of former UN Secretary-General and Austrian President Kurt Waldheim, who died yesterday, as well as to the Government and people of Austria.
Leading the Assembly’s remembrance of Mr. Waldheim, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to him and all his predecessors, who have served in what has been called “the most impossible job on earth.”
Original link here :
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=22926&Cr=non&Cr1=violence
