International Day of Friendship
Fostering Friendship and Peace Through a Culture of Conscience
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
July 30, 2023
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day!
The United Nations proposed the “International Day of Friendship” initiative in 2011. It is hoped that through the bonds of friendship, people can contribute to the changes required for achieving peace, organize safety nets to protect everyone, and inspire enthusiasm and motivation in people to build a better world.
In the Chinese classical literature, The Analects of Confucius, it says, “Within the four seas, all people are brothers.” Confucius once said that there are three kinds of beneficial friendships: friends who are upright, friends who are sincere, and friends who are knowledgeable. Zhuangzi, a Taoist, said, “The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water.” There are also idioms such as “One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black.” All these are words of wisdom about friendship. True friendship inevitably embodies sincerity, respect, understanding, tolerance, trust, and unity, as well as the ways of getting along such as mutual learning, improving ourselves, helping others, being good, and enjoying good things together. Good friends are like clear mirrors. Through the heart bridges of friendship, we can become aware of ourselves, as well as understand and connect with the world. Friends can inspire each other’s strengths, remind each other to correct shortcomings, and improve their characters through mutual learning. Everyone can become a better person, and healthy friendships naturally promote peace and harmony in society
Globally, the establishment of diplomatic relations is intended to strengthen friendships between countries and promote exchanges between nations to achieve peace, embodying the core spirit and ultimate goal of the United Nations. To promote a culture of peace, the United Nations has launched programs and actions, such as fostering a culture of peace through conscience education, promoting and ensuring the human rights of all, and so on. The United Nations has also designated the “International Day of Conscience” to further affirm that a culture of love and conscience is a necessary condition for creating an environment of peace, and it supports and encourages people worldwide to collectively practice the spirit of the International Day of Conscience in their daily lives. By taking conscientious actions, individuals can actively contribute to the creation of a culture of peace. As the leader of Tai Ji Men, I have led members of my organization to visit over a hundred countries around the world, engaging in cultural exchanges to establish precious friendships between different cultures and races, and uniting with other peace-loving people around the globe to strive together for a safer and more sustainable future. This is the most beautiful part of human friendship. On our journey, we have witnessed that love, understanding, tolerance, and respect between people are the important cornerstones of international friendship and a vital energy to solidify and perpetuate the culture of conscience and peace among humans.
From individuals to nations, forming genuine friendships without borders and popularizing a culture of conscience, love, and peace can help the United Nations achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Conscience is the core value, and the awakening of conscience in global citizens is the key. Everyone has a conscience, which is an innate compass in life. By following the guidance of our conscience, we will cherish friendships and share good thoughts and actions through friendship. Friendship consolidates the power of unity to deal with the many challenges and crises we face today and to turn the corner. Sharing conscience and doing good deeds can encourage more people to join the action of spreading love and peace. By practicing conscience, love, and peace in our daily lives, the future of the Earth and the fate of humanity will change for the better, achieving the ideal of a united global village as one family.
Friendship conveys positive values and connects good deeds. When we infuse friendship with positive energy, we receive more positive feedback. The world needs positive energy to promote a culture of conscience and peace. Let us remember the original intention of establishing the “International Day of Friendship.” Together, let us strive to uphold international peace through the power of hope, driven by conscience and honesty, and through the commitment to do good deeds to atone for our mistakes. The world is one family, and all people across the globe are brothers and sisters. Let us unite and collaborate with good-hearted friends all over the world, nourish the growth of the seeds of friendship and peace with love and conscience, take practical actions as everyone strives for self-improvement and goodness, as we endeavor to protect our common home, and the world will be sustainably beautiful, joyous, and peaceful due to our joint efforts.
My blessings to everyone! Thank you all!