United Nations Declares July 12 as the International Day of Hope

On March 4, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly made a historic decision by adopting a

draft resolution that officially designates July 12 as the "International Day of Hope." This

landmark resolution was initiated by the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the United Nations,

co-sponsored by 23 other member states, and received support from 161 member states. The

resolution aims to amplify the power of hope across the globe, fostering peace, prosperity, and

sustainable development. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to inspire positive action in

the face of global challenges.

A Vision Rooted in Conscience and Hope

Firmly believing that conscience is the key to world peace, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of the

Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), has long championed initiatives promoting

love, peace, conscience, and hope. In 2014, he launched the movement of "An Era of

Conscience," encouraging individuals to act with integrity and kindness in their daily lives.

Furthermore, starting on April 5, 2018, FOWPAL collaborated with the Permanent Missions of

Kiribati, Bahrain, Equatorial Guinea, and other nations to the United Nations in organizing over

ten conferences in and around the United Nations. These efforts contributed to the United

Nations’ adoption of the resolution "Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience"

in 2019, declaring April 5 as the "International Day of Conscience." This observance aims to

inspire self-reflection and encourage individuals to better themselves, their communities, and the

world.

Recognizing the grave challenges facing humanity, Dr. Hong presented the "Declaration of

World Day of the Power of Hope" in November 2022 at the International Conference of Chief

Justices of the World in India. The event brought together 263 influential leaders, including chief

justices, judges, heads of state, and ministers from 65 countries. Dr. Hong encouraged people to

embrace love and conscience, inspiring selfless and altruistic actions driven by hope to advance

peace, strengthen unity, and ensure humanity’s enduring future.

The Road to a Global Resolution

Following the declaration’s introduction, FOWPAL worked closely with the Permanent Mission

of Kiribati to the United Nations to draft a resolution emphasizing the power of hope from

November 29 to December 1, 2022.

Furthermore, Dr. Hong continues to lead the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL)

on international visits, fostering cultural exchanges, hosting World Leader Summits of Love and

Peace, conducting ceremonies for the ringing of the Bell of World Peace and Love, and

advocating for global endorsements of the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope. As

of March 2025, people from 181 countries have signed the declaration, including heads of state,UN ambassadors, and leaders in various fields. Through these initiatives, he inspires people

worldwide to uphold conscience, embrace hope, and actively contribute to the greater good.

To further advance the draft resolution on the power of hope, FOWPAL and the Permanent

Mission of Kiribati co-organized a series of conferences at and around the UN. On April 3, 2024,

ambassadors and representatives from ten Permanent Missions—Angola, Eritrea, Equatorial

Guinea, Guatemala, Haiti, Japan, Kiribati, Liberia, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka—convened in

New York to discuss the draft resolution. On the following day, during the 5th International Day

of Conscience celebration at the UN, global leaders voiced their support for the initiative.

Former Prime Minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, emphasized the transformative

power of hope during the event at the UN on April 4, stating, "Hope is the beacon of light that

illuminates even the darkest of times. It empowers individuals and communities to persevere, to

dream of a brighter future, and to work tirelessly to realize that vision." His call to nurture hope

and follow one's conscience resonated with attendees, reinforcing the resolution’s significance.

A Triumph for Humanity

Subsequently, UN ambassadors and representatives from multiple member states held numerous

meetings and discussions. They acknowledged that actions driven by conscience are the key

forces in bringing happiness and hope to all. As a result, the "International Day of Hope" became

a consensus. It was decided to designate July 12, the National Day of Kiribati— the first country

where the sun rises on the International Date Line— as the "International Day of Hope." The

sunrise symbolizes hope and light, and a good beginning is key to success. By fostering peace

through love and conscience, and promoting unity through the power of hope and action, the

consensus for the International Day of Hope was presented to the United Nations.

The culmination of these efforts took place on March 4, 2025, when the UN General Assembly

held a vote on the draft resolution. Ambassador of Kiribati Teburoro Tito presented the

resolution with a powerful statement: “Today, Kiribati stands before this assembly with a

profound belief in the power of hope, a force that has carried humanity through the darkest of

times and propelled us toward a future of possibility, resilience, and renewal."

With the backing of 161 member states, the draft resolution was successfully passed, declaring

July 12 as the International Day of Hope. This milestone marks a new era of global unity,

inspiring individuals and nations to take action driven by shared aspirations and a commitment to

building a happier and more peaceful world.

Continuing the Legacy of Hope

Dr. Hong’s message following the resolution’s adoption encapsulated the essence of this

achievement: "Let us inspire the goodness in people's hearts, embrace hope, and follow our

conscience to take action in realizing our aspirations. In these critical times, filled with disasters

and turmoil, let us set aside prejudice and hatred, embody true love, and ignite the light of hope

together!”The establishment of the International Day of Hope stands as a testament to the power of

perseverance, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that a better world is possible when

global citizens are guided by conscience, embrace hope, and take action for the greater good.

This annual observance will serve as a reminder that, together, humanity can overcome adversity and illuminate a path toward lasting peace and harmony.

Source: AP