International Day of Democracy
And International Love and Peace Day
Building a Path to Sustainable Peace –
Reflections on the Global Situation
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, 2025
Distinguished Guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day!
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating 15 September of each year as the International Day of Democracy. The observance seeks to promote the practice of democratic values, enhance global awareness of the importance of democracy, and encourage governments, civil society organizations, and citizens to work together to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard the fundamental human rights of all people. On this same day, FOWPAL also observes the International Day of Love and Peace, which calls upon people to face challenges with love, foster mutual understanding, resolve conflicts, and live together in harmony. In the present era of volatility and uncertainty, the significance of these two commemorative days is more important than ever.
The rise of extremism, the spread of disinformation, and the proliferation of various forms of social media are threatening the very foundations and progress of democracy. While the explosion of information has made it easier for voices to be heard, it has also obscured the truth. The integrity and transparency of many governments are under increasing scrutiny, and rational debate, public trust, and policy-making within democratic societies are facing grave challenges.
Consequently, people increasingly yearn for a democracy that returns to its original essence—a democracy founded upon truth, centered on rational discourse, and grounded in respect for diversity. The International Day of Democracy serves as a reminder to the world that democracy is the cornerstone of freedom of expression, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law, and that peoples across the globe must work together to safeguard these fundamental principles.
The International Day of Love and Peace, initiated by FOWPAL, originated in 2005. It underscores that “love is the starting point, peace is the process, and balanced wisdom is essential.” At the same time, it calls upon leaders around the world to exercise their influence in jointly creating a world of freedom, equality, fraternity, and peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war; it must be built through understanding, respect, and love to ensure sustainable development. Yet true peace requires the awakening of conscience and the practice of hope. Through FOWPAL’s advocacy and the collective efforts of peace-loving individuals worldwide, the United Nations, in 2019, proclaimed April 5 of each year as the International Day of Conscience, and in 2025 proclaimed July 12 of each year as the International Day of Hope.
The global situation today presents both challenges and opportunities. Cooperation and dialogue grounded in love and peace are essential for addressing these issues, and the awakening of conscience and the fostering of hope represent the only viable path toward lasting peace. Many conflicts and divisions call for balanced wisdom, enabling tensions to be eased through love and peace. Such an approach can help humanity discover shared values, promote mutual understanding and inclusiveness, strengthen social cohesion, reduce confrontation, and foster unity and cooperation for the benefit of all.
Democracy and the rule of law help to reduce social conflict by providing legal avenues for the resolution of disputes, ensuring mechanisms of oversight and checks and balances, and requiring governments to act with transparency, integrity, and accountability in the implementation of their policies. These principles contribute to reducing corruption, promoting fairness and justice, fostering social harmony and stability, safeguarding property rights, encouraging innovation, attracting investment, and advancing economic growth.
To advance more inclusive democratic development and the promotion of peace, nations should place greater emphasis on the protection of human rights, strengthen public awareness of democracy through education, and encourage the younger generation to engage with global issues and become architects of future societies. Governments must enhance transparency and integrity in governance to earn the trust of their people and work together to create an environment of harmony and prosperity. Whether in international relations or social cohesion, the values of conscience and hope, together with transparency and integrity, should serve as guiding norms for achieving global sustainable peace.
In the face of challenges, only through the joint cooperation of global citizens and all sectors of society can a better future be created, by finding opportunities for change through reflection and drawing strength to move forward through hope. On this day, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of FOWPAL’s International Day of Love and Peace alongside the United Nations’ International Day of Democracy, we sincerely hope to convey your positive energy and invite your participation in promoting the International Day of Transparency and Integrity. Each and every individual can contribute their strength to the building of a peaceful and sustainable world.
Thank you all!