International Day of Education
Love and Conscience Education
Cornerstone of Peace
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
January 24, 2024
Distinguished Guests, education sector advocates, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as "International Day of Education" to commemorate the contributions of education to promoting world peace and sustainable development. The resolution calls upon all relevant entities contributing to peace and sustainable development, including national and private educational institutions, media, and even family members, to collectively support Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to enhance inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
This year, the theme for the sixth "International Education Day" is "Learning for lasting peace." Today, not only has there been a surge in conflicts involving war and violence, but discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech are also rapidly expanding. The impact of this violence transcends any boundary based on geography, gender, race, religion, and politics, and extends to online violence, including misinformation, online harassment, bullying, and other issues. The root of the problem lies in the unrest of the human heart, lacking the compassion that benefits others. When everyone understands the principle of benefiting others as well as oneself, all things can then thrive in harmony. In the rapidly evolving AI era, where technology advances at an unprecedented pace and information spreads swiftly, there is an even more urgent need for humanity to actively engage in conscience education. It is crucial to dedicate efforts to maintaining the balance and peace of the mind in order to harness the positive potential of technology, and to avoid the misuse of technology. As underlined by the UNESCO “Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development”, education is central to achieving Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Democracy, Rule of Law, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development.
"It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person." Education is the key to cultivate personal character, the force to shape society and the fuel to sustain culture. Education is a human right, is a conscience endeavour, and the responsibility of global citizens. “Learning for lasting peace” requires the comprehensive transformation of current curriculum on knowledge and skills, and implement reforms that embrace conscientious and holistic education. The primary requirement for this mission is to create, from family to school to society, an educational environment of inclusiveness, justice, caring, relevance, and adaptiveness. It involves continuously providing opportunities for education that are unbiased, equal, and of high quality, promoting human rights and lifelong learning. The education environment encompasses a robust national system and a legal framework that respects human rights. It aims to nurture values and cultivate a virtuous mindset, and to facilitate the power of technology with benevolence for shared interests. Only through such efforts will we be able to construct a society that embodies peace, justice, fairness, supportiveness, inclusivity, democracy, health, and sustainability.
In addition to an environment of high-quality education, unlocking the internal awareness of each individual is even more important. Conscience is an inherent gift, and everyone possesses an inner sense that guides all things. It involves honestly facing every thought and action, engaging in daily reflection and atonement. Reflecting on our original nature will allow wisdom to naturally unfold. It entails cherishing and seizing opportunities to do good and pray for blessings, actively contributing to peace. When people are willing to listen to our conscience, respect each other, and learn tolerance, understanding, forgiveness, gratitude, and care, each of us can be a proponent of conscience education. Every positive thought and every benevolent act can exert the greatest influence at critical moments so as to contribute to the well-being of global citizens and the world by fostering peace, human rights, and sustainability.
Since 2014, I, along with global members of FOWPAL (Federation of World Peace and Love), have been actively promoting "An Era of Conscience,” forging connections with like-minded friends around the world. Starting in 2018, we collaborated with various missions to the United Nations to promote "a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience." In February 2019, we launched the " Declaration of International Day of Conscience" in 53 languages at the United Nations in New York, urging people to listen to their conscience and to conduct self-reflection in order to achieve inner peace. We also organized events for love and conscience education, and advocated for a global ceasefire and facilitating peace dialogues. The goal is to awaken the conscience in everyone and collectively contribute to peace. On July 25, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the draft resolution on "Promoting a Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience," designating April 5th as "International Day of Conscience." Through the promotion of conscience education, we will be able to foster respect, tolerance, and care among individuals and communities, and work together for the well-being of humanity.
On the occasion of celebrating "International Day of Education," we express our sincere gratitude to all educators for their hard work. We look forward to continuing the global promotion of "An Era of Conscience" and "International Day of Conscience" through the internet, spreading conscience education to every corner of the world. Governments should follow principles of conscience governance, safeguard people's right to education and ensure education quality, respect and protect cultures, and nurture high-quality global citizens with democratic and human rights values. This, in turn, contributes to achieving sustainable development on Earth, creating a more secure, harmonious, and peaceful future.
Wish
Nurture conscience and lead by sincere hearts
Working together to sustain peace
Thank you!