Marking the International Day of Non-Violence, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said they commemorate not only the birth of Mahatma Gandhi but also the timeless values he championed: mutual respect and understanding, justice, and the power of peaceful action.

"Let us heed his words today and re-commit ourselves to this essential purpose," he said in a message on the International Day of Non-Violence.

Guterres said the world confronts grave challenges: growing inequalities, rising tensions, proliferating conflicts, and worsening climate chaos.

"We also see divides deepening within countries – with democracy under threat and hate speech and intolerance on the march," he said.

Guterres said they can overcome these afflictions and chart a course towards a brighter, more peaceful future.

Read: Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, humanism, non-violence underscored

"If we understand – as Gandhi did – that the magnificent diversity of our human family is a treasure, not a threat.

If we invest in social cohesion, nurture the courage to compromise, and the determination to cooperate.

If we ensure that all of us – regardless of status, background, circumstance, or faith – can live lives of dignity, opportunity, and rights.

If we unite around our common humanity," said the UN chief.

He also said, "Let us remember Gandhi’s wise counsel: “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”

Read more: Gandhi’s ideals of peace, non-violence policy recalled