Global Leaders Honor Gandhi's Legacy, Stress Non-Violence in Geneva

A special event at the United Nations in Geneva on Thursday commemorated Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary by highlighting the role of education in preventing human rights abuses through non-violence. Titled 'Celebration of International Day of Non-Violence: Preventing Human Rights Abuses and Violations Through Education on the Principles of Non-Violence,' it was organized by NGOs including RADDHO, Interfaith International, and the Brahma Kumaris, and attended by diplomats, civil society representatives, and international observers.

The UN General Assembly designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007 to promote Gandhi's message of peace and dialogue. A short film on Gandhi's principles was featured during the Geneva event. Clara Manuela da Luz Delgado Jesus, Cabo Verde's Ambassador, highlighted the day as a chance to resolve conflicts through education and peaceful dialogue.

Ambassador Sultan Chouzour of Comoros emphasized linking non-violent education with social justice and warned against the misinformation spread through social media. Paul Empole Losoko Efambe of the Democratic Republic of Congo called for respect and acceptance as pillars of non-violence, urging investment in education over violence.

The event underscored the ongoing relevance of Gandhi's philosophy as a moral and practical strategy for peace, with speakers advocating the non-violence principle to address global conflicts. Michel Reymond of the Universal Peace Federation reiterated Gandhi's vision, while Biro Diawara from RADDHO emphasized promoting Gandhi's universal values and philosophy on this significant day.