Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to the commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence.
Just a few days ago, we came out of the SDG Summit.
Member States reiterated and reaffirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and adopted a political declaration.
In a world marred by multi-faceted crises, it is our renewed roadmap away from violence and a fast-track towards peace, prosperity and equality on a healthy planet.
However, the relentless grip of poverty, entrenched inequality and the looming spectre of environmental disaster all threaten to undo and even reverse progress on the 2030 Agenda.
In this context, non-violence is a potent force for change, offering an alternative path to conflict resolution and underscoring the critical values of unity, solidarity and empathy.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
In today’s turbulent times, the challenges countries face are too large and too complex.
No one country can move forward on these development agendas alone.
A “non-violence” approach offers inclusive and integrated solutions that safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals, with a special focus on the most vulnerable among us.
Thus, realizing the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda requires whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches in all countries.
Moreover, non-violence emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation, recognizing that our actions today have profound consequences for future generations.
Today, with the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine further unfolding, Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and call for peace, cooperation, equality and protection for all communities remain universally relevant.
Gandhi's message of non-violence is thus not only relevant but indispensable as well as a precursor to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
To harness Gandhi's wisdom, we must actively apply non-violence in our interactions, seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts and foster a climate of understanding and empathy.
Let us pledge to walk the path of non-violence together, transcending divisions and embracing the diversity of thought.
Let us champion non-violence and Sarvodaya as the guiding principle that shapes a more peaceful, tolerant and understanding world, where we work hand-in-hand to address our common challenges of poverty and inequality.
Thank you very much.
