International Day of Democracy
and International Love and Peace Day 2024
The Lighthouse of Conscience: Illuminating Hope and Peace in Action
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
September 15, 2024
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good day!
September is the time for global unity, as heads of state, leaders from various fields, and important figures gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York to address global issues. They work together on strategies for love and peace in the world, with the intention to bring new hope to global citizens. In 2005, I declared September 15th as the "International Love and Peace Day" in New York. In 2007, the United Nations officially designated September 15th as the "International Day of Democracy" to raise public awareness of democratic issues and promote the implementation of the United Nations' core values and principles.
The term "democracy" originates from the Greek word "demos," meaning the people. In a democratic system, the people hold supreme sovereignty, surpassing that of legislators and the government. The primary function of the government is to ensure that fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech and religion, are upheld and that the right to equality before the law is protected. People have the freedom of assembly and association and the opportunity to fulfill their social, political, economic, and cultural life. A democratic society respects diversity and is characterized by mutual assistance, cooperation, and inclusivity. Peace needs love; love needs to be balanced. The government must be people-centered, protecting their rights and freedoms. In reciprocity, the people act with care, contribute, and fulfill their obligations to coexist and thrive with society and the nation. Democracy also requires global citizens to embrace a broader perspective and take action, encouraging unity and cooperation between nations while moving toward the goal of sustainable development. Democracy and human rights need to be connected with universal love and nurtured by a culture of peace with conscience.
Nowadays international tensions, the global economy, regional conflicts, and deterioration of the natural environment have led to various disasters, imposing significant challenges to the physical and mental well-being of every individual. In this era of rapid technological advancement, every citizen bears the responsibility of passing on and sharing a culture of conscience, love, and peace. According to statistics, over 40% of the world's population is currently under the age of 25. Therefore, it is extremely important to cultivate the next generation's understanding of and commitment to a culture of peace in order for them to make wise decisions and take thoughtful actions. Only when everyone enjoys equality and respect can global citizens freely express themselves, listen to one another, and build an inclusive and diverse society of peace.
Culture is the way of life, and the wisdom of yin and yang is the critical path to balance. The integration of technology and human culture is happening at an ever-accelerating pace, making "a thought of good or a thought of evil" the key factor influencing future development. When people awaken the conscience within their hearts and approach life with love and conscience, applying peaceful measures and valuing the wisdom of balanced development between the mind and technology, then technology can exert a positive influence and help humanity move swiftly and effectively toward a world of equality, safety, and sustainability. When nations can replace the impositions of competing interests with sharing resources, with each individual contributing in their own capacity for the betterment of the world, and collectively taking action to realize the United Nations' democratic goals, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can gradually be achieved.
Conscience guides hope in action and is the foundation for all achievements. Active and positive hope directs the goals of life and supports individual’s life values through benefiting others and bringing blessings to the world. In 2022, I declared September 23rd as "World Day of the Power of Hope" to encourage people to take action with conscience and hope, for themselves, for others, and for the safety and sustainable development of the world. Together, we pray for the end of wars, the eradication of diseases, peace for all, harmony in the world, mutual prosperity among all beings, and for the positive energy of the universe to guide the Earth towards a path of sustainable development. Whether the title is "International Day of Democracy" or "International Love and Peace Day," the realization of true democracy and peace depends on active efforts. It is my hope that through the determination and action of global citizens, we can work together to turn the tide, move toward the lighthouse of conscience, and step into a bright, sustainable future where all people are healthy and well.
Thank you all!