International Day of Human Fraternity
Fraternity and Conscience: Courageously Creating a Happy Future for Humanity
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 04, 2025
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day!
On December 21, 2020, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/200, declaring February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity. This day aims to inspire people around the globe to embrace tolerance, respect diverse cultural traditions and religious beliefs, and promote constructive dialogue among religious communities. The goal is to foster shared values for all humanity and achieve universal fraternity. UN Secretary General António Guterres stated, “Let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging divides, fostering religious understanding and cooperation among people of all cultures and beliefs. Together, let us forge a path towards a more peaceful, just and harmonious world for all,” in his message for the 2024 International Day of Human Fraternity. This day serves as a reminder that global unity and collaboration among nations are essential to achieving the shared goal of love and peace for all humanity.
Fraternity is a broad and selfless love that transcends the boundaries of individuals, families, and nations, extending equal care and respect to all humanity and all living beings. It encompasses compassion, mercy, and kindness while fostering respect for and protection of all life. The spirit of fraternity encourages us to overcome differences in race, culture, and religion, striving for peace, harmony, and shared prosperity.
Facing our common challenges and tests, governments should take proactive measures, beginning with conscience education to cultivate awareness and a spirit of fraternity that transcends cultural and religious differences. From schools to communities, efforts should focus on fostering empathy, tolerance, respect, and care for others. Furthermore, conscience education should be promoted at all levels of society to nurture ethical awareness, empowering individuals to make the right choices when confronted with moral dilemmas. Conscience education encourages self-reflection, helping individuals establish moral values and beliefs and act upon them. It promotes respect for cultural diversity, as well as understanding and acceptance of different cultural backgrounds and perspectives. Conscience education underscores the importance of translating one’s hopes into actions and upholding conscience in daily life. When respect and fraternity become fundamental principles and common practices, harmonious coexistence and prosperity can be achieved between individuals, between nations, and between humanity and nature.
According to United Nations statistics, 89% of conflicts occur between countries with limited cultural dialogue. Therefore, bridging cultural differences is essential for stability and peaceful development. To date, I have led Tai Ji Men dizi and FOWPAL members on self-funded journeys to 113 countries, engaging in cultural exchanges and promoting a culture of peace with love and conscience. Through interactions with people of different races and beliefs, we have discovered the beauty of diverse cultures, received countless heartfelt responses, and built sincere friendships that exemplify how true love transcends borders. During my meeting with Pope Francis in 2024, His Holiness highlighted the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love, emphasizing that love is the greatest among them. He underscored that the highest form of love empowers us to love everyone as God does.
The culture of peace, based on love and conscience, is the best way to integrate diverse cultures, promote dialogue among people, and achieve coexistence and mutual prosperity in today’s world. With the culture of love and peace as the foundation and conscience education at its core, everyone is encouraged to learn respect and tolerance through positive thinking, leading to the development of sustainable values for life and the embodiment of the spirit of fraternity.
Over the years, by promoting a culture of conscience and peace in schools, communities, and international forums, we have instilled in the younger generation the concept of peace and the skills for conflict resolution. The growth and transformation of the younger generation have been remarkable. We hope that people will unite on the path ahead, handling international and national crises with compassion, courage, and true wisdom. Together, we should actively seek solutions that foster peace, harmony, and the well-being of all, working collectively toward a better and brighter future for all.
Transforming our hopes into action and embodying the spirit of fraternity is the responsibility of each and every one of us. On this special occasion, I wish everyone the courage to act for the sake of love and the blessing of a happy and fulfilling life.
Thank you all!