The Third Anniversary of the Adoption of International Day of Conscience
Promoting a Culture of Peace Based on Love and Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
President of Federation of World Peace and Love
Vice-President of Association of World Citizens
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
July 25, 2022
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day!
To follow the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, to save future generations from the scourge of war, to ensure global stability and safety, to improve the well-being of global citizens, and to create a peaceful and friendly environment, we need to respect all people’s human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of race, gender, language, religion, or belief. On July 25, 2019, the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly passed a resolution, declaring April 5 as the "International Day of Conscience," with the goal of reminding people to reflect on themselves through conscience education and public awareness activities. People are encouraged to apply conscience in their daily lives, establish a culture of peace with love and conscience, foster the sustainable development of the Earth, and promote peace, happiness, and stability for all humanity.
The year 2022 marks the third anniversary of the adoption of the "International Day of Conscience." However, the world remains unsettled. The pandemic has not stopped, wars have erupted, natural disasters frequently occur, inflation is rising, the economy is collapsing, and the world is facing steep sustainability crises. The call inspired by the International Day of Conscience for the promotion of a culture of conscience, love, and peace is even more urgent. This international day serves as a reminder to the world that people must follow their conscience and that through peaceful acts of love and kindness, people can help stabilize the global situation and balance the Earth's magnetic field. This UN-designated day inspires people to take actions on multiple levels, and the conscience of those who lead and participate in such initiatives is vital to the development of all strata and fields of society. Global citizens’ participation and actions of conscience will be the key to expanding the influence of a culture of conscience and peace.
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) is the non-governmental organization that initiated the "International Day of Conscience." FOWPAL's mission has been to promote a culture of conscience, love, and peace throughout the world. In the furtherance of this mission, it has advocated for the integration of the movement of "An Era of Conscience" into people’s lives; 423 influential leaders have rung its "Bell of World Peace and Love" and made wishes for peace; and people from 197 countries have endorsed the "Declaration of International Day of Conscience." These concrete actions promote a culture of conscience and peace, which values life and human rights, rejects all forms of violence, and upholds democracy, freedom, justice, tolerance, unity, and diversity. It also respects and tolerates differences among nations, races, religions, beliefs, cultures, and individuals while also appreciating and learning from one another.
The promotion of a culture of conscience and peace is a global movement that requires the participation of world citizens of all ages, regardless of their differences, in a variety of educational, cultural, social, and civic activities. These activities create opportunities for everyone to learn and share selflessly, generating a positive cycle of exchange. Everyone has conscience. Only by resolving differences and conflicts can peace be achieved. Culture transcends races and regions and is rooted in people's minds and hearts. We need to respect differences, while encouraging dialogue, sincerity, and mutual love among people of different cultures, to resolve conflicts peacefully through understanding and respect of one another, as we build harmonious and friendly partnerships.
Conscience is the foundation of life. It is an individual's inner self and a gauge of what is true and false, right and wrong, as well as good and bad. It dominates a person’s thought and is the main driving force behind the proper actions of every human being. Morality, ethics, and virtues are all governed by conscience. Conscience is a built-in alarm. Conscience is kindness and compassion for others. Following our conscience, we can build a culture of peace based on freedom, justice, democracy, human rights, tolerance, and solidarity to promote mutual assistance, solidarity, and common prosperity in society.
Today, humanity is facing worldwide challenges that threaten global health, prosperity, equality, peace, and sustainable development. Environmental, economic, political, health, and humanitarian crises and other problems are interconnected and quickly worsening. The International Day of Conscience reminds the global community that a sustainable future must be founded on equity and human rights. All countries must ensure the fulfillment of their commitments, coexist and co-prosper, and promote tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity with love and conscience. Only through international solidarity and cooperation, can we overcome the challenges we face and achieve peace and harmony.
A crisis is a turning point. At this critical moment, let us act with conscience to protect the love of the world and realize our wishes for peace. Although the road to peace is long and bumpy, it is possible to overcome the difficulties of life and enhance the common well-being of the world by answering the call of conscience, providing sincere love, defending justice, enduring trials, and practicing conscience. As we do so, we can balance the global situation and create a peaceful and sustainable world.
May everyone stay healthy and safe, move forward smoothly, and achieve their goals!