Transparency and Integrity: Core Governance Principles for a Sustainable Future
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
Lucknow, India. November 22, 2025
Madam Chair, Honorable Justices, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Greetings.
In the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations Charter emerged as the moral foundation for protecting human dignity and advancing world peace, laying the groundwork for global governance. Its preamble solemnly declares, “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind.”
Eighty years have passed, yet humanity continues to face both external conflicts and internal structural crises. Geopolitical tensions have intensified; wars and regional conflicts around the world have triggered humanitarian emergencies; global political and economic systems are being shaken; and environmental and economic imbalances persist. These conditions have generated widespread anxiety and insecurity. Socially, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen; hatred fueled by emotional instability is spreading; cultural and ethnic conflicts are escalating; and violent incidents are occurring with increasing frequency. Many people have become immersed in virtual digital worlds, detached from real life, authentic human relationships, and meaningful life goals—resulting in severe imbalance of body and mind, and even despair and confusion. Technology has brought convenience, rapid connectivity, and vast amounts of information, yet it has also fragmented our world. This is the shared reality humanity must now confront—a contemporary challenge that all nations and global citizens must reexamine.
The world stands at a critical new juncture. We must view the UN Charter’s promise of peace with renewed perspective. This aspiration for peace—shared by all humankind—now urgently calls on us to act with fresh courage and sincere conscience.
The treasures that originate from the depths of our hearts—love and conscience—are what sustain our inner being amid hardship and darkness. In moments of greatest difficulty, they grant us the strength to face challenges with courage. Conscience is the moral compass that guides us along life’s journey. By following its direction with clarity and conviction, we come to understand that when we choose actions that truly benefit both ourselves and others, our spirit is elevated. If we remain attentive to the small yet crucial crossroads in our daily lives, face ourselves with honesty, make the right choices, treat others with sincerity, and uphold integrity, we cultivate a complete and harmonious self. This, in turn, creates a positive influence. The inspiration drawn from love and conscience generates a ripple effect, bringing more positive energy into our families, communities, and societies, and ultimately offering hope to people. This is why, since FOWPAL first began promoting April 5 as the United Nations International Day of Conscience and July 12 as the International Day of Hope, we have continued to invite people from all sectors around the world to join us in honoring the profound meaning embodied in these two important commemorative days.
A peaceful and sustainable future depends on integrating and practicing truth, trust, and morality. Therefore, I sincerely call on everyone to return to their original heart, act with conscience, activate their inner moral strength, and uphold the principles of transparency and integrity. Let us work together to promote a global moral renaissance and systemic renewal, enabling global governance to better reflect equality and dignity for all.
Conscience guides moral direction; transparency builds trust; integrity drives principled action. These three are interlinked, together opening the door to amicable communication between individuals and between nations, enabling us to unite and cooperate in creating a hopeful future. In moments of decision, activating the power of conscience helps us set aside selfish interests and uphold justice. Global solidarity is both urgent and necessary. When world citizens—sharing Earth as our only home—act with conscience and universal love, place human well-being at the center, and apply moral courage in action, we can achieve the defining mission of the 21st century: uniting humanity through positive values, helping the world turn the corner, and establishing a peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
True reform begins with reforming the heart. Upholding transparency and integrity can set a global governance model, significantly reducing human error and bias, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and restoring hope and trust in public administration. I sincerely encourage everyone to take five minutes each day for self-reflection—clearing the mind, simplifying complexity, and discerning right from wrong. By making the most of our limited time and life, let us use wisdom to illuminate human goodness, allowing love and hope to replace hatred and division. Let us practice transparency and integrity with conscience and work together to create a healthy, harmonious, and hopeful world.
I wish for people to do more good deeds to benefit all beings, allowing the legacy of true love to endure and spread worldwide, and enabling humanity—through our collective efforts—to move toward a sustainable and peaceful future.
May conscience illuminate hope.
May our collective good deeds create a brighter future.
May all people enjoy peace and well-being of body and mind.
May the world be blessed with enduring peace and sustainability.
Thank you all!