Celebrating the International Love and Peace Day in Support of the UN International Day of Democracy
Love is the starting point, the method of peace is the process, and balanced wisdom is of critical necessity.
~Declaration of International Love and Peace Day
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
Sep. 15, 2020
September 15 is an important day. We are celebrating the FOWPAL International Love and Peace Day while observing the UN International Day of Democracy. In fact, true democracy is about love and peace. In view of the daunting challenges human beings face today, love and peace are urgently needed on both personal and global levels. Democracy is a process and a goal. Only when the international community, all governments, civil society organizations, and individuals are fully involved in and supportive of the process, empower sincere kindness from the heart to stabilize the world, deal with people with love and peace, and act in accordance with conscience that guides people away from pain and suffering can we have a chance to achieve the ideal of democracy and freedom.
In 2005, when the United Nations celebrated its 60th anniversary, FOWPAL held the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace in New York (UN PLAZA). Witnessed by former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernández, UN ambassadors, and NGO leaders, I proclaimed the “Declaration of International Love and Peace Day” and designated September 15 as the "International Love and Peace Day," in hopes that world leaders would exert their influences and jointly create a world of freedom, equality, love, and peace.
Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN in 1948, human rights have been a key concept of countless international conventions. Respect for freedom and human rights is essential to democracy. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” Based on the spirit of democracy and the rule of law, governments should respect their people’s rights, regardless of social status, gender, race, or belief. The fundamental rights and freedom of every individual should not be arbitrarily deprived. Only by respecting human rights and protecting human dignity can we formulate more effective and inclusive solutions to cope with the current global challenges.
Leaders should have the people’s best interests in mind when making decisions, be truly transparent, listen to public opinions, respond to public opinions, and be responsible to the people. Government agencies should establish effective supervision and accountability mechanisms as well as safeguard freedom of speech and press. Only those governments that are willing to listen to and serve their people can protect their people’s basic human rights and ensure the security and prosperity of their countries. Only when true democracy, human rights, and the rule of law coexist, can people enjoy true freedom and peace.
People’s definitions of wealth and contentment vary as the circumstances change. However, a world of love and peace is the common aspiration of humanity, and love and peace are the key to integration and problem solving. Human beings are encouraged to participate in international exchange activities in a peaceful, rational, and pragmatic manner to highlight the values of democracy and human rights. Only when conscience, love, and peace coexist can we consolidate the forces of kindness to transform the world and resolve conflicts and global crises with wisdom.
For a healthier, safer, and more stable world, FOWPAL has been actively practicing love and peace and promoting a culture of peace with love and conscience. It has endeavored to create a brighter future with love and wisdom and replace hatred and conflicts with everlasting peace and harmony!
The Earth is our common home. We need to work together to safeguard it with love and peace so that global sustainability can be achieved, and every effort toward that goal is important. Every September 15th reminds us that to uphold democracy, freedom, global peace and security, we all need to do our part along this long journey, not for personal gain, but for the lives and survival of more than 7 billion people in the world. Let us work together to promote a culture of conscience, love, and peace, create a harmonious world of love and peace, and take peaceful actions to safeguard the sustainable future of a democratic and free society.
*Presented at the ICDAY’s virtual event in support of FOWPAL 20th Anniversary, FOWPAL
International Love and Peace Day and UN International Day of Democracy