Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, vision, and strategy of non-violence have influenced many global leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. They have also inspired me deeply.
In modern times, Gandhi remains the greatest teacher and practitioner of non-violence. He demonstrated the efficacy of this philosophy through his resolute leadership of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. His leadership inspired, and still inspires, countless movements for change all across the world.
I started work as the UN Secretary General on January 1, 2007. Five months later, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to observe the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi as the “International Day of Non-Violence”. This important resolution called upon the global community to commemorate this day annually to “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” Gandhi embodied and lived the principles of the UN Charter well before our organisation was founded.
I first visited Raj Ghat in 1972 as a young diplomat in the embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi. And in 2015, when I visited Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat as the UN Secretary-General, I was greatly moved by its ascetic simplicity and pervasive purity.
In my speech on the occasion, I said: “… Gandhi’s compassion embraces all people… I myself have been putting in my best efforts and asking all leaders, far and wide, to live by his teachings”.
Gandhi lived by the conviction that only peaceful tactics could usher in a peaceful future. For him, means and ends were one. Non-violence confounds those who face it — and that is why it works. I recall the example of King Ashoka who renounced violence, embraced Buddhism and devoted his life to peace. Gandhi carried on this great Indian practice.
What are the major challenges and problems that we, as humanity, are currently facing in the 21st century? What are the main lessons we can learn from the past, and what are the main opportunities in the present which can help us overcome those challenges so we can create a brighter world for our future generations?
I would like to share my reflections on three key challenges in the 21st century.
First, the most pressing challenge – the climate crisis. If the world fails to reach the targets and timelines of the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement, the consequences will be simply devastating for the health and well-being of all of humanity, as well as our planet.
Climate change is also a threat multiplier that can disrupt ecosystems and economies alike, causing environmental displacement on an uncontrollable scale. It can also trigger tensions — related to food, water, resources, and more — both within and between countries. Governments, civil society organisations, and businesses around the world have recognised the inherent dangers of climate change and the great urgency of coming together in cooperation and partnership to holistically address it.
When India deposited its instrument of ratification to the Paris Climate Change Agreement with the UN on the auspicious day of October 2, 2016, I said then, “What better way to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and his legacy for people and planet.” I call on the Indian government to demonstrate its elevated climate leadership by making further efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The second challenge I would like to highlight is closely interlinked to the imperative of protecting the planet and its people through sustainable development. During my time as the UN Secretary-General, the UN General Assembly adopted the historic Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
SDGs guide us as we strive to end hunger, empower women, reduce wealth disparities within and between nations, increase access to education, and build effective institutions that serve the people. These goals apply to all countries — even the richest have not fully achieved all the goals for all of their citizens. It is a matter of deep concern that the world is still far away from meeting the fast-approaching deadline of 2030 to achieve the SDGs. Today, some 1 billion people still live in extreme poverty in different parts of the world, and more than 800 million people endure hunger and malnutrition.
There were countries in Asia that not long ago were struggling with poverty and hunger. They have made remarkable progress in lifting countless people out of abject poverty. India has also made considerable progress. I take this opportunity to commend India for its notable efforts. Our task in this regard will become easier if we are guided by Gandhi’s wise mantra: “Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.”
Third, the 21st century has witnessed unprecedented progress in scientific and technological knowledge that promotes material prosperity. Yet, I often wonder, with sadness and anxiety, why we have become poorer in spiritual knowledge, which is a requisite for peace, harmony, and happiness in our neighbourhoods, communities, countries, and world.
Indeed, there is great strength in diversity, and countries that celebrate diversity, defend democracy, ensure freedom of faith, and embrace every individual are the ones that can guide the construction of a better future for all. This is perhaps the most fundamental lesson that we all should learn from Mahatma Gandhi’s exemplary life.
Everyone has a moral responsibility to act wherever they may be and a part to play in addressing the biggest challenges we face now. Let’s expand our collective efforts to advance peace, sustainability, prosperity, and dignity.
The writer was Secretary General of the United Nations between 2007 and 2016. This article is based on his speech at an international seminar in Bengaluru in August to mark the 75th anniversary of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi
