Global awakening of conscience: Civil society works together with the UN

FOWPAL held World Summit of Love and Peace and launched the movement of “An Era of Conscience” to connect positive energies of all nations through exchange of experience.

(Reported by Yan Sun) After World War II was over, the United Nations has worked to maintain world peace for 69 years in the midst of adversity, but the world will face even more daunting challenges in the future.  Many world leaders have warned the possibilities of new wars.  In the past few months, Pope Francis has repeatedly condemned the concept of war. In September, the Pope warned the world’s people of World War III.  “One can speak of a third war, one fought piecemeal, with crimes, massacres, destruction,” said the Pope.  While attending the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 83-year-old former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev warned that the world is “on the brink of a new cold war” and criticized the way the West handled the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism: “Euphoria and triumphalism went to the heads of western leaders.”  The West has failed to stop or resolve the conflicts in Yugoslavia, the Middle East, and Ukraine.  Gorbachev warned that the heightened political tensions between the major powers can lead to a new Cold War.

The world situation in 2014 has been more precarious than that before World War II.  Natural and man-made disasters have occurred frequently, and it’s hard to tell true from false, good from bad, and right from wrong. People’s hearts are surrounded by uncertainty and uneasiness.  As such, at the beginning of 2014, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love, and vice president of the Association of World Citizens, NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC and associated with the UN DPI, initiated the movement of An Era of Conscience, which has brought hope to all humanity.  To date, An Era of Conscience has received enthusiastic responses and widespread recognition across the globe, with people in 185 nations and over 2500 organizations worldwide participating in the movement.

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze’s advice to world leaders

The awakening of conscience and the spread of kindness

Knowing that crises were mounting and the world was on the brink of new wars, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze especially wrote a letter in Jan, 2014 to invite world leaders to jointly promote the movement of An Era of Conscience in this critical year.  Dr. Hong indicated in his letter, “Through collective efforts, the inner calling for kindness and goodness will be awakened and we will reconstruct a world with harmony and stability to enjoy the peace dividend of the era of conscience.”  He also stressed, “ In 2014, our efforts can restore inner peace and respect for human rights to make conscience prevail.” Dr. Hong also stated, “In this time of globalization, our destinies are inter-related. In the face of volatile and challenging environment, world citizens need heads of state and government as well as world leaders with courage and wisdom to lead the way to overcome obstacles and difficulties. Connecting and amplifying positive energies will pave the way to a more sustainable and prosperous world for all.”

Before the 65th UN DPI/NGO Annual Conference took place in August 2014, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze reiterated his statement presented at the 53^rd UN DPI/NGO Annual Conference in 2000: “The 20^th century survived its turbulent years and the 21^st century is now upon us.  It is necessary to unite the world without delay, which can only be reached by striking out along the path of global solidarity and peace.  Non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations and all world citizens are playing the role in pushing forward this goal and building a better world for all humanity.” Dr. Hong directly pointed out, “It takes cooperation and coordination to walk towards the path of sustainable development. We are all inter-connected, sharing a common destiny.”

Additionally, FOWPAL has invited heads of state and world leaders to attend “World Summit of Love and Peace,” which aims to conjoin the positive energies of all nations to create a sustainable world of peace, prosperity, and happiness.  Dr. Hong mentioned in his letter to world leaders that “UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon reiterated “The United Nations is in the final stretch of our global campaign to address human suffering through the Millennium Development Goals while shaping a vision for the post-2015 period”, during the 68^th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the President, H.E. Dr. John W. Ashe highlighted the importance of human rights and rule of law in the post-2015 development agenda to ensure stable and peaceful societies. A sustainable future is mankind’s common aspiration. The world acknowledges the necessity to establish people-oriented goals based on the values of humanity. It is therefore imperative to inspire the conscience in our hearts and to remind all of their great responsibility to take actions toward sustainability.”

Dr. Hong’s letter has received warm responses around the world. In response to Dr. Hong’s letter, President Andris Bērziņš of Latvia stated, “May there be peace throughout the world and in every heart!” President Danilo Medina of Dominica also encouraged the participants of the movement of An Era of Conscience, “I recommend your efforts in bringing the message to people of the world. It inspires and conveys the peaceful and positive energies that we all need in today’s world.” UN Secretary-General Ban also wrote to Dr. Hong and stated that

“In the course of carrying out my duties, your meaning words are a continuing source of encouragement to do my best to achieve the noble ideals that the United Nations was created to uphold and defend. I will continue to exert my best efforts to steer an effective response to this daunting array of global challenges. I look forward to your continued support in this endeavour.”

Civil society works together with the UN: milestones of love and peace

Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai ji men, has met Kofi Annan several times during Annan’s term as UN Secretary-General and given Annan a book of wisdom called “Back to Origin”to share the wisdom of the balance of yin and yang.
In 2005, President Leonel Fernandez of Dominican Republic rang the Bell of World Love and Peace, and in March 2008, he averted a possible war crisis.
On April 6, 2008, on behalf of Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Ms. Yu Mei-Jung, vice president of FOWPAL, presented the World Culture Peace Award and World Culture Peace Medal to President Fernandez in recognition of his efforts and contribution to world peace.

(Reported by Shen-Liang Lee) The world celebrated United Nations Day around Oct. 24; on Nov. 8th, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy aired its 900th episode of the “Energy Family,” which has been broadcast weekly in the past 13 plus years.  The title of its 900th episode is “Milestones of Love and Peace,” featuring the cooperation between civil society and the UN in the past few decades.  Dr. Hong Tao-Tze has led Tai Ji Men dizi together with global NGOs to work with the UN for the protection of human rights.  The Millennium Development Goals were set at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000, and in the past nearly 15 years, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, the Federation of World Peace and Love, and the Association of World Citizens have been actively involved in various UN events.  Dr. Hong Tao-Tze has met several times with former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and given Secretary-General Annan a book of wisdom called “Back to Origin”and shared the importance of the wisdom of the balance of yin and yang and Tai Chi for world peace and harmonious coexistence of humans..

Is world peace a dream beyond our reach?  Over the years, while promoting love and peace across the globe, FOWPAL’s cultural goodwill group has brought the “Bell of World Love and Peace” to the five continents of the world.  To date, 263 heads of state and leaders of all circles in 87 nations have rung the Bell of World Love and Peace, planting the seeds of peace worldwide. 

In 2001 President Menezes of Sao Tome and Principe rang the “Bell of World Love and Peace” and made his wish “For children’s smile.”  In 2003, Sao Tome and Principe underwent a coup; President Menezes practiced his wish for peace and amnestied the leaders of the coup.  The United Nations lauded his peaceful handling of the coup. In 2002, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal rang the Bell of World Love and Peace and made his wish: “Senegal, its people and the president want the peace to all women and men of goodwill to build and consolidate peace in the world.”  In March 2008, President Wade facilitated talks between the presidents of Sudan and Chad, which caused them to sign a peace pact, ending the five-year-long hostilities between the two countries.  UN Secretary-General Ban witnessed the signing of the agreement. 

In 2005, President Leonel Fernandez of Dominican Republic rang the Bell of World Love and Peace, and in March 2008, he successfully mediated among Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, defusing conflicts among them and averting a possible war in Latin America.  On behalf of Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Ms. Yu Mei-Jung, vice president of FOWPAL, presented the World Culture Peace Award and World Culture Peace Medal to President Fernandez in recognition of his efforts and contribution to world peace.  The three presidents are all important members and honorary international consultants of FOWPAL.  Their wisdom and courage in resolving national and international conflicts have won widespread recognition in the UN and international community.

The 65th UN DPI/NGO Annual Conference was held in August, 2014; over 4000 NGO representatives came together in New York.  At the meeting, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze presented an essay entitled “The Critical Moment of 2014: An Era of Conscience is the Framework for a Sustainable Future,” which received warm responses worldwide.  International volunteers for An Era of Conscience attended various seminars and workshops to promote An Era of Conscience through singing and voicing their opinions, which stirred up tremendous waves of positive energies in the United Nations. The positive influences of the movement of An Era of Conscience have continued in Taiwan and the U.S., and a series of “International Forum on the Awakening of Conscience” has been hosted to awaken the conscience in more people.  The movement and forum have consolidated positive energies of love and conscience to inspire more concrete actions to save the world.  Congressman Ed Royce, California State Senator Bob Huff, and Walnut City Council member Mary Su, respectively presented a certificate of recognition to Dr. Hong Tao-Tze in recognition of his promotion of love and peace around the globe. 

On Nov. 15 (Sat.) at 6:30 p.m. on the CTV cannel, Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy aired another Energy Family episode featuring its participation in the UN DPI/NGO conferences over the years entitled “Global Trips to Unite People’s Hearts.”  The program also included the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development and Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development.  The program shows how civil society promotes love and peace and brings hope and light to the world.  Inspirational Energy Family programs are available on Tai Ji Men’s website at www.taijimen.org, and the programs are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish, French, etc.  The website has received nearly 48 million visits across the earth.

The butterfly effect of kindness: the power of conscience spreads across the globe

(Reported by Tsai-Wei Chou) A series of “International Forum on the Awakening of Conscience” has been held in various cities in the U.S., India, and Taiwan.  The forum has been co-organized by 18 organizations in 7 nations, and its panelists have included experts in the areas of international exchange and cooperation, education, cultures, human rights, justice, tax law, technology, environmental protection, food safety, medicine, entertainment, literatures, arts, media, etc.  The panelists have provided conscientious suggestions and practiced what they have preached. Mr. Wen-Yiao Ko, director of World News Weekly and member of Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission in Australia, attended the forum held in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan. He urged all people to follow the law and thinks that world peace will become attainable when human nature is taken into consideration in our actions.  After his return to Australia, Director Ko helped to have the short film about An Era of Conscience broadcast in 20 locations in Australia such as Gold Coast, Brisbane, etc.

People around the world have not only participated in the movement of An Era of Conscience but also jointly promoted it.  The “smiling earth” for An Era of Conscience has appeared on the LED screen at the Times Square in New York, and posters for An Era of Conscience have been posted on the doors and walls of many shops in New York.  In Taiwan, the movement of An Era of Conscience has been widely promoted. Messages about An Era of Conscience are seen in many airports such as Taipei Songshan Airport and the airports in Kinmen, Matsu, Hengchun, Tainan, Green Island, Orchid Island, Hualian, Taitung, etc.  An Era of Conscience messages also appear at train and bus stations such as Taipei City Hall Bus Station, Kuo-Kuang Bus stations, Taiwan Railways stations, Metro Taipei Yongan Market Station, Technology Building Station, Ximending, Aloha bus stations, as well as bus stations in Taipei and Taichung. Many government agencies and unions also show the messages of An Era of Conscience such as District Offices in Taichung City and New Taipei City, city halls in Luzhu City, Pingcheng City, Yangmei City, and Green Island, as well as Taiwan Provincial Bus Association and R.O.C.National Bus Association. 

The “smiling earth” for An Era of Conscience has appeared on the LED screen at the Times Square in New York

Media companies have also actively promoted An Era of Conscience, such as De-Chuan Technology Co., Peng-Hsi Advertisement Co., FSC, Hong Hai Multimedia, Hua-Hsia Technology Co, Dennis Advertisement Co, Tung-Yi Development Co, ProMedia International Corp., etc.  Music videos, short films, messages, and posters of An Era of Conscience are seen in nearly 1000 locations in Taiwan.  Educational institutions and schools have enthusiastically responded to the movement.  Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and over 500 schools have jointly promoted An Era of Conscience, including the Ministry of Education, education departments in the counties and cities of Taiwan.  The county department of education in the U.S. also sent letters to schools of all levels, encouraging them to participate in the movement.  Ongoing global coverage of An Era of Conscience is available on the movement’s website at ww.aneoc.org; over 16700 news stories about the movement have been reported by 577 media in 116 nations, including ZWTV in Los Angeles, HTTV USA, ETTV America, ICN, TVB, TVBS, FTV, CTV, CTS, Da-Ai TV, CDTV, TKTV, etc.    

Over 40 TV and radio stations have broadcast short films for An Era of Conscience such as ICN, Sing Tao Chinese Radio Station, etc.  Over 50 radio stations have broadcast the songs and news stories about An Era of Conscience.  News stories have also been reported in various newspapers and magazines such as World Journal, Sing Tao Daily News, US China Press, Ming Pao, and a Korean magazine called The Truly Kindhearted, etc. Taiwan Shin Sheng Daily News has actively promoted the movement by making continuous, comprehensive coverage of the movement since the beginning of the year.  Other news media have also reported the movement such as China Times, Liberty Times, UDN, United Evening News, CNA News, Youth Daily News, Lihpao Daily, KS News, The Commons Daily, CDNS, Merit Times, Pacific News, CSR, Taiwan Reports, TW Times, APN, LT Daily, Matsu News, ChenChen News, Taipei NT Weekly, Religious News, etc.

Additionally, media on the Internet have also covered stories about An Era of Conscience including CNN iReport, NOWnews, CD News, ETtoday, Taiwan News, WENEWS, New Talk, Yam, Yahoo, United Daily News, Sina, Macrocosm, NT News, TY News, Zhong Chen News Net, CYCU E-news, etc.  Through these media, the positive energies of kind hearts and good intentions have formed powerful ripple effects that keep spreading to the whole world.