Message from H.E. Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki,
President of the UN
General Assembly, 2009
The choice of this date was fitting, it being the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, who is recognized the world over as a symbol of non-violence - inspiring individuals and peoples to seek their rights, resist colonialism, foreign rule, prejudice and racism through peaceful means.
In its resolution 61/271, the General Assembly acknowledged that “non-violence, tolerance, full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy, development, mutual understanding and respect for diversity are interlinked and mutually reinforcing”.
By promoting these values, by fostering a culture of peace, tolerance and non-violence, we can not only counter those who seek to incite a clash of civilizations, but also equip ourselves better to collectively address the multiple challenges with which we are confronted today. This can ease inter-religious and cross-cultural tensions and help overcome complex and deep-rooted hostilities and rivalries that threaten peace and impede development. The United Nations is best placed to harmonize this effort.
I believe we also need to address the root causes which often lead to violence and conflict. We need to promote human rights, justice, equality, social progress and respect for law. Along with non-violence and dialogue, these universal values are part of all religious and secular beliefs and systems. In the preamble of the UN Charter, we the peoples, committed “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours” and “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security” and to ensure that “armed force shall not be used, save in common interest”. For the maintenance of international peace and security, I believe the essence of the Charter is in the provisions related to “pacific settlement of disputes”, which we should promote fully in the context of non-violence.
In Gandhi’s own words:
“Non-violence is a power which can be wielded equally by all - children, young men and women or grown-up people- provided they have a living faith in the God of Love and have, therefore, equal love for all mankind”.