UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for embracing Gandhi’s values and working across cultures and borders to build a better, more peaceful future. "Let us walk this path together, in solidarity, as one human family," he said in a message marking the International Day of Non-violence that falls on October 2. The International Day of Non-Violence celebrates not only Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, but the values he embodied that echo across decades: peace, mutual respect, and the essential dignity shared by every person. Read: Peace is the only practical way to a better, fairer world for all: UN Chief "Sadly, our world is not living up to those values," Guterres said. He said the world is going through growing conflicts and climate chaos. "Poverty, hunger and deepening inequalities. Prejudice, racism and rising hate speech. And a morally bankrupt global financial system that entrenches poverty and stymies recovery for developing countries," he mentioned. Read: Divisions among major powers since Russia invaded Ukraine must be addressed: UN Chief The UN chief laid emphasis on investing in people’s health, education, decent jobs and social protection. On the International Day of Non-violence, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, also highlighted the importance of supporting developing countries as they build resilient infrastructure and protect populations from the impacts of climate change, while also accelerating the transition from planet-killing fossil fuels to renewable energy. "Gandhi’s life and example reveal a timeless pathway to a more peaceful and tolerant world," said the UN chief. Read Let's build a more just, thriving workforce leaving no one behind: Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the remarkable power of non-violence and peaceful protest. "Let’s be inspired by the spirit of Gandhi and the enduring principles of the UN Charter," he said in a message on the International Day of Non-Violence. In marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, Guterres said it is also a timely reminder to strive to uphold the values that Gandhi lived by: the promotion of dignity, equal protection for all, and communities living together in peace.   "On this year’s observance, we’ve a special duty: stop the fighting to focus on our common enemy: Covid-19.  There’s only one winner of conflict during a pandemic: the virus itself," he said. As the pandemic took hold, the UN Chief called for a global ceasefire. "Today we need a new push by the international community to make this a reality by the end of this year." He said ceasefires would ease immense suffering, help lower the risk of famine and create space for negotiations towards peace. "Deep mistrust stands in the way. Yet, I see reasons for hope. In some places, we see a standstill in the violence," Guterres said. A great many Member States, religious leaders, civil society networks and others back his call. "Now is the time to intensify our efforts," said the UN chief.