Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Philémon Yang
Commemorative event for the International Day of Non-Violence: “Gandhian Values and the UN Charter”
15:00 hrs, 2 October 2024, United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 8
[As Delivered by Chef De Cabinet, Dr Ivor Fung]
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
His Excellency Philemon Yang, the President of the General Assembly, would have been loved to be here today. Unfortunately, he has other commitments, and I will be delivering these remarks on his behalf.
It is a pleasure to address you all at this event, where we not only commemorate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi but also reflect on the shared values of truth, non-violence, equality, and justice that he championed – values that are enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
When the Charter was adopted in 1945, the world was emerging from the devastation of war.
Its founders sought to create a framework to prevent future conflicts and promote human rights.
Although Gandhi was not directly involved in its creation, his leadership in India’s struggle for independence had already demonstrated that peaceful resistance and non-violent action could challenge even the most entrenched systems of oppression.
These lessons remain as vital as ever and guide us during the 79th session of the General Assembly.
In a world fractured by conflict, I remain committed to prioritizing peace and dialogue—both of which are urgently needed to heal our divided world.
Excellencies,
Gandhi’s life stands as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of peaceful protest, inspiring people across the world, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Leaders such as Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Martin Luther King Jr. were deeply influenced by Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha, or “truth force,” which teaches that truth and justice are not achieved through violence but through moral courage and peaceful dialogue.
As the world endures a turbulent period, with conflicts raging – in Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere – the Mahatma’s message of peace resonates more strongly than ever.
Excellencies,
On this International Day of Non-Violence, let us not only honour the values that Gandhi embodied but reaffirm our commitment to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Let us resolve to end conflicts, halt violence, protect human rights, and strive for a more just and equitable world.
By doing so, we carry forward the legacy of Gandhi and the founders of the United Nations, shaping a future where peace and justice prevail.
Thank you.
Media Contacts:
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: 1 646-342-5873, email: birchs@un.org
Mariam Shaikh, Dr. Advisor, Media and Communications, Office of the President of the General Assembly, Tel: 1 9173614990, email: mariam.shaikh@un.org
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