World Day of Social Justice 2024
World Citizens act for Social Justice
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
February 20, 2024
Distinguished Guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
In order to achieve social development that benefits everyone under globalization, it is necessary for countries to collaboratively formulate an action framework to promote national, regional, and international justice. The goal is to establish a "society that serves everyone," ensuring equal opportunities for all and shared equality and fairness in aspects of the right to life, right to education, and right to employment. This action is of paramount importance as it represents the core values of global social development. In November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared February 20 as "World Day of Social Justice." The aim is to raise awareness about issues of social inequality, promote international harmony and fairness, and address various challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, diseases, and inequality. This significant international day serves as a reminder for people worldwide to collectively focus on the multifaceted aspects of imbalanced development. Through discussions on implementing social justice, it seeks to establish a fair and inclusive social order, fostering dialogue and enhancing global unity to facilitate prosperous development in every area of the world.
The ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lingering effects of financial crisis, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) may evolve into a global employment crisis, posing threats to security and peace. Long-term poverty, worsening income inequality, unstable employment, and deteriorating living conditions almost extinguish all opportunities for the most vulnerable and impoverished populations. Billions of people around the world are living in poverty and isolation. Only when world citizens work together for inclusiveness and respect for human rights, will we be able to achieve social development, diversity integration, and social justice, which in turn contribute to building a peaceful and secure world. Faced with complex and challenging circumstances, it is crucial to implement concrete, coordinated strategies at the global, regional, and national levels to address the ever-changing environment and urgent challenges.
Achieving of social justice requires the self-discipline of individuals and the intervention of collective forces. The collaboration and contributions between government and private sector will be able to enhance the efficiency of social and economic operations, reduce poverty, inequality, and social conflicts, and achieve a more inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. Achieving social justice requires dialogue in action. When individuals feel they are treated fairly and have equal opportunities, they are more willing to engage in social affairs, care for marginalized groups, pay attention to social injustices, and actively participate in actions to achieve improvements.
Conscience plays a crucial role in the process of achieving a sustainable future. It is the inner sense of right and wrong, guiding individuals to make ethical judgments and take responsibility for their actions. Conscience reminds people to minimize inherent selfish desires in their actions, and to act in accordance with principles of justice and morality. Conscience, social justice, and sustainability complement each other, representing a responsibility to both the present and future generations. Promoting a fair and competitive economic environment and safeguarding the rights and opportunities of vulnerable groups will contribute to the equitable distribution of social resources and economic development. Guided by conscience, we will take proactive actions to promote sustainable development. Through continuous dialogue and adjustment, we can foster the ongoing development and progress of human society, ensuring a better, more equal and just world for future generations.
Love fosters mutual care, support, and inclusiveness among people, while peace is the status shaped by justice and fairness in a stable and harmonious society. These three elements together create a virtuous cycle: in an environment of love and peace, where everyone is respected and supported, society can achieve true justice and fairness.
The enduring peace and stability of the world are built upon the foundation of sustainable development and social justice. "World Day of Social Justice" provides an opportunity for people to reflect and examine their actions. Through dialogue among countries, civil organizations, and individuals, it aims to acknowledge the importance of social justice, enhance awareness and activism regarding social justice, and encourage concrete actions in various fields to strive for social justice. In doing so, we will be able to forge a better future for families, communities, and societies.
May all of us, the world citizens
Promote world peace with love and conscience
Take action to implement social justice
Thank you all!