A fine culture nurtures a quality education, which is essential to a healthy economy.

UN ambassadors, diplomats, statesmen, leaders of NGOs, and other visionaries from various nations gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the afternoon of February 19, 2020 to exchange experiences and ideas about fostering multiculturalism, building a fairer world, tackling homelessness in Asia, and enhancing social protection.

The conference was co-organized by Council for Justice, Equality and Peace (COJEP International) and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) during the 58 session of the Commission for Social Development. Holding such an event was very meaningful at this juncture in history as the year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a message to the president of FOWPAL Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, wishing the conference a great success.

The meeting was moderated by Hugues Sanon, UN representative of COJEP International. Mr. Sanon expressed gratitude to the United Nations for providing this platform for the leaders to discuss these important issues. Ali Gedikoglu, president of COJEP International, welcomed all participants and reiterated the importance of ensuring justice and liberty for everyone without discrimination as COJEP has striven to fight for freedom and justice for all.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, stressed that respect for and appreciation of differences are essential to the promotion of multiculturalism. “By treating others equally and truly acknowledging that all people regardless of culture, race, and religion are world citizens and enjoy the equal right to life, we can gradually make our world more just,” said Dr. Hong. He also pointed out the importance of culture: “In order to achieve sustainability, we need to have a good culture. A fine culture nurtures a quality education, which is essential to a healthy economy. ”

Dr. Hong emphasized the importance of conscience by saying, “Conscience, conscience-guided abilities, and conscience-driven governance are three key factors, which are interrelated and allow organizations and governors to improve social protection for people.” He mentioned that although there are various ways to enhance the protection of human rights “we still need to redirect our attention to a culture of conscience, which is the foundation.”

The conference room was packed, and leaders eagerly shared ideas on building a fairer world. Oman’s Ambassador to the UN Mohamed Al Hassan stressed that “homelessness is a problem that should not exist if and when social and state measures are in place and functioning.” Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mckee highlighted the importance of treating everyone equally; he shared that “No one is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.” Assemblymember Philip Ramos, deputy majority leader of the New York State Assembly, pointed out that homelessness is just a symptom, and we need to deal with the root causes of the problem. Michele S. Delisfort, mayor of Union, New Jersey, shared that it is important that we provide equal opportunities in all areas, regardless of race and ethnicity. “We must promote sustainable policies and work together as one.”

The event was also attended by Turkey’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Serhad Varli; Samoa’s Ambassador to the UN Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia; Togo’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Petchezi Essohanam; Dr. Carlos Garcia, former Ambassador of El Salvador to the UN and president & CEO UN/USA, Asia, Latin American & the Caribbean Region of OPAD (The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development); delegates of various Permanent Missions to the UN; and other visionaries.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze was widely praised for leading FOWPAL to promote conscience, love, peace, human rights, education, culture, social development, racial inclusion, and sustainable development globally. Assemblymember Philip Ramos, deputy majority leader of New York State Assembly, and Michele S. Delisfort, mayor of Union, New Jersey, each presented a citation to Dr. Hong. He also received special recognition from Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Rainmondo; Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea;  New York State Senators David Carlucci, Anna M. Kaplan, and Kevin S. Parker; New York State Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus; the Town of North Hempstead, New York; and Dr. Samarth Joseph, founder/executive director of Espoir Youth Program.

Additionally, in celebration of the United Nations’ designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience in July 2019, FOWPAL specially designed a compass clock of conscience, which represents time, direction and goal. It symbolizes that conscience is the guide that leads us toward the right path of life and reminds us to seize every moment to practice kindness in order to create peace and happiness. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze presented the compass clock of conscience to influential leaders.

Beginning in August 2019, each month FOWPAL is engaged in various events to promote this UN day. FOWPAL will continue to do so and encourages everyone to observe the first-ever International Day of Conscience on April 5, 2020. With the conscience in more people awakened, global citizens will show respect for one another’s culture and provide mutual help to one another. Subsequently, the problems of homelessness will be reduced and social protection will be enhanced, and the world will become more just and peaceful.

Photo captions

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center right, delivers remarks encouraging everyone to “listen to the calling of conscience, stand up, and bravely speak up to initiate a culture of conscience” at a conference at United Nations in New York. （AP Images)

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, presents the compass clock of conscience, celebrating the United Nations' designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience to Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mckee at the UN in New York. (AP Images)

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, presents the compass clock of conscience, celebrating the United Nations' designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience, to a group of visionary leaders at the UN in New York. (AP Images)

From left, Ali Gedikoglu, president of COJEP International, Hugues Sanon, UN representative of COJEP International, and Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, are honored by New York State Assemblymember Philip Ramos at the UN in New York. (AP Images)

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, right, and Ali Gedikoglu, president of COJEP International, exchange ideas of peace and conscience at a conference co-hosted by COJEP International and FOWPAL at the UN in New York. (AP Images)