20260725 Commemoration of the Seventh Anniversary of the Adoption of the United Nations International Day of Conscience
Awaken Conscience. Take Swift Action. Promote Peace.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
July 25, 2026
Distinguished Guests, Friends from Around the World, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good day!
On 25 July 2019, the Seventy-third Session of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming 5 April of each year as the International Day of Conscience. The observance calls upon the global community to promote peace, tolerance, human rights, and sustainable development through love, conscience, and education. Since the first global celebration of the International Day of Conscience was held on 5 April 2020, it has provided a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding among people of diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. Over the years, an increasing number of young people have joined this global movement, working together to advance the ideals of the International Day of Conscience.
Since launching the Era of Conscience movement in 2014, I have firmly believed that the unity of humanity’s innate goodness has the power to shape the future of our world. It offers a fundamental answer to the challenges facing humankind and helps build a future where all life flourishes in harmony and sustainable peace. The inclusion of the principles of love and conscience in a United Nations resolution affirmed that conscience is the foundation of peace. It underscores that, whether confronting poverty, hunger, geopolitical conflict, or climate change, the international community must undergo a collective awakening of conscience. Through self-reflection, we can cultivate inner peace, strengthen understanding among individuals and nations, and, together, advance sustainable development.
According to United Nations statistics, millions of people around the world continue to face persecution because of their beliefs, political views, or other grounds. The International Day of Conscience proclaims conscience as a universal value and seeks to inspire individuals to cultivate inner peace and resilience in the pursuit of truth and freedom of religion or belief, while embracing respect for cultural diversity and inclusiveness. As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, aptly observed: “In these uncertain times, we need conscience more than ever. When the universality of conscience is called into question, when its judgment is ignored within ourselves or suppressed in others, peace is shaken and ultimately shattered.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly affirms that all human beings are endowed with conscience and have the freedom to act in accordance with it. As the initiator and advocate of the International Day of Conscience, I once again express my gratitude for the support of the United Nations General Assembly and welcome the collective efforts of the international community to advance its ideals. On 2 April 2026, an International Day of Conscience event entitled “Reimagining Peace with Youth” was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The gathering brought together 250 young participants, along with United Nations representatives, youth leaders, NGOs, and peacebuilders, to explore peace education and sustainable development. The International Day of Conscience inspires people to begin with inner reflection and awaken the moral compass deep within their hearts. It empowers individuals to distinguish right from wrong and good from evil, generating positive strength from within to bring about meaningful change in the world around them.
Peace begins within each individual, just as love begins with truly loving oneself. Only by learning to love ourselves can we genuinely love others. Building a culture of peace means far more than simply ending conflict. It calls for the courage to let go of prejudice, embrace unity, and work together for the common good. Whether in education, economic development, environmental stewardship, or technological innovation, conscience should serve as our moral compass, while transparency and integrity should guide our actions. Together, we can build a world founded on justice, compassion, mutual care, respect, and inclusiveness.
The awakening of conscience is a shared journey for all humanity. Every individual and every act of kindness has the power to move us one step closer to the vision of A World of One Heart, Peace and Sustainability. Together, each step we take brings us nearer to a world where peace is not merely an aspiration, but a lasting reality.
My prayers
May conscience live in every heart, and may peace prevail throughout the world.
May every person be blessed with joy, and may every family be filled with happiness.