Creating a Culture of Peace
On 5 April, Caux IofC hosted an event for the UN International Day of Conscience, to reimagine how individuals and communities build peace. Gerald Pillay, IofC International President, was one of the keynote speakers.
Initiatives of Change has long advocated for transformation within oneself as a vital step to changing the world. It was with this conviction that Caux IofC hosted the recent International Day of Conscience on 5 April 2024, which brought together an intergenerational audience to build lasting peace by reimagining our relationship with conscience and love.
The International Day of Conscience was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 July 2019 and is dedicated to saving future generations from cycles of violence by adopting a "culture of peace." In the fifth year of observing the Day of Conscience, the event on 5 April took place in Geneva at the Palais des Nations and featured interdisciplinary and interactive sessions, with the partnership of UNESCO, the City of Geneva, International Space Federation, Tchendukua, Naturasounds and Jindal Global University.
Thirty-five international speakers and artists offered their expertise and perspectives, including a keynote speech from IofCI President Gerald Pillay, and the day would not have been successful without the enthusiasm of its convenors, Caux IofC Executive Director, Ignacio Packer; award-winning author, Sofia Stril-Rever; and Caux IofC Head of Global Engagement, Sarah Noble.
"IofC holds to four absolute standards to judge our life and work – the promotion of unselfishness, purity of motive and intention, honesty, and love. Seeking guidance and promoting quiet reflection and mindfulness as a daily exercise is the way we acknowledge the centrality of conscience." said Pillay in his keynote speech.
The Day of Conscience featured powerful blends of storytelling, ranging from lessons learned from the Indian Kogi community; physical and environmental sciences as an inspiration for wisdom; the power of women uniting for peace; the often-undervalued contribution of people with disabilities; and unlocking the potential of young people as changemakers. After a day of stimulating conversations and good company, participants were left with the inspiration, as articulated by Sofia Stril-Rever, to "be the love you want to see in the world."
Access the event recording on the Caux IofC website.