Celebrating the First International Day of Hope at the UN
From Hope to Action: A Global Call to Change the World
In a landmark celebration at United Nations Headquarters, global leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, and advocates of peace gathered to commemorate the first-ever International Day of Hope, a new UN-designated observance aimed at mobilizing humanity to overcome adversity through the unifying and transformative power of hope.
The conference, under the theme “2025 Celebration of the 1st International Day of Hope: Fostering Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainable Development through the Power of Hope,” was jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa at the UN, and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL). As the United Nations nears its 80th anniversary, this celebration of hope resonated with profound global significance.
A Gathering of Visionary Leaders
Prof. Ada Juni Okika, Senior Advisor to the Permanent Observer Mission of Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa at the UN, skillfully moderated the conference. She stated, “Celebrating the first International Day of Hope at the United Nations Headquarters following its adoption carries significance. This annual commemoration will serve as a reminder that humanity can overcome adversity together, reignite hope, and illuminate the path toward sustainable peace and harmony.”
H.E. Mr. Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the UN, delivered the opening address, emphasizing, “Let this International Day of Hope remind us that change is always possible even when it seems far away. What we choose today shapes what is possible tomorrow. I look forward, of course all of you, to today's fruitful discussions and exchange of experiences, insights, and visions to promote the spirit of hope. I hope this event will inspire action and empower each of us to become advocates of hope across the globe.”
H.E. Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa at the UN, offered a compelling keynote speech, emphasizing, “Hope is contagious. When one nation acts in good faith, others follow. When a community thrives, it inspires the next. Let us build partnership across borders, across faiths, across sectors. Let us promote collaboration and not competition. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, opportunity and shared prosperity. So I ask all of you here today, let us be ambassadors of hope. Let every policy we craft be measured not by the economic indicators, but by how much hope it brings to the forgotten, marginalized and the next generation.”
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, delivered a compelling message, noting that apocalyptic scenes are increasingly common as all life endures the consequences of nature’s backlash. Yet, he offered an inspiring perspective: “Hope is like the sun—it casts its light to illuminate the world. As long as we remain committed to the hope for global peace and sustainability, each of us can grow through the journey of pursuing hope and fulfilling our mission. Like the sun, we too can shine—radiating light and warmth, and bringing positive change to the world.”
Messages of Hope from Global Leaders
The conference also featured inspirational messages from former heads of state and peace advocates: H.E. Mr. Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, former President of Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized that hope—like peace—must be nurtured through conscience-based leadership and action. Commending Dr. Hong for founding FOWPAL and advancing the UN's declarations of the International Days of Conscience and Hope, he urged leaders to act with integrity, transparency, and courage. He noted that amid crises like war, climate change, hunger, and displacement, hope must be sustained through just governance and collective vision to build a better, more humane world for all.
H.E. Dr. Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador, extended warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Hong, the leader of FOWPAL, praising his visionary efforts to inspire hope, conscience, and leadership, particularly among young people. As a lifelong educator, she emphasized that the minds of youth are the most fertile ground for planting seeds of hope. She noted that lasting change requires habit transformation through education. With conscious solidarity and collective action, she affirmed, a better, more peaceful world is within reach.
Mr. Jerry White, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated that research has shown that hope leads to powerful outcomes—reduced depression, trauma recovery, stronger relationships, improved health and academic performance, and more. He said, “Hope is a powerful river that carries us forward from visions and source of love to peace and flourishing.” He emphasized that flourishing requires three key elements: connection, protection, and creation. With gratitude to Dr. Hong and FOWPAL for initiating the International Day of Hope, he called for collective action—from governments to individuals—to mobilize resources and build a hopeful, flourishing future, starting now and continuing every single day.
From civil society and faith-based organizations, voices echoed similar sentiments: H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Global Peace Ambassador, emphasized that hope is where everything begins. Unlike peace, prosperity, or love—which not everyone experiences—hope is something all people can share, he said. Drawing from his European upbringing, he celebrated diversity as a strength, not a barrier. He called for honest dialogue and applauded Dr. Hong’s message of hope, stating that hope is the unifying power through which peace can be achieved. “Never give up hope,” he concluded.
Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Founder of A Time for Truth Foundation, issued a heartfelt plea for the world’s children, highlighting the devastating global crisis of violence, abuse, trafficking, and homelessness affecting over a billion youth. He stressed that children don’t need pity or labels—they need love, protection, and opportunity. Citing Dr. Hong’s call for more hope and humanity, he emphasized that protecting children is essential to securing humanity’s future.
Dr. Monica Sanchez, CEO of Miss CARICOM International Foundation, stated, “I greet you today with gratitude and conviction, standing in this sacred hall of the United Nations on this first-ever International Day of Hope, a day born of wisdom, light, and the spiritual leadership of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, who has traveled tirelessly to 114 countries to promote peace, love, and hope.” She urged everyone to “Let this day, July 11th, be written not only in our calendars, but in our hearts, as the day the world chooses hope over fear, action over authority, and peace over power.”
Dr. Hugues Sanon, Special Envoy to the United Nations for COJEP International, stated, “Let us not hope for peace. Let us be the peace. Carry in our heart. Speak it with our voice. Live it with our action.” Acknowledging Dr. Hong’s immense peace efforts, Dr. Sanon stated, “Dr. Hong, the founder of FOWPAL, has done so much. That's why today, I encourage Mr. Jerry White, 1997 Nobel Prize Laureate, Ambassadors, Excellencies, Doctors, President, Ambassador to United Nations, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Governor, Pastors, let us advocate for our beloved brother, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love
FOWPAL hosted a profoundly meaningful Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony. Dr. Hong shared the profound meaning behind the bell-ringing ceremony. As the Doomsday Clock inches closer to midnight and global turmoil intensifies, the threat of destruction hangs over humanity. In this critical moment, heroes of conscience are called to rise. The ringing of the Bell serves as a powerful reminder that, motivated by true love, people must act urgently to transform their hopes into action—bringing light and hope to a troubled world.
Dr. Hong rang the Bell nine times and made three wishes: “May everyone follow their conscience, and the world will be at peace. May everyone act on their aspirations, and love and hope will shine. May everyone uphold integrity, so we may share in prosperity and spread the truth together.”
H.E. Mr. Dionisio Da Costa Babo Soares, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the UN, rang the Bell and stated, “Let us choose to listen, to stand up for the vulnerable, to care for the earth, to believe in each other, and to always have hope.” H.E. Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa at the UN, rang the Bell and stated, “Never lose hope. Hope is the light for all of us. Spread the endeavor to have hope, inculcate the need of hope.”
A Global Call to Action
To commemorate the first International Day of Hope and to reiterate the importance of turning hope into action, Dr. Kapur called upon everyone to raise the banner of hope across the world, emphasizing the urgent need for hope. He urged all to join Dr. Hong and fellow advocates in spreading this vital message, expressing confidence that with hope, no goal is beyond reach.
Dr. Hong issued a call to action statement, urging individuals and nations to embrace peace and turn hope into meaningful, tangible action. The message encouraged daily introspection, living with conscience, strengthening education rooted in love and peace—particularly for the younger generation—ensuring integrity and transparency in governance, and rejecting violence and self-serving policies. The call concluded with a compelling reminder: the realization of hope begins with each of us.
Inspiring Roundtable and Cultural Presentation
During the roundtable discussion, attendees shared reflections, blessings, and commitments in support of hope and action. As the world faces increasing uncertainty, the celebration of the International Day of Hope at the United Nations stands as a rallying call: hope, paired with conscience and collective action, can transform the world into a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable home for all.