International Human Solidarity Day
Solidary, guided by conscience to achieve prosperity and sustainable development
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
December 20, 2024
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century. The United Nations has proclaimed December 20th each year as the "International Human Solidarity Day" to help people understand that the international community seeks unity in diversity, thereby recognizing solidarity as a universal value and working together in cooperation. Furthermore, the initiative serves as a reminder for governments to honor their commitments under international agreements and urges all nations to strive for peace, sustainable development, and united efforts toward a better future for all humanity.
However, to achieve true solidarity requires the collective awakening and efforts of people around the world. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Science Council, we are currently facing numerous global challenges that threaten the survival of humanity and the planet. For example, the demand for critical rare earth elements, minerals and metals is expected to increase; permafrost thawing is releasing ancient organisms that could potentially trigger global viral pandemics; refugees are expected to increase due to wars and armed conflicts; artificial intelligence and digital transformation, if not guided by the principle of benefiting humanity, could result in irreversible negative impacts. These highlight that in order to address various extreme challenges, it is essential for global citizens to recognize our shared vision, work together in unity, and collaborate to tackle environmental degradation and disasters. By doing so, we can continue advancing sustainable development goals, restore what has been lost, and avoid irreversible catastrophe.
On this day of celebrating "International Human Solidarity Day," let us reflect once again: all living beings are part of a shared community of life. Regardless of race, language, religion, or borders, we are all one family on this Earth. Whether at the individual, family, school, community, or national level, solidarity is the driving force behind collective progress. By restraining selfishness and being guided by conscience we can prevent humanity from exploiting resources and destroying the planet's ecology for personal gain, thus averting the survival crisis caused by conflicts of interest.
While the Earth and humanity are facing unprecedented challenges, the opportunity for change is also in human hands. If people around the world can unite with a common purpose, act good through conscience, turn hope into action, and uphold the original intention of "International Human Solidarity Day", we will be able to overcome barriers through communication and build trust. When each global citizen exerts the power of conscience in their respective roles, we can gradually steer the fate of the world onto the right track, and work together to solve global issues.
"Unity is strength" is not just a slogan. Through concrete action we can achieve the goal of sustainable development. Over the past 20 years, I have led FOWPAL to visit every populated continent, establishing partnerships based on mutual trust, love, and collaboration through cultural exchanges. By fostering dialogue and exchanging diverse perspectives, we have overcome differences in race, culture, and religion, promoting peace and harmony in the world. In conferences and events across different countries, we have held the Ceremony for Ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, inviting global leaders to ring the bell, make wishes for love and peace, and dedicate these wishes to their countries and peoples for realization. In addition, I have initiated and promoted the endorsement of important declarations such as the "Declaration of International Day of Conscience," the "Declaration of World Prayer Day," and the "Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope." Through these Declarations, I call on the world to listen to the voice of conscience, encouraging people to engage in self-reflection and achieve inner peace. With sincere goodwill, we pray for the world, unleashing the positive butterfly effect and gathering the collective energy of global solidarity, guiding the Earth toward a path of sustainable development.
Crisis leads to opportunity. The sustainable existence of the world in the future depends on the unity of humanity today; this is our shared responsibility. May everyone have conscience, and the world be at peace; may everyone have happiness, and every family be filled with joy. I pray that all people truly unite and help one another to achieve shared safety and peace.
All the best!