Over 100 Visionaries Gather in Vienna to Celebrate the 6th International Day of Conscience
To celebrate the 6th International Day of Conscience and the United Nations’ recent adoption of the International Day of Hope, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), together with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Austrian NGO Flame of Peace, and the DIGNITY Foundation, jointly hosted a gala dinner at the Grand Hotel Wien in Vienna on April 3, 2025. The previous day, they co-organized the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace at the United Nations Office at Vienna, highlighting the idea that the power of conscience and hope is crucial for uniting the world, guiding humanity toward a stable and sustainable future.
The event brought together visionaries from over 60 nations, with more than one hundred honored guests attending in person. These included former President of Ecuador Rosalia Arteaga, former President of Tunisia Dr. Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Carmona, and Prince Bernard Ndouga of Cameroon, among others. Many other global leaders, including heads of state, ambassadors, and ministers, extended their congratulations through written messages.
“On April 5, 2019, we gathered in Vienna to launch the global observance of the International Day of Conscience. Six years later, we reunite in this city of peace, culture, and the arts, making this occasion especially meaningful,” said Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of the FOWPAL, in his address. He emphasized that acting in accordance with conscience, embrace hope, and take action for love and peace are the core values of FOWPAL. Dr. Hong expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Teburoro Tito of Kiribati to the United Nations for his steadfast support of the International Day of Hope initiative. Thanks to his tireless efforts, on March 4 of this year, the UN General Assembly officially adopted a resolution designating July 12 as the International Day of Hope.
He pointed out that this historic resolution signifies that despite the challenges in today’s world, humanity still holds a hopeful vision for the future of our planet. “Today, as we celebrate the International Day of Conscience, let us take a moment to reflect on our fundamental values and renew our commitment. Guided by conscience, let us transform hope into action, uphold integrity and transparency, and work together to bring harmony and justice to the world,” said Dr. Hong.
Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen, President of the Flame of Peace, stated in her remarks that the International Day of Conscience reminds people that everyone has a responsibility to act with conscience in order to promote peace and sustainable development globally. Conscience and hope are exactly what the world needs today—and they are the driving forces that carry everyone forward.
Dr. Vinzenz von Holle, President of the DIGNITY Foundation, stated in his speech that since 2018, they have invited all participants—including ambassadors, distinguished guests, and at times even heads of state—to join a gala dinner on the day following the official conference. And this kind of platform not only leads to tangible results but also truly fosters positive impact and changes. He affirmed his commitment to continue developing this meaningful tradition together with Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen and Dr. Hong, promoting the ideals of peace, hope, conscience, and human dignity.
Dr. Hong presented certificates of appreciation for cultural exchange and symbolic artworks to the co-organizers, the Flame of Peace and the DIGNITY Foundation. These artworks symbolize the spirit of harmony, friendship among humanity, and the sustainable coexistence between people and nature. They embody positive energy that fosters the development of hope and conscience, with the hope that leaders will embrace the power of conscience and hope to transform the world and benefit all people.
Herta Margarete Habsburg-Lothringen also presented a certificate of appreciation and a gift to Dr. Hong, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and efforts in promoting peace, with deep gratitude and admiration.
During the bell-ringing ceremony at the gala dinner, the resonant sound of the Bell of World Peace and Love—symbolizing love, conscience, and hope filled the venue. Dr. Hong rang the bell nine times, with its echoes lingering long in the air. He also presented the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award to Dr. Werner Fasslabend, President of the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES) and former Minister of Defense of Austria, in recognition of his continued dedication to advancing love and peace for the benefit of humanity.
Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of Moldova, specially entrusted his Foreign Assistance Consultant and Governmental UN Liaison Officer, Anastasia Primov, to attend the event on his behalf and express support. She remarked that leaders of conscience, through their united resolve, could build a world where freedom coexists with dignity and every community thoughtfully considers its actions. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers for providing the opportunity to expand the network of wise, good, and integral people, all of whom are committed to making a difference for the better future of their children.
Distinguished guests then took the stage to share heartfelt messages centered on conscience, hope, and action. Prince Bernard Ndouga of Cameroon praised Dr. Hong’s global efforts, noting that dedicating one's time to travel the world and advocate for peace and love among humanity is precisely what Dr. Hong has done. He emphasized that peace begins in the heart, adding that only when hearts are filled with peace and love can that energy be shared with the world.
Dr. Ankica Marinović, a professor and former adviser to the President of Croatia for Science, Education, and Religion, remarked, “We know what is just and liberating war and we deeply understand the situation in Ukraine and Palestine and in all other places and people in the world where the war is being made today. Because of all of this, I sincerely and wholeheartedly support the efforts of Dr. Hong and the Federation of World Peace and Love. I am sure that this notion, conscience, is key notion in these complicating and scaring times for all of us.”
The emcee announced that on April 1 of this year, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, together with prominent leaders from six nations, jointly launched and signed the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity, marking another historic milestone. FOWPAL, in collaboration with various nations, was instrumental in the United Nations’ adoption of the International Day of Conscience and the International Day of Hope. Conscience represents the most fundamental value of humanity, while hope reflects the collective aspiration of global citizens for a brighter future. Building upon these pillars, the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity calls on every individual and every organization—both governmental and non-governmental—to take shared responsibility in upholding fairness, transparency, integrity, and sustainable development, in order to build a better world.
Audience members responded with strong agreement during the interactive segment, affirming that true global change must begin from within, and that conscience and hope must be translated into meaningful, concrete action.
The FOWPAL delegation, comprising nearly 70 members, presented a series of heartfelt cultural performances. The program featured the harmonious melodies of a live orchestra and a nostalgic dance to “Que Sera Sera,” evoking the charm and grace of a bygone era. The stage came alive with symbolic and auspicious mythical creatures: the peony, representing joy and prosperity; the fire phoenix, rising from the ashes as a symbol of renewal and new opportunities; and the peacock, known for ingesting all poisons and ultimately exhaling fragrance, a metaphor for bestowing blessings upon the world.
Young members of FOWPAL performed the inspiring song “The Power of Peace and Love,” followed by a martial arts presentation that conveyed the spirit of “preventing war and promoting goodness.” The performance served as a powerful call to action, encouraging all to follow their conscience and embrace hope.
The uplifting program aimed to spark a butterfly effect of kindness, inspiring collective efforts toward lasting world peace. As the finale song “Happiness Is Everywhere” filled the venue, FOWPAL members joyfully invited international guests to join them onstage. The atmosphere overflowed with laughter, joy, and heartwarming energy—offering a glimpse of heaven on earth.