“The sculpture Non-Violence has not only endowed the United Nations with a cherished work of art. It has enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man, which asks not for victory, but for peace.”
-Kofi Annan
In 1980, after the tragic loss of John Lennon, Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd - who was close to the Lennon family - created the iconic "Non-Violence" sculpture, shaped as a knotted gun. The sculpture was designed as a tribute to John Lennon's vision of a peaceful world, carrying a powerful message of non-violence.
What began as an exhibition in Central Park, New York, soon took on a larger significance with a bronze version placed in front of the United Nations Headquarters. Over time, this sculpture became a globally recognized symbol of peace and non-violence.
In 1980, after the tragic loss of John Lennon, Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd—who was close to the Lennon family—created the iconic "Non-Violence" sculpture, shaped as a knotted gun. The sculpture was designed as a tribute to John Lennon's vision of a peaceful world, carrying a powerful message of non-violence.
What began as an exhibition in Central Park, New York, soon took on a larger significance with a bronze version placed in front of the United Nations Headquarters. Over time, this sculpture became a globally recognized symbol of peace and non-violence.
“The sculpture Non-Violence has not only endowed the United Nations with a cherished work of art. It has enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man, which asks not for victory, but for peace.”
-Kofi Annan
Driven by a desire to turn this powerful symbol into meaningful action, Swedish professionals Jan Hellman and Rolf Skjöldebrand co-founded The Non-Violence Project.
Their vision was to empower future generations to resolve conflicts and face challenges without resorting to violence, using education and awareness as tools for change. Today, our reach has expanded to include adults, uniting people of all ages in the mission for a peaceful world.
Driven by a desire to turn this powerful symbol into meaningful action, Swedish professionals Jan Hellman and Rolf Skjöldebrand co-founded The Non-Violence Project.
Their vision was to empower future generations to resolve conflicts and face challenges without resorting to violence, using education and awareness as tools for change. Today, our reach has expanded to include adults, uniting people of all ages in the mission for a peaceful world.
Over the years, local Non-Violence offices have come together to champion the cause, launching preventive educational programs locally to address all forms of violence.
Today, The Non-Violence Project has reached and educated nearly 10 million people across schools, sports clubs, organizations, and corporations in over 30 countries, spanning five continents. Our focus on conflict resolution has led to meaningful results, with violence reduced by up to 70% through our collaborative efforts.
Over the years, local Non-Violence offices have come together to champion the cause, launching preventive educational programs locally to address all forms of violence.
Today, NVP has reached and educated nearly 10 million people across schools, sports clubs, organizations, and corporations in over 30 countries, spanning five continents. Our focus on conflict resolution has led to meaningful results, with violence reduced by up to 70% through our collaborative efforts.
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The Non-Violence Project Foundation is a non-profit organization with special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
