Federation of World Peace and Love

World Children's Day
Nurturing Hope for the Future 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
November 20, 2022

 

Distinguished Guests, Dear friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good day!

 Have you ever felt joy seeing children’s innocent smiles? Have you ever felt hopeful seeing children grow? Children are the world’s future. The way children are raised determines the kind of adults they grow up to be, which has an impact on the direction of the world. Children are independent individuals with innate human rights; however, before they reach adulthood, children are relatively vulnerable and need to be cared for.

November 20 is the UN-designated World Children's Day. It is a day of global action for children that was established by UNICEF. It is also an annual observance that fully celebrates children's involvement in relevant activities to enhance the cohesion of children around the world, raise awareness among children, and improves their wellbeing. In order to protect the rights of all children, on November 20, 1959 and November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child respectively. In view of the great suffering of refugee children during the First and Second World Wars, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child states that human beings have an obligation to act in the best interests of children. Children should be fully nurtured so that they can live independently in society, be well nourished and raised in accordance with the values highlighted in the UN Charter, especially peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality, and solidarity.

In today's world where global dynamics are closely intertwined, a loving environment is required to truly protect children's right to grow up healthily. According to psychologist Alfred Adler, those who had a happy childhood were healed by it for the rest of their lives, whereas those who had a difficult upbringing were healing from it. The environment created by parents affects the development of their children, and children mimic the adults around them during their early years of learning. Our words and actions not only have an impact on the current world, but also affect the generations to come and the future of the world. How can we not be cautious? When our conscience is awakened and when we act with conscience, it will not only bring positive energy to stabilize the world, but also lay the foundation for a sustainable future.

Adults can also learn a lot from children, including how to have a pure, innocent heart free of impurities, how to be hopeful and enthusiastic about the world, and how to be confident without self-imposed limitations. For example, Mosquito Net Ambassador Katherine Commale, who used her power to save countless children in Africa from the threat of malaria at the age of five, is admirable, and we can encourage children to emulate her. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “Around the world, children are showing us their strength and leadership, advocating for a more sustainable world for all.” He also mentioned, “Let’s build on advances and re-commit to putting children first. For every child, every right.”

Due to the access to information, the increasing frequency of Internet use, and the rising awareness of human rights, children's participation in international issues is increasing day by day. From climate change, education and mental health, to eradicating racism and discrimination, children and youth are speaking out on critical issues concerning their generation and calling on adults to work together to build a better future. Therefore, on this year’s World Children's Day, it's more important than ever to listen to children’s thoughts and needs. On November 20, children will stand up for a more equal and harmonious world.

 Children's futures are also our futures. It is important for governments, businesses, and leaders from all walks of life to respect the rights and interests of children, take action for today’s children and the children yet to be born, and strive to protect every child's right to life, equality, education, freedom of thought and speech, and so on. With the motto in mind that "With conscience comes a peaceful world; with happiness come joyful families,” let us work together to create a beautiful era of conscience for our offspring.

May the light of conscience lead us to restore our innocence.

May we treat one another with equal love and promote acceptance and inclusion.

May we usher in a sustainable future with innocent hearts.