International Day of Human Fraternity
Promoting World Peace and Prosperity with Love and Conscience
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 4, 2023
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day!
International Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations to commemorate the historic declaration of "Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together" signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib on February 4, 2019. This day aims at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue in order to enhance respect for diversity and mutual respect as well as to enhance peace and social stability. In recognition of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis said, we are not saved alone. Rather, we must extend our hands “to celebrate our unity in diversity—unity, not uniformity.” “The time of fraternity has arrived,” so we should strive to “live in solidarity with one another.”
As epidemics, wars, extreme weather, climate anomalies, and suffering ensued, the time for humanity's survival on Earth is running out. Everyone is in danger of drowning and deprivation, and no one can be spared. The suffering of the Earth is also caused by the selfishness and greed of human beings in pursuit of power, wealth, and fame. Only by awakening our conscience can we save ourselves and others, and successfully break through the dilemmas we face and embrace the chance to live. The generosity and selflessness of Heaven can protect all spirits; the infinite tolerance of the Earth can accept all beings. Interreligious and intercultural dialogues, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence enhance the development of multiculturalism and co-prosperity of all things, which makes the Earth so beautiful and colorful. Acceptance of differences is the way to resolve human, racial and religious disputes, and is the primary path to peace.
Fraternity is a bridge between people. Conscience, good thoughts, and good deeds are the driving forces of Earth's sustainability. We should focus on the well-being of all humanity, inspire people to create a culture of peace with conscience, and establish a peaceful state of world unity. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations once said, “Let us build bridges between the faiths, inspired by our common humanity.” “And let us come together in solidarity to create a more inclusive, peaceful and just world for all.” Only by awakening the innate conscience and acting in accordance with conscience and wisdom will we be able to promote more effective communication among people and nations, solve the long-accumulated and endless global problems, and achieve unity through fraternity.
World peace entails respecting every faith, embracing every community, and loving every life. Conscience is a moral code that must be followed in all aspects of life. Conscience and the knowledge based on it constitute morality and are the self-discipline of the mind. Conscience, fraternity, and peace are intertwined. We should be empathetic and love our country as we love ourselves and our families. The combination of conscience and the knowledge based on it is wisdom, tolerance and the great mind of fraternity.
Human fraternity is the cornerstone of world peace and is crucial to the survival of humanity. Human beings should come together and cooperate, regardless of borders, races, or religions, to eliminate religious or belief-based discrimination and to protect religious freedom and cultural diversity, as well as to implement tolerance. Everyone must act on their conscience and bring positive energy to the world. Only by awakening conscience, implementing human rights protection with fraternity and conscience, and creating a global environment of peace and mutual understanding will we be able to forge a path to a sustainable future.
This year marks the third anniversary of the International Day of Human Fraternity, while the world faces constant disasters and greater challenges than ever. Through the reflections of this day, the world is reminded to promote global tolerance, understanding, and solidarity, to fully realize the spirit of fraternity, and to work together for a culture of peace, in the hope that the world will promote peace and prosperity with love and conscience.
May love and peace last forever in everyone’s heart!
Thank you all!