WE HAVE A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PEACE & SUSTAINABILITY

Today (April 5) is the International Day of Conscience, a day that serves to remind us of the profound impact that ethical awareness and moral responsibility can have on global peace and harmony. It’s a day for us to reflect on the importance of conscience in shaping a more compassionate and just society.

Conscience is a moral insight that guides our conduct or intentions with a feeling or obligation to do right or be good. To have a conscience is to have an awareness of whether our actions are right or wrong. As such, this significant day is also an opportunity for individuals, communities, organisations and corporations to review and think about their actions and decisions that can make a difference in our world.

Today let us be inspired to take meaningful steps to live right, to act with empathy and uphold values that contribute to the greater good. Policymakers should advocate for ethical leadership; businesses should strive for safe practices, act ethically, and be socially and environmentally responsible; civil society can educate and raise awareness; and individuals can engage in acts of kindness.

Act for Humanity. Having a conscience is crucial in establishing justice and fostering a world where justice prevails. This goes hand in hand with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. Heads of nations can reflect on their moral compass and awaken the deepest part of their humanity to stop gross human rights violations and protect dignity of victims in war-torn and conflict-riddled countries. For stability, well-being and friendly relations to manifest, there must first be a deep desire to practise kindness and show compassion for mankind. This must be followed by good governance.

Cultivate Tolerance. To promote peace and harmony, it is crucial for everyone to strongly feel the need to cultivate awareness about various cultures, religions and beliefs, and to know the importance of tolerance. Only then can we have a shared sense of understanding and cooperation and build a better and meaningful world for ourselves and others.

Protect Public Health. Do away with irresponsible industry practices. Exporting of plastic waste to developing nations (the “South”) by developed nations (the “North”), for example, is unethical and should not be repeated. It burdens the environment and public health of the South, while allowing the North to evade its own waste. There must be integrity in corporate decisions, and this is only possible with mutual respect – and a conscience to not create ills for others.

Save the Environment. Approximately 42 million trees are cut down each day, which amounts to a staggering 15 billion trees each year. By reducing paper consumption, choosing recycled or responsibly-produced wood products, and advocating for tree planting and conservation efforts, we can all be part of the movement to protect and care for forests.

Be Kind to Animals. Many animals suffer from neglect, abuse and exploitation at the hands of humans. Let’s treat animals with respect and kindness. Like humans, they are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, fear, joy and love. Let’s not forget that animals are an integral part of our world, contributing to its balance and biodiversity.

Help the Less Fortunate. Being kind to others creates a happier and more compassionate world. Russian author Leo Tolstoy, author of the acclaimed novel ‘War and Peace,’ once said, “If you feel pain, you’re alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you’re a human being.”

We have a collective journey towards a harmonious and sustainable world and every small step makes a difference. Let’s draw inspiration for positive change from the past and strive to act and live more mindfully. Let our every thought and action align with compassion, kindness and love.

Today and every day, let us commit to the promotion of greater tolerance, understanding and dialogue to uphold human rights and justice, and foster world peace. Together, through collective conscience, we can improve ourselves, our communities and the world, to build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang

Letter to the Editor, 5 April 2025