2024 International Day of Peace
Conscience Lays the Foundation for Peace,
And Love Sustains the Energy of Peace
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 21, 2024
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Day!
Today, September 21st, marks the “International Day of Peace.” Every year around this time, global leaders and heads of state convene at the United Nations General Assembly to build consensus on the future and development of our world, seeking collective solutions to the grave challenges we face. The “International Day of Peace” serves as a reminder to all, that the foundation of love and conscience is the key to effectively address global crises and challenges, reigniting hope for peace.
Given the significant gap between the current state of the world and the ideal vision of peace, the United Nations member states reaffirmed their commitment to unity for peace through the “Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations” in 2020. Today, as we stand at a critical juncture for the survival and sustainability of our world, I earnestly urge everyone not to abandon hope for peace. Let us nurture the power of hope, cultivate compassion in our hearts, wish for the well-being of all, and let love warm not only ourselves but the world around us. Love can awaken the power of kindness within us, enabling us to overcome obstacles with unwavering determination, transforming our aspirations into proactive actions, and ultimately fulfill the dream of peace.
The theme of the 2024 “International Day of Peace” is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” which resonates with the preamble of UNESCO’s Constitution: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” In today’s rapidly evolving world, the cultivation of a culture of peace must go hand in hand with technological advancements and artificial intelligence, as these bring unprecedented opportunities alongside new existential challenges. As early as 2000, I advocated for the balanced development of “spirituality and technology.” Only by nurturing our hearts with conscience can ethical morals naturally manifest, leading to genuine inner peace. Once this peace is achieved, harmonious interactions will follow, allowing the world to prosper, enjoy well-being, and secure lasting peace. Looking back at the First and Second World Wars, what began as conflicts between one or two nations ultimately escalated into global tragedies that affected billions of lives. The lessons of history still resonate, reminding us that the awakening and cultivation of human conscience should be among the most important issues of this century. In today’s world, the threats to peace are no longer confined to conflicts between nations; even the misguided actions of a single individual, coupled with the misuse of technology, could trigger a global crisis.
Culture is the sum of human life. Cultivating a culture of peace requires integrating it into daily life, starting with individuals and extending to families, schools, societies, and nations. Conscience education can foster a culture of peace in daily life, guiding people to treat others and the world with truthfulness, goodness and righteousness. In this way, we can weave protective networks of kindness into every corner of the world. A culture of peace founded on love and conscience is the most effective means of integrating diverse cultures, promoting dialogue and communication, and establishing a quality culture of coexistence and mutual prosperity. By grounding ourselves in a culture of love and peace, with conscience education as the foundation, everyone can, through positive thinking, learn to respect others, embrace different cultures, and thus create sustainable life values. When we use the power of education to guide the younger generation in connecting with the world, teaching them from an early age the balanced culture of conscience, peace, and technology, it will help them naturally integrate the power of peace into their innovative lives, co-creating a future that is both novel and harmonious.
On this day in 2024, we join peace-loving citizens around the globe in celebrating the “International Day of Peace,” with the hope of quelling the flames of war with love, replacing hatred with tolerance, and bringing an end to global conflicts. May all people, through their awakening of conscience, resolve conflicts with wisdom, and within the finite journey of life, fulfill their aspirations through the power of hope and actions taken, ensure that the culture of peace is passed down through future generations.
Thank you all!