The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Conscience (IDC) is annually observed across the globe on 5 April to raise awareness about the importance of building a culture of peace with love and conscience, through the customs of the local, national, and regional communities.
- IDC aims to commemorate the value of human conscience and celebrate the aspiration for a better world.
5 April 2024 marks the observance of the 5th International Day of Conscience.
Significance:
IDC aims to mobilise the efforts of the international community to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity, to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity, and harmony.
Background:
i.On 25th July 2019, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/73/329 titled “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience” and proclaimed the 5 April of every year as the International Day of Conscience (IDC).
- The resolution was initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
ii.The 1st ever International Day of Conscience was observed on 5 April 2020.
Note: The resolution recognised the need to create conditions of stability and well-being and peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
IDC Observance at UNESCO:
i.Bahrain requests the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 209th session, recommending for the adoption of an IDC at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France annually on April 5th.
ii.This initiative aligns with the UN resolution A/RES/73/329 “Promoting the culture of peace with love and conscience”.
iii.The IDC is annually celebrated at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on 5 April.
iv.As the sponsor of the IDC resolution and co-organizer of events, Bahrain provides resources for the celebration of the IDC by UNESCO.
Origins of a Culture of Peace:
i.The concept of a culture of peace originated from the International Congress on Peace in the Minds of Men, organized by UNESCO in Côte d’Ivoire in July 1989.
ii.Activities promoting a culture of peace have increased across various regions, with active civil society participation, evolving into a global movement.
UN Involvement:
i.Within the UN system, the concept of Culture of Peace dates back to UNESCO’s Constitution, over 50 years old.
ii.It emphasises the importance of intellectual and moral solidarity in achieving lasting peace.
The UN and a Culture of Peace:
i.UNESCO and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) are pivotal in fostering intercultural dialogue.
ii.Their efforts extend to promoting a culture of peace and non-violence through practical projects in the areas of youth, education, media and migration.
2024 Events:
i.On 4th April 2024, a high-level event to mark the IDC 2024 was held at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA).
- The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the UN jointly hosted celebration activities.
ii.On 5th April 2024, a series of events were organised by the Non-governmental organization (NGO) in Consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the Mouvement de la Paix at Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
