U.N. International Day of Peace – World Citizens’ awakening to save the world with the calling of peace and the sound of conscience in the heart

(Reporter Susan Wu, Taipei)

September 21^st marks the International Day of Peace established by the United Nations in 1981 to reinforce the ideals of peace around the world. As a commemoration of the 30^th anniversary of the General Assembly Declaration on the Rights of Peoples to Peace, the theme for this year’s International Day of Peace is the “Rights of Peoples to Peace”.

Celebratory events in honor of the International Day of Peace were held in places all over the world. Likewise, 17 organizations from 7 countries, including the UN NGO Association of World Citizens (AWC), Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), and the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy (TJM), continued the joint awakening of conscience as an honor to the day of September 21^st.

Surrounded with children, the representatives from different walks of life gathered to light up the “conscience smiley globe” at the “International Forum II on the Awakening of Conscience” held in Taipei City Council. They hope let love and peace descend upon the world and allow our next generation to embrace the nature in its beauty and peace in its harmony.

The joint awakening of conscience involves international forums being held in several countries on the day of September 21^st. Among the forums was the “International Forum II on the Awakening of Conscience”, held in Taipei City Council, Taiwan. Representatives from all levels of the society gathered at the council to light up the “conscience smiley face” in hope to let love and peace descend upon the world and allow our next generation to embrace the nature in its beauty and peace in its harmony.

During the forum at the city council, a short video was presented, featuring the three organizations, FOWPAL, AWC, and TJM visiting more than 200 cities in 60 nations, inviting 263 world leaders and influential individuals from 87 countries, to ring the Bell of Peace. 27 heads of state and prime ministers, 7 Nobel Peace Prize winners, ambassadors to United Nations, and many other elite leaders were among the bell-ringers.

Several world leaders honored their commitment to world peace through meaningful actions after ringing the Bell of Peace. For example, in the July of 2003, President Fradique de Menezes of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe saw a military coup against him. However, through peaceful negotiations, the president successfully reached a deal with the leaders of the coup. On the March of 2008, the president of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, helped resolve the five-year hostility between Sudan and Chad, allowing the two countries’ leaders to sit down and sign a peace agreement. Moreover, President Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Republic also honored his commitment to world peace by mediating the crisis between Columbia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, saving unimaginable number of lives that could have been lost if the crisis morphed into a war. These leaders not only recognized the symbolic meaning of ringing the Bell of Peace, but they also worked tirelessly to safeguard the fragile peace in many parts of the world.

Every human being is born with an amiable, loving side in our heart called conscience. With conscience, many leaders and inspiring individuals around the world strived to protect the much-needed peace and love in the 21^st Century. The initiator of “An Era of Conscience Movement” Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, had his speech, titled “2014 International Day of Peace – Awakening of Conscience in order to save the world”, delivered during the forum held in Taipei City Council as a response to the United Nations International Day of Peace. “In response to the UN International Day of Peace, we need to extend our connection with global non-governmental organizations to contribute professional experiences and wisdom by providing suggestions and solutions to take immediate actions to save the world.” The speech further addressed the need to balance out technological advancements and human development in the face of deteriorating international environment. “In this convoluted world full of distractions, we need to listen very carefully to the calling from our conscience which will guide us along the right path. Every courageous man who follows his/her conscience will have the power to improve the world and to alter the destiny of mankind. An era of conscience is an achievable ideal that starts with pragmatic efforts. Let us work diligently for a peaceful world where children’s delightful smiles are a reality.”

International volunteers of An Era of Conscience movement showed their spirits and energy to inspire guests to devote their time and energy to safeguard the future for the next generation.

The “International Forum II on the Awakening of Conscience” brought together diverse professionals and experts from all aspect of the society to discuss and exchange valuable ideas and lessons regarding ways to safeguard world’s future. World leaders with powerful influences on the world’s affairs can guide our world to the right path through concrete actions and policies, ultimately bringing meaningful changes to this world. The path to peace and sustainability for our world starts with individuals who recognize conscience as the foundation of all aspect of life. If every one of us follow the conscience in our heart, all life on this planet can attain peaceful coexistence. You and I can plant the seeds of love in people around you, allowing others to embrace our positive energy and spread that energy around the globe! Please visit www.aneoc.org to learn more on how to participate in An Era of Conscience movement, and we welcome individuals and organizations to endorse the Declaration of An Era of Conscience Movement.