International Day of Non-Violence 2026; October 2nd.

EVENT: Commemorative event to mark the International Day of Non-Violence on the theme 'Non Violence as a means to Peace and Development', and the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, October 2nd. Stay tuned to Watch the commemoration of International Day of Non-Violence (High-level Event Duration:00:53:57)

International Day of Non-Violence 2025; October 2nd.

FORUM: "156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi." International Day of Non-Violence 2025.  Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #2october, #NonViolenceDay, #Ghandhi.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on International Day of Non-Violence 2025; October 2nd.

On this International Day of Non-Violence, we honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, and his unwavering commitment to peace, truth and dignity for all.

Gandhi not only spoke of these ideals – he lived them. And in this time of rising tensions and deepening divisions, his message carries renewed urgency.

We are witnessing a troubling erosion of our shared humanity. Violence is displacing dialogue. Civilians are bearing the brunt of conflict. International law is being flouted. Human rights are being trampled. And the foundations of peace are under strain.

Gandhi understood that non-violence is not a weapon of the weak, it is the strength of the courageous. It is the power to resist injustice without hatred; confront oppression without cruelty; and build peace through dignity, not domination.

In these dangerous and divided times, let us find the strength to follow his lead, end the suffering, advance diplomacy, heal divisions, and create a just, sustainable and peaceful world for all.

António Guterres.

EVENT: The date of 2 October was marked as the International Day of Non-Violence by General Assembly Resolution ARES/61/271 of 15 June 2007. Cosponsored by 140 countries the resolution established the commemoration of the International Day as an occasion to "disseminate the message of non- violence, including through education and public awareness". A high-level event will mark the observance. Register to participate!

Watch the commemoration of International Day of Non-Violence!

International Day of Non-Violence 2022; October 2nd.

FORUM: "Celebrate non-violence and the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi." Internationa Day of Non-Violence 2022.

ACTIONS FOR NON-VIOLENCE

There are three main categories of non-violence action:

1. protest and persuasion, including marches and vigils;
2. non-cooperation; and
3. non-violent intervention, such as blockades and occupations.

EVENTS:  Internationa Day of Non-Violence 2022 at UNHQ.

On the occasion of the Internationa Day of Non-Violence 2022, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations will host a special event on 2 October at UN Headquarters, where the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly, and the United Nations Secretary-General, will join UN delegations, staff and guests to celebrate non-violence and the 153th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

To commemorate the 153rd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Consulate General of India in Istanbul in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations are organising the virtual narration of 'Mahatma Gandhi's Global Leadership for Peace, Non-Violence & Satyagraha' by Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna on Sunday, 02 October 2022 at 11.00 AM (Turkey Standard Time).

As part of India@75 Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, Embassy of India in Ljubljana presents another event from the series of online talks on special days/events related to Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders conducted by Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna from Gandhian Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The talk titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s Global Leadership for Peace, Non-Violence, and Satyagraha' will be premiered on the India in Slovenia Youtube page on Sunday, 02 October 2022 at 1900 hrs, to commemorate the 153rd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

International Day of Non-Violence 2012 - UN Secretary-General Message

Non-Violence : Secretary-General's Message for 2012

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of paying my respects at the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. Gandhi’s vision and example showed how one person can change the world. In tribute to his enduring legacy, we mark this International Day of Non-Violence each year on the anniversary of his birth.
In these times of global turmoil and transition, it is fitting that we take a moment to reflect on Gandhi’s message of understanding and peace.
As we look around the world, tolerance is being tested. Fighting is taking a heavy toll from Afghanistan to Syria to the Sahel. The economic crisis is fuelling xenophobia and other forms of dangerous – and deadly – discrimination. Terrorism, human trafficking, rights abuses and violence against women threaten millions of people.
We must work even harder for understanding among and within religions and communities and between and within countries.
I have made prevention a key priority in the five-year action agenda of the United Nations. But prevention means more than separating warring parties and cooling tensions. Fundamentally tackling the roots of conflict and intolerance will take a culture of non-violence and peace.
Governments must lead. But ultimately, the foundation for non-violence will be built by people: teachers and faith leaders, parents and community voices, business people and grass-roots groups. Perhaps it may be easier to pick up a weapon than to lay down a grudge. It may be simpler to find fault than to find forgiveness. But I have been deeply moved by communities and people in every corner of the world who have been inspired by Gandhi’s example and made a real difference.
Let us take strength from all of these efforts and work together to build a world of nonviolence and lasting peace.
Ban Ki-moon