Change the World with Love and Conscience：12 Declarations: Converging Goodwill of Global Citizens to Safeguard the Earth | WPN World People News

In the face of an imminent crisis and an increasingly perilous global situation, distinguishing between truth and falsehood, good and bad, right and wrong has become challenging, causing heightened anxiety among individuals.

Twelve declarations were issued to consolidate global citizens’ kind thoughts to protect the Earth.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, vice president of the ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens, and president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), has long led the FOWPAL delegation of culture and goodwill to promote a culture of love, peace, and conscience. They have visited 101 nations across six continents.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, announced the Declaration of World Prayer Day at a gathering for global peace under the theme of “Conscience Illuminating the World.

Through organizing world summits of love and peace, ceremonies of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, as well as cultural exchanges, they have disseminated the ideas of love and peace, and successively announced 12 declarations centered on love and conscience, inviting global citizens to practice love and peace through concrete actions, and gather their goodwill to safeguard the Earth.

Tai Ji Men dizi (apprentices) promote the movement of An Era of conscience worldwide.

Each declaration concerns the stability, harmony, and sustainability of humanity and the world, guiding the Earth towards the path of sustainable development. Every endorsement represents a personal commitment, a convergence of goodwill, starting with oneself, initiating from individual actions, triggering a butterfly effect, allowing the energy of goodness to spread across the globe, bringing peace and happiness to oneself and the world!

From left, former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, and Ambassador Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri of Bahrain to the UN in Vienna endorsed the “Declaration of International Day of Conscience.”

Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace
In 1999, Colombia, Turkey, and Taiwan were all struck by massive earthquakes, demonstrating the formidable power of nature. On September 25, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze organized “Love of the World, A Gathering for World Peace,” where leaders of various religions and nearly forty thousand people came together to pray for the world. Dr. Hong announced “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,” urging kindness towards all beings on Earth through the expression of love. The declaration aimed to awaken people to respect life, protect nature, love oneself and others, and love one’s own country as well as others’ countries. On that day, the song “Love of the World” was presented for the first time.

uring the 2022 International Conference of Chief Justices of the World, the "World Day of the Power of Hope" was adopted to pave the way for global peace and sustainability.

The Peace Declaration
In 2001, the World Citizens Assembly (WCA) jointly declared the “Peace Declaration,” witnessed by over 600 representatives from 67 countries. The assembly addressed major topics such as the abolition of war, globalization, as well as the United Nations and civil society, and the FOWPAL World Summit of Love and Peace explored the theme on using spirituality and technology to build a peaceful century.

In 2004, Dr. Hong presented a CD containing two million signatures to Joan Levy, Chair of NGO/DPI Executive Committee, and Joan Kirby, Chair of the 57th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference, which was later submitted to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the executive director of the assembly, pointed out that the heart is the most crucial element in creating a culture of peace for the 21st century. Through international cultural exchanges, people from various countries can appreciate the truth, goodness, and beauty in their own cultures, thereby understanding the differences between different countries and ethnic groups, respecting each other, learning from each other, reducing global conflicts, and creating a culture of peace for the century, added Dr. Hong.

The Peace Declaration was signed by representatives from five continents, and subsequently endorsed by over 320,000 individuals globally. During the same year, it was presented to Mr. Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, by Dr. Elaine Valdov, chair of the Executive Committee of NGOs Affiliated with the UN/DPI, 1996-2000, conveying the blueprint for peace from the global citizens of the new century.

The Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens
In 2002, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze recognized that peace stems from the harmony between humans and nature, while human rights arise from mutual respect among individuals. Driven by love, and to consolidate the "spiritual" strength of humanity through cultural exchanges, Dr. Hong led various organizations to promote declarations on love and peace, aiming to enable world citizens to share freedom, secure human rights, and practice peace.

The ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens, the Federation of World Peace and Love, and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy invited individuals from all sectors to co-sign the “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,” the “Peace Declaration,” and the “Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens,” extending blessings of love and peace. During the 57th United Nations DPI/NGO Conference held in New York from September 8 to 10, 2004, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, presented a CD containing the support of two million people from 158 countries for the initiative known as “Love of the World, A Wish for Peace.” Dr. Hong presented the disk to Joan Levy, Chair of NGO/DPI Executive Committee, and Joan Kirby, Chair of the 57th Annual UN DPI/NGO Conference, which was later submitted to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, expressing global citizens’ desires for love, peace, and respect for human rights.

Declaration of International Love and Peace Day
In 2005, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze proclaimed the Declaration of International Love and Peace Day in New York and officially designated September 15 as International Love and Peace Day. On this historic occasion, Dominican President Leonel Fernández made history by becoming the first head of state to endorse the Declaration. In a symbolic gesture, President Fernández and Dr. Hong jointly turned the “Key of the World.” President Fernández expressed his appreciation, saying, "For me, it’s been a great experience. Having a World Summit of Love and Peace, this is what the world needs. So, I want to commend you."

In 2008, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, three organizations—ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens, Federation of World Peace and Love, and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy—jointly launched the "Global Endorsement of Declarations for Human Rights of World Citizens and Peace." This initiative encompasses four significant declarations: the “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,” the “Peace Declaration,” the “Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens,” and the “Declaration of International Love and Peace Day.” To date, these declarations have garnered support from more than 3.73 million individuals in 200 countries and territories. They serve as a global platform for people to express their aspirations for love and peace, underscoring the universal importance of these ideals.

Declaration of Global Efforts to Safeguard the Earth
In 2008, during the World Summit of Love and Peace in Paris, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, delivered a written message at the UN DPI/NGO Conference. He introduced a visionary concept for shaping the world's future beyond 2008: a focus on dignity, human rights, universal love, and global peace. Dr. Hong shared his wisdom and experiences with a diverse audience representing different fields and backgrounds. Additionally, in collaboration with over 32 NGOs worldwide, the Declaration of Global Efforts to Safeguard the Earth was formally launched in Paris. This declaration called upon the global community to nurture the Earth with the energy of love and compassion, to advance world peace through peaceful actions, and to collectively safeguard the Earth and the world’s future.

Declaration of Taxpayer's Human Rights
The 13th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World took place in Lucknow, India, from December 7 to December 10, 2012, hosted by the City Montessori School (CMS). The conference witnessed the active participation of nearly 190 judges representing 65 countries. At that time, Europe was grappling with a significant debt crisis, and the conference placed significant emphasis on the issue of "Taxpayer's Human Rights." Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze presented a paper on how to put one’s knowledge into practice to protect the taxpayer's human rights in the 21st century. In his presentation, he called upon governments to establish a taxation system that respects human rights, aiming to safeguard the basic well-being of their citizens. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of evidence, ensuring procedural justice, and implementing human rights protection in taxation practices.

During the conference, the Declaration of Taxpayer's Human Rights was launched, and it garnered signatures from 117 individuals hailing from 53 countries. Notably, among the signatories were 74 judges, including 17 chief justices and 57 judges, as well as prominent figures such as the governor-general of Tuvalu, the mayor of Lucknow, India, and the speaker of India’s Uttar Pradesh, among others. This declaration highlighted the commitment to addressing the critical issue of human rights within the realm of taxation.

Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience
On January 1, 2014, in light of the increasing frequency of natural and man-made disasters worldwide, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze initiated the movement of "An Era of Conscience." This campaign aimed to inspire a positive force to bring stability to the turbulent world, rekindle the inherent goodness and conscience of humanity, and usher in a genuine era of conscience.

The movement was jointly launched by three organizations: the Federation of World Peace and Love, ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens, and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. It called on international volunteers worldwide to promote the ideals of An Era of Conscience. On February 16, the launch of the movement of "An Era of Conscience" took place in 25 locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Australia, and other countries. Congratulations poured in from over 40 heads of state and government, as well as from ambassadors and representatives of the United Nations.

The movement quickly garnered global support from individuals from all walks of life. On August 17, the launch for the global endorsement campaign for the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience was held in San Jose, California. This declaration emphasized that every individual is a leader of conscience and that together, global citizens can safeguard their conscience and nurture their hearts and souls.

Since the inception of the movement, more than 3,000 organizations have joined forces, and individuals from 200 countries and territories have signed the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience. This initiative has successfully mobilized people around the world to champion the values of conscience and compassion.

Declaration of World Citizens
On April 1, 2016, also known as World Citizen Day, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze made a historic proclamation by announcing the Declaration of World Citizens. This declaration underscores the idea that every individual is a global citizen and calls upon the awakening of global conscience to contribute to the sustainable development of the shared global village. It highlights that world citizens possess boundless energy and the determination to put it into action, especially at pivotal moments, to open up new horizons for the world.

Coinciding with the first year of the United Nations' promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 64th UN DPI/NGO Conference was held in Gyeongju, Korea. During the conference, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze proposed that "conscience" and "culture" serve as the foundation for global citizenship education. He took the opportunity to advocate for the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience and the Declaration of World Citizens. FOWPAL members conveyed the significance of these declarations to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This marked an important step in promoting the principles of global citizenship and conscience on the international stage.

Declaration of International Day of Conscience
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze announced the Declaration of International Day of Conscience on Feb. 5, 2019 in the United Nations Headquarters in New York and kicked off the global endorsement campaign. On July 25, 2019 the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience,” designating April 5 as the International Day of Conscience, urging people to follow their conscience to change the world and achieve world peace. To date, people in 200 countries and territories have signed the declaration. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze was instrumental in the UN’s adoption of the International Day of Conscience. Starting on April 5, 2018, Dr. Hong led members of Tai Ji Men, Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), and ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens (AWC) to work together on a draft resolution "Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience" with the Permanent Missions of various nations to the UN, including Bahrain, Kiribati, Equatorial Guinea, and other nations, at the United Nations in New York and Vienna. They held more than 10 meetings to promote the idea. Dr. Hong also led delegates from Tai Ji Men, FOWPAL, and AWC to visit 38 countries within 18 months to promote the concept. The Declaration of International Day of Conscience has been translated into 53 languages. The endorsement campaign has garnered worldwide support through the Internet.

Declaration of World Prayer Day
Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, in cooperation with Tai Ji Men Culture and Education Foundation and many other organizations, organized an event under the theme of “Global Prayers for Peace: Conscience Illuminating the World.” The event was jointly supported by more than 500 organizations, attracting peace-loving advocates of conscience all over the world to pray for the mercy of Heaven with sincere hearts. To commemorate the collective goodwill for the world, Dr. Hong, the leader of Tai Ji Men, announced the Declaration of World Prayer Day and proclaimed October 16 as the World Prayer Day. In his remarks, Dr. Hong pointed out that “the good intentions that you and I spread will form a butterfly effect, like lights in the dark night to illuminate the hearts of those who are lost, and light up hope for the world. The consolidated bright positive energy can calm people’s hearts and empower them to overcome the difficulties and turn the corner.” He urges everyone to protect the Earth with conscience, help the world with good deeds, and do their best for the sustainable development of the Earth and the world. The initiative was praised as the start of a new approach based on the heart to overcome a world crisis.

Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope
In the opening ceremony of the 23rd International Conference of Chief Justices of the World on November 19, 2022, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, announced the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope and proclaimed September 23 as the World Day of the Power of Hope to encourage global citizens to act with conscience and harness the power of hope for themselves, for others, and for global security and sustainability, so that the positive energy of the universe can lead the Earth to the path of sustainable development.

Declaration of International Day Against Judicial and Tax Persecution by State Power
On December 19, 2022, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze announced the “Declaration of International Day Against Judicial and Tax Persecution by State Power” in Pasadena, California and proclaimed December 19 as the “International Day against Judicial and Tax Persecution by State Power.” The initiative was reiterated again in the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington D.C. on February 1, 2023, and was sent to the United Nations Human Rights Council by CAP-LC on Feb. 3, 2023.

The Month of September: Inspiring the Power of Hope and Good Deeds

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the leader of Tai Ji Men, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love, and vice president of the ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens, proclaimed September 15 as the International Day of Love and Peace on September 15, 2005 in New York. The Day is also to commemorate the peace stories of the ringers of the Bell of World Peace and Love. In 2008, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela were on the brink of war. President Fernández of Dominican Republic successfully acted as a mediator among the three countries to defuse a potential war in Latin America, winning international acclaim. President Fernández fulfilled his wishes for peace. The Declaration of International Love and Peace Day indicates, “Our destiny in this world is tightly intertwined and in our hands. We hold the state of balance for world peace.” All are encouraged to join the global endorsement campaign for the Declarations for Human Rights of World Citizens and Peace. A click of the mouse will send good thoughts to help change the world for the better.