World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
A Culture of Conscience and Peace Promotes Integration of Differences and Harmony
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
President of Federation of World Peace and Love
Vice-President of Association of World Citizens
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
May 21, 2022
According to the Constitution of UNESCO, “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed." This indicates that war and peace both originate from human thoughts, which guide culture and create human civilization. Cultural diversity is humankind’s common heritage and an important driving force behind the progress of civilization. The integration of different cultures and respect for differences and uniqueness are the key components in promoting global peace and harmony.
In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which states, "Cultural diversity: the common heritage of humanity.” In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. In 2005, UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which is an important milestone in defending the world's cultural diversity.
It is a kind of "common good" to build peace from one's own thoughts, and then to establish and promote dialogue with others and with different communities, so that cultural diversity can flourish and ultimately maintain global balance and peace.
As individuals, we should be grateful to our culture and preserve it. We should appreciate, respect, and learn from the cultures of other countries or ethnic groups, and through the eyes of conscience, we can transcend differences and see the profound beauty of culture. We should understand that respect for cultural diversity is inseparable from respect for human dignity. Cultural rights and human rights are consistent and interdependent, and within the context of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone should be able to participate in the cultural life of their choice and engage in their unique cultural activities.
For a country, culture is the foundation of the nation. Throughout history, no leader could stay in power forever. Only the power of culture, which acts like spring breeze and rain, cleanses and nurtures new growth and can make the people happy and the country stable. The government's attention to the preservation of cultural heritage, its recognition of civil society organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and cultural exchange, as well as its encouragement and support of cultural creators, will bring about a flourishing cultural force, and this energy is also the best antidote to restore people's hearts in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
In the international community, cultural diversity is like biological diversity, maintaining interspecies balance. Through cultural dialogue and interaction, we can establish diverse partnerships, encourage regional, national, and international cultural cooperation, bring economic prosperity, promote the development of human civilization, and find the impetus to maintain peace in the international community. Peace is not only the cessation of war, but the ability to maintain the uniqueness of each individual, in terms of gender, race, language, religion, faith, culture, and others. Despite differences, people can remain peaceful and tolerant, respect human rights, and uphold justice and fairness, so that people can live together in harmony in a safe world and achieve sustainable development with a culture of conscience. This is the most important mission of our generation.
For the entire human race, the resilience and inclusiveness of culture knows no boundaries. In the era of globalization and pluralism, "development and peace" are the focal points of the world, and cultural differences should not be the source of conflicts in the world. Throughout the history of human development, many dazzling civilizations flourished through the fusion of multiple cultures. In the face of a rapidly deteriorating global environment, it is imperative to integrate transnational forces and embrace diverse cultural resources to provide more comprehensive solutions for sustainable development. A culture of conscience and peace is the best foundation for a united world and sustainable peace. By improving one's own heart to restore its simplicity, purity, and beauty, by treating one another with respect, by speaking more kind words and doing more good deeds, and by promoting positive social climate and upholding justice, a culture of conscience and peace can gradually and naturally be formed.
I have inherited the Tai Ji Men culture, which has been passed down from shifu (master) to dizi (similar to student) from generation to generation since ancient times. With self-cultivation as the foundation, we have preserved the essence of the culture of Tai Ji and yin and yang through the shifu-dizi tradition, which is rare in modern society. This culture is embodied in our lives and manifested in various forms, including qigong, martial arts, medicine, literature, and arts, to promote the ideas of love and peace and help the world. Guided by our love of the world, I have led my dizi to visit many countries around the globe, bringing people closer together through cultural exchanges. Through the movement of An Era of Conscience, we have worked with various Permanent Missions to the UN to make the United Nations’ adoption of the International Day of Conscience possible. By practicing a culture of conscience and peace and encouraging others to join us in spreading it worldwide, we sincerely hope that the world will be peaceful, and that people will be blessed with peace and security.
Today we celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. While appreciating the rich diversity of the world's cultures, we should seize the opportunities to promote tolerance, solidarity, and innovations to realize prosperity and peace through a culture of conscience and peace. At this critical moment, we are refortifying our efforts to protect peace and promote global citizens’ well-being, and with a heart of righteousness, we will continue to move forward courageously for the safety of the people of the world!
May everyone be blessed with health and peace.
*Presented at the ICDAY’s virtual event in support of
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development