Take action for multiculturalism for a more just world.
During the 58th session of Commission of Social Development, on February 19, 2020 UN ambassadors, diplomats, statesmen, leaders of NGOs, and other visionaries from various nations gathered at the United Nations to discuss how to take actions for multiculturalism for a more just world. An important step to envision collectively strategies and action plan 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). As the year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, this meeting was a milestone in this specific context. Hugues Sanon, UN representative of COJEP International, moderated it. Mr. He started first to express gratitude to the United Nations for providing such platform for leaders to discuss these important issues. Mr. Ali Gedikoglu, President of COJEP International, welcomed all participants and reemphasized the importance of ensuring justice and liberty for everyone without discrimination as COJEP has strived to fight for freedom and justice for all.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, emphasized respect for and appreciation of differences are essential to the multiculturalism promotion. “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 reinforced 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.” Although there are various ways to enhance Human Rights protection “we still need to redirect our attention to a culture of conscience, which is the foundation.” he claimed.
The conference room was packed with many Ambassadors, UN delegates; visionaries and leaders readily to partake in opinions on building a fairer world. H.E. Mr. Mohamed Al Hassan, Ambassador of Oman to the UN, accentuated “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 drew attention to the importance of treating everyone equally; he shared that “No one is better than you, and you are no better than anyone else.” Assembly Member Philip Ramos, Deputy Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, called attention “homelessness is just a symptom, and we need to deal with the root causes of the problem.” Mayor of Union, New Jersey, Ms. Michele S. Delisfort, brought up 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.”
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze was greatly acclaimed for leading FOWPAL to promote conscience, love, peace, human rights, education, culture, social development, racial inclusion, and sustainable development globally. For these laudable reasons he was presented numerous citations and also received special recognitions for his philanthropic work with other World leaders from different politic leaders such as Assembly Member Philip Ramos, New York State Senators David Carlucci, Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Rainmondo to name few of them.
Following these celebration and acknowledgment moment, he offered the Conscience Compass Clock to all influential leaders presents. FOWPAL had specially designed this compass clock of conscience, in celebration of the United Nations’ designation of April 5 as the International Day of Conscience in July 2019. It represents time, direction, and goal. As a matter of fact it exemplifies that conscience is our guide that leads us toward the right path of life and reminds us to seize every opportunity to practice kindness for the purpose of creating peace and happiness.
Since August 2019, FOWPAL has laid the foundation engaging itself in different venues 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. Down the line, the homelessness issues will be lesser and social protection will be supplemented and the world will become fairer with less inequality and peaceful. Thanks to FOWPAL represented by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze for their engagement and dedication to make a difference and encourage leaders to shape a more caring, compassionate and fairer world.
Article by Alizé Utteryn
Photos : James Hercule
