Director-General's remarks at the International Day of Conscience 2025 "Leave No One Behind"

International Day of Conscience 2025: Leave No One Behind
Organized by the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation
Friday, 4 April 2025 at 10.00 a.m.
Room XVII, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by
Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General
 

Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Happy International Day of Conscience!

First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, and its numerous partners, for organizing the celebration of the International Day of Conscience here, at the Palais des Nations.  

Designated by the UN General Assembly in 2019, this International Day provides a unique opportunity to reflect on one of humanity’s most profound virtues — conscience — and its transformative power to shape a more peaceful, inclusive, and just world.

The roots of a culture of peace trace back to the International Congress on Peace in the Minds of Men, organized by UNESCO in Côte d’Ivoire in 1989. Its Final Declaration called for “a new vision of peace by developing a peace culture based on the universal values of respect for life, liberty, justice, solidarity, tolerance, human rights and equality between women and men." Its legacy lives on, inspiring us to take meaningful steps toward creating societies where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

The theme of this year’s celebration — Leave No One Behind — is a central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Promoting the culture of peace is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of a culture of peace has never been so relevant.  This is why the United Nations Office at Geneva is committed to promoting cultural diplomacy here at the Palais des Nations, which serves as a center for multilateral action and a unique forum for global citizens.

Nowadays, we are witnessing a disturbing rise in bigotry, discrimination, hate speech and violence across the world. During the opening of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations last February, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that the pursuit of sustainable peace is impossible without preserving human rights. He said: “They are the oxygen of humanity and are slowly being suffocated. We must confront these challenges head-on, guided by our collective conscience, to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect.”

The International Day of Conscience encourages us to listen deeply — to ourselves and to one another. It invites us to prioritize dialogue, embrace diversity, and build bridges where divides exist. And most importantly, it demands that we act. Conscience is not a passive force; it requires courage, conviction, and a willingness to refuse indifference, confront injustice and defend truth.

There is a profound link between inner peace and global peace. If we can bring a sense of peace and happiness into the world no matter where we live, we are in some way contributing to peace and happiness in the world.

I wish you a fruitful event.

Thank you.