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The International Organization New Acropolis (IONA) celebrates both
events and invites every citizen to take part in one of the numerous
activities which many institutions and associations have organized
worldwide.
The 1948 Declaration
In 1998, the General Meeting of the IONA emphasizing "(...) the need to continue to spread, on a worldwide level, the principles of dignity and respect for the human being, as contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (...)" and recalling that "(...) the founding principles of the IONA are identical in spirit and similar in the letter to the principles set down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (...)" already decided:
1. To commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in all the countries where branches of the OINA exist, by promoting specific activities aimed at underlining the fundamental value of the Human Being and respect for his dignity.
2. To reject intolerance of any kind and to take the Universal Declaration as a paradigmatic example of Humanity's concern for the protection of Human Rights, which should be extolled, and to redouble its efforts in this area (2)
In March 2008, the General Meeting of the IONA emphasized that " (...) fifty years of uninterrupted activities in the service of philosophical thought, culture, international understanding, tolerance and protection of the environment (...)" demonstrate the IONA's constant and effective support of the principles of the 1948 Declaration (3).
World Philosophy Day
New Acropolis Canada takes part in the 7th World Philosophy Day celebration not only agreeing with the stated objectives to "contribute to making philosophy even more accessible to the greatest number" and to "continue to foster independent and critical thought" (1) but also being motivated by its constant objective to recall and promote that philosophy is first and essentially "love of wisdom"
It is the love of wisdom that drives men and women, that makes them open their eyes upon the world, that tears them away from a selfish isolation, that sparks within them a healthy inquisitiveness and concern for others, leading them to seek and discover truths which are practical and applicable to their lives. Love is a powerful drive and when love leads to wisdom, many inner doors open, until then locked and unknown.
In March 2008, the General Meeting of the IONA reported that
" (...) In the framework of World Philosophy Day, which on the initiative of the UNESCO is celebrated all over the world, the OINA has set up a wide-ranging program of commemorative activities relating philosophy to the arts, history and the promotion of philosophical values and ideas, in addition to its other wide-ranging activities which are also featured in the Yearbook published by the institution (4)
(and) To reaffirm its intention to continue to work for the development of philosophy as a way of life, with the aim of attaining a higher degree of social conscience and self-knowledge. Also to continue to act in the field of culture, since, as we have already pointed out on many occasions, the cultural expressions of humanity provide a foundation for better human relationships and a better understanding and rapprochement between nations. And to continue to promote volunteering as an expression of unselfishness and solidarity between the different parts of society, which will help to strengthen the bonds of harmonious coexistence and respect within a framework of mutual co-operation and support (3)"
(2) http://acropolis.org/Resolucion/Display_Resol.aspx?lang=eng&year=1998
(3) http://acropolis.org/Resolucion/Display_Resol.aspx?lang=eng&year=2008
(4) http://acropolis.org/event2008/event2008.aspx?sec=dmf&lang=eng
