International Day of Democracy
and FOWPAL International Day of Love and Peace
Strengthening Democracy and Human Rights Through
Love and 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
September 15, 2026
Distinguished guests, dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day.
September 15 marks both the United Nations International Day of Democracy and the FOWPAL International Day of Love and Peace, making it a day of dual significance. While these two observances may have different origins, they share a common spirit and a common goal.
The Universal Declaration on Democracy clearly reminds us that democracy is not merely a form of government; it is also a value, founded on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems and to participate fully in all aspects of life. Yet, as we reflect on the international landscape in 2026, democracy and human rights are facing unprecedented challenges. The erosion of the rule of law, the manipulation of disinformation, geopolitical conflicts, inflation, climate change, and increasingly frequent natural and human-induced disasters have left people around the world living amid anxiety, turmoil, and suffering. Societies are becoming increasingly divided by confrontation, while civic space continues to shrink.
At this time of profound uncertainty, the United Nations has designated “Bringing Human Rights into Focus” as the central theme of this year’s International Day of Democracy, calling upon us to renew our focus on realizing the universal values of human rights.
Democracy and the rule of law are like the bricks and stones of a building: they provide the framework and define the space within which freedom, equality, and justice can take root and endure. Yet what truly binds the structure together is the mortar. Conscience, love and peace are that invisible yet indispensable mortar, filling every gap and binding the bricks together to form a home capable of withstanding storms and remaining steadfast. Without conscience, love and peace, democracy cannot truly be of, by, and for the people, and human rights risk becoming little more than empty words. Only when conscience, love and peace reside in the hearts of all people can the dignity and worth of every person be recognized and protected, and human rights be genuinely embedded within democratic institutions.
Equally important are transparency and mutual trust between people and their governments. With this understanding, I have continued to promote the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity around the world. It emphasizes that only through transparency can integrity be fostered; only through integrity can genuine trust be built—among individuals and between people and their governments. Such trust is the very soil in which democracy can freely take root and flourish.
On September 15, 2005, President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic and I jointly turned the “Key to the World,” symbolizing the activation of love and peace, and signed the Declaration of International Love and Peace Day, proclaiming September 15 of each year as the “FOWPAL International Day of Love and Peace.” This observance serves as a reminder that the destinies of all people are closely interconnected and that the key to peace rests in the hands of each and every one of us. President Fernández also rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and expressed his wish that “people around the world will respect one another, and that love and peace will endure forever.” In 2008, Colombian government forces crossed into neighboring Ecuador while pursuing rebel forces, triggering a serious crisis involving Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela that threatened to escalate into armed conflict. President Fernández played a mediating role, helping to defuse the crisis and avert the threat of conflict in Latin America, thereby safeguarding the peace and well-being of millions of people. In recognition of his efforts, Ms. Yu Mei-Jung, Vice President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), presented President Fernández with the World Peace Culture Award, honoring him for translating his commitment to peace into action and underscoring the profound influence of the ideals of love and peace.
Without love, there can be no peace. Democracy must be built upon a foundation of peace, and genuine love springs from conscience. Distinguished guests and dear friends, let us unite and take action. Let love and peace strengthen democracy and human rights, and let conscience guide us toward transparency and integrity. Through our unwavering hope and steadfast commitment to positive action, may we create a world with less sorrow and fear, and greater peace, harmony, and security. May peace endure throughout the world, and may all people enjoy well-being and happiness.
Thank you!