Bangkok--30 Sep--UNISBKK ESCAP and Indian Embassy join hands to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in cooperation with the Embassy of India, will hold an observance of the International Day of Non-Violence on 2 October at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok. The day was established by a resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2007 as an occasion to reflect on and disseminate the message of non-violence. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.” The day falls annually on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence. The ceremony, which begins at 10:40, will feature remarks byUnder-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Noeleen Heyzer, and Indian Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Latha Reddy. There will also be a short film on the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi and the laying of a garland on the statue of Gandhi that resides in the United Nations Conference Centre. The bust was a gift to ESCAP from India on the first observance of the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. Note to journalists: you are invited to attend the observance on 2 October, starting at 10:30, at the Theatre, UN Conference Centre, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue. Media contacts: UN Information Services, ESCAP Tel.: +66-2-288-1861-9; Fax: +66-2-288-1052 Email: [email protected]