World Day of Social Justice 2025
Promoting Social Justice
with Conscience and the Power of Hope
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
February 20, 2025
On November 26, 2007, the General Assembly declared February 20 as the "World Day of Social Justice" to address inequality and raise awareness of the importance of promoting social justice. In response to ongoing challenges such as labor force inequality and unsafe working conditions, a more inclusive governance approach is needed to foster a fair labor market and expand social protection. This aims to ensure equal opportunities for all, prevent recurring human rights violations such as gender inequality, discrimination, and bullying, and guarantee fair treatment for everyone.
We appreciate the efforts of the international community in advancing social justice, with governments worldwide dedicating significant efforts to enacting laws that combat discrimination, bullying, gender inequality, and labor exploitation, aiming to uphold justice through regulations and safeguards. When the scales of justice are tipped and injustice becomes the norm, anyone can fall victim to its consequences.
The rapid advancement of AI, leading to an increasing shift from human labor to technology, also brings a significant impact on people's right to decent work. Some fraud syndicates even exploit job opportunities as bait, using social media platforms to obtain personal information or set up scams for financial gain. At this moment, we should draw inspiration from our expectations for social justice to enhance the promotion of "conscience education." Rooted in the inherent goodness of human nature, with a focus on benefiting all beings and bringing happiness to the world, it encourages people to act in ways that are right, good, and virtuous. Only through a balanced development of spirituality and technology can we truly create a fulfilling and happy life for humanity and achieve social fairness and justice.
From many major human rights violation cases in various countries throughout history, it is evident that the most difficult injustices for people to overturn often stem from government persecution—when those in power become the initiators of serious human rights violations. The law is arbitrarily distorted and interpreted by the authorities, turning it into a tool for trampling on human rights. Furthermore, when the media loses its power as the Fourth Estate and becomes a tool for those in power to manipulate public opinion, it creates a negative ripple effect throughout society and erodes public trust in the judiciary and social justice.
The scales of justice rest upon conscience, which serves as the compass for navigating life and the guiding principle for serving society. Justice is righteousness, the right path, and the rule of law. Upholding social justice not only relies on legislators to enact rigorous laws that protect human rights, but also requires every law enforcer to act according to their conscience and administer justice according to the law. Moreover, it calls for every citizen to wholeheartedly engage in and contribute to the realization of social justice. Only when everyone is willing to confront injustice and bravely stand up for justice can human rights truly be realized.
To achieve social justice, it is essential to strengthen the promotion of a culture of conscience, love, and peace, allowing this culture to become a lifelong social education that continuously influences people. This is a crucial solution to addressing the injustices in today's society. When our prayers for social justice are coupled with genuine action, we can truly make justice universal. The unity of the forces of righteousness driven by awakened conscience serves as a shield for protecting human rights and as a safeguard for maintaining global peace and harmony.
Please join us in promoting conscience, love, peace, and the power of hope—starting with ourselves and extending to others. Let us take action for the safety and sustainable future of ourselves and future generations, while also encouraging those around us to pay more attention to social justice.
Thank you all!