The United Nations General Assembly has designated 5 April as the International Day of Conscience. An awakened conscience is essential to meeting the challenges which face humanity today as we move into the World Society. The great challenge which humanity faces today is to leave behind the culture of violence in which we find ourselves and move rapidly to a culture of peace and solidarity. We can achieve this historic task by casting aside our ancient national, ethnic, and social prejudices and begin to think and act as responsible Citizens of the World.
An awakened conscience makes us sensitive to hearing the inner voice that warns and encourages. We have a conscience so that we may not let ourselves be lulled to sleep by the social environment in which we find ourselves but will remain alert to truth, justice, and reason. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says in Article 1 "All human beings are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
There is a need to build networks and bridges among Companions of Conscience. Companions of Conscience create a ground for common discourse and thus a ground for common, life-affirming action. As Companions of Conscience, we take firm action to formulate effective responses to the challenges facing the emerging world society: armed conflicts, human rights violations, persistent poverty and ecological destruction. We strive to make the world a more humane dwelling place for ourselves and for future generations as we move toward a peaceful, just and ecologically-responsible future. We do not hide from ourselves the complexity of these challenges. However, we believe in the effectiveness of common action and enlightened leadership to build a culture of cooperation and solidarity. The circle of Companions of Conscience is growing world wide. Conscience-based actions are increasingly felt.
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Rene Wadlow, President, Association of World Citizens
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