April 5: International Day of Conscience

Céline Arétin, culture, women's issues and environment correspondent, April 5, 2025

What is the International Day of Conscience?

The International Day of Conscience, celebrated every year on April 5, is an initiative adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019 (resolution A/RES/73/329) aiming to promote a culture of peace based on values of compassion, integrity and respect for human rights. This day encourages governments, organizations and citizens to reflect on their ethical responsibilities and to act to resolve conflicts through dialogue.

What is conscience?

Conscience refers to the ability to perceive, understand and analyze one's own thoughts, emotions and behaviors, as well as one's environment and social interactions. It encompasses individual conscience, which allows for greater self-knowledge, and collective conscience, related to sensitivity toward others. A well-developed conscience allows for better stress management and improves the quality of interpersonal relationships. According to a study published by the University of California in 2020, regularly practicing mindfulness reduces anxiety by 38% and increases empathy in nearly 70% of participants.

How to develop your conscience every day?

Developing your conscience involves regular practices such as meditation, mindfulness, keeping a personal journal, or gratitude exercises. Regularly taking time for yourself, away from technological distractions, also helps strengthen your inner connection. According to a study conducted by Harvard University in 2020, meditating for just 10 minutes a day reduces stress by 30% and improves concentration in 8 out of 10 people. Mobile apps such as Petit Bambou or Headspace make this daily practice easier. In addition, regularly reading books devoted to personal development, such as "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, is another way to strengthen individual conscience. Other books, such as "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, also offer advice for deepening personal conscience. Finally, taking part in discussions or group workshops centered on positive psychology also allows for sharing ideas and better understanding the different aspects of conscience.