The International Day of Conscience is observed on April 5th each year. It was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, in recognition of the role of conscience in promoting peace, justice, and respect for human rights.

The Day of Conscience encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to promote ethical behaviour and decision-making, and to prioritize values such as compassion, empathy, and integrity in all aspects of life.

The day also honours the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who is recognized as a champion of conscience and nonviolent resistance. Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, or “truth force,” emphasized the power of peaceful resistance and moral courage in achieving social change.

Observing the International Day of Conscience provides an opportunity to reflect on our personal and collective values, and to commit to taking action that aligns with our conscience and promotes the greater good.

Theme

The International Day of Conscience does not have a specific theme for each year. However, the overall theme of the day is to promote the importance of conscience in promoting peace, justice, and respect for human rights. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize ethical behaviour and decision-making, and to uphold values such as compassion, empathy, and integrity in all aspects of life.

The International Day of Conscience also honours the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, who is recognized as a champion of conscience and nonviolent resistance. His philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized the power of peaceful resistance and moral courage in achieving social change, serves as an inspiration for the day’s message.

The day provides an opportunity for individuals and communities around the world to reflect on the importance of conscience in navigating the challenges of the modern world and building a more just and sustainable future.

First observance of International Day of Conscience

The first observance of the International Day of Conscience took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for global solidarity and ethical leadership. The day provided an opportunity for individuals and communities around the world to reflect on the importance of conscience in navigating the challenges of the pandemic and building a more just and sustainable future.

Quotes for International Day of Conscience

Here are some quotes related to the International Day of Conscience:

• “In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Conscience is the inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking.” – H.L. Mencken
• “The only tyrant I accept in this world is the still voice within.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
• “Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience.” – James Freeman Clarke
• “One person of integrity can make a difference.” – Elie Wiesel
• “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” – Cesar Chavez
• “Conscience is the compass that guides us in life.” – Unknown.