Federation of World Peace and Love

Bringing Conscience to 2015 and Beyond

 

August 29, 2014 marks the final day of the 65th Annual UN/DPI Conference. During the closing ceremony, Conference Chair Jeffery Huffins invited influential NGO leaders to give their final thoughts in response to their roles of civil society in the post 2015 development agenda. One of the highlights in the ceremony is the adoption of the outcome of the conference in the form of a declaration.

Monhlanhla Mkhize, one of the speakers in the closing ceremony, addressed the inequalities the LGBTI community faces in the current society. She attended the World Summit hosted by FOWPAL on Thursday and felt deeply moved by the Era of Conscience Movement. In her speech, she tied in the importance of following our conscience with the way to bring positive changes and that "we need people whose hearts are about bringing changes to the future."

A group named “Sing For Hope” was invited to perform in the ceremony; young girls of the group sang encouraging songs to motivate the participants. One line of lyrics reads, "I was looking for a song to sing, searched for a leader, but the leader was me." This is especially encouraging for young adults who wish to make changes for the future they want to see and live. Just like the youth promoting the Era of Conscience Movement., they understand that in order to shape their future, youths have to step up and take the lead on taking actions.

The declaration manifests that as members of the society, although it is necessary to urge the government to tackle the issues mentioned promptly and effectively, it is also important to take actions and be a part of the 'Action Agenda' in order to achieve the global goals that we set out. We all need to play our roles in this development agenda and hold each other accountable.

One of the many items listed on the declaration states that "we recognize that world peace is crucial for development. Peaceful societies require strong, enabling mechanisms for preventing violence and conflict, managing tensions and groups, society and the government." That mechanism is conscience. Conscience enables people to listen to their own voices from within; act upon their kind hearts for the benefits of all humanity.

During the three days of conference, members of AWC and FOWPAL and TJM introduced Era of Conscience Movement in various workshops, including Dr. Hong's reading of the article for the Era of Conscience Movement. Hundreds of conference participants joined this influential movement by sharing their words of conscience with the mass and becoming international volunteers. During the World Summit held on 8/28 in the church of Covenant, certificates of honor and recognition were presented to these influential international volunteers by Dr. Hong; also presented are beautiful Era of Conscience scarves to those distinguished contributors for the betterment of the world.

 

The conference was a big success. Through the collaborations among various NGOs and UN representatives, not only specific goals are set to prepare for the arrival of 2015, but also the Era of Conscience Movement has been recognized by the conference attendees, which will enable all to gaze into the future and find hope and peace.