Disarmament in Review
In observance of the International Day of Non-Violence and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in Vienna joined a thought-provoking Ciné-ONU documentary film screening. The event, held on 2 October 2023, featured the documentary “AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless,” directed by Ramesh Sharma. Organized by the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India, the event aimed at providing an insightful exploration of the enduring impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence.
The documentary delved into how Gandhi’s principles of non-violence inspired transformative movements across the globe. It underscored the global significance of Gandhi’s message, illustrating its role in sparking movements against injustice, oppression, racism, and the tireless pursuit of basic human rights and dignity.
From Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Movement in the United States to the Solidarity Movement in Poland, the Velvet Revolution led by Václav Havel, and the Anti-Apartheid struggle in South Africa led by Nelson Mandela, the film powerfully demonstrated that the influence and effectiveness of non-violence remain highly relevant in our contemporary world.
Following the screening, a panel discussion enriched the audience’s understanding of the film and provided a chance for UNODA to highlight how Ghandi’s non-violence principle is relevant to UNODA’s work. The panelists included Simran Bedi, Executive Producer of the film, Moritz Ehrmann, Director of the Austrian Centre for Peace, Rebecca Jovin, Chief of the UNODA Vienna Office, and Ashis Ray, Indian Broadcaster and Journalist. Martin Nesirky, Director of UNIS Vienna, moderated the discussion.
The Chief of the UNODA in Vienna emphasized the profound connection between the enduring legacy of non-violence portrayed in the film and the pivotal role of disarmament in building trust and de-escalating tensions, especially during periods when hostilities are rising globally. Disarmament, she noted, is not merely a utopian ideal but an essential tool for realizing human, national and collective security, and achieving lasting peace.
Panelists also underscored the importance of education efforts in informing and empowering youth, commending UNODA for its outstanding #Youth4Disarmament and the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons initiatives, which were briefly presented by Rebecca Jovin. She underlined the importance of granting agency to young people and other underrepresented constituencies in disarmament, a principle that has also been consistently embodied by Ghandi in his endeavors. The panelists also discussed how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for spreading crucial messages and engaging the next generation in the pursuit of peace and social justice. Bringing diverse perspectives into the conversation, the panelists unanimously agreed on the central role of the United Nations in leading global efforts for peace, human rights and sustainable development.
This inspiring event not only showcased the timeless relevance of the message of non-violence but also emphasized the crucial contribution of disarmament in shaping a more peaceful and just world for all.
Photo credit: UNIS
