Global Drug Free World Conference
Promoting a Culture of Conscience to Enhance the Wellbeing and Happiness of Every Community
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
March 22, 2024
Dear Event Organizers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good day!
It is a great honor to participate in the 2024 Global Drug Free World Conference. I congratulate the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Americas Chapter on its 17th anniversary and its remarkable work in bringing people together to care for the physical and mental health of humanity.
According to the World Drug Report 2023, the number of drug users worldwide reached a staggering 296 million in 2021, posing a significant crisis for global development. To address drug prevention strategies, it's crucial to honestly confront one’s conscience and eradicate the five hidden poisons within: greed, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and doubt. These poisons of the heart lead people astray and cause them to forget their conscience, creating opportunities for drug abuse. The immense profits gained from drug trafficking also tempt people to take risks. Negative emotions contribute to 90% of health issues, impacting the body's physiology. These emotions stem from the heart, influencing decision-making and judgment. Everyone is encouraged to spend a minute in quiet reflection each day, addressing mistakes and improving weaknesses. This helps stabilize emotions, allowing positive energy to enter the heart, promoting virtuous deeds to help oneself and others. As a result, it helps remove the five poisons and achieve SDG Goal 3 of “Good Health and Well-being."
Conscience is innate. Today, we collectively urge everyone to sincerely practice good deeds and accelerate the promotion of a culture of conscience. Let us speak kind words and do good deeds with our conscience, unleashing the power of positivity and kindness to create a cycle of goodness. A good culture leads to good education, which in turn fosters a robust economy. A strong economy promotes national prosperity and global peace.
Let us treat those around us with genuine care. True love can heal the wounds of the heart, strengthening the soul and keeping us away from both tangible and intangible drugs, thus restoring health and happiness. We sincerely hope that everyone can unite and cooperate, put their aspirations into action, so that future generations can enjoy health, happiness, and peace forever!
Thank you all!