The 27th Eurasian Economic Summit:
13 Leaders Ring the Bell to Send Wishes of Peace
In lieu of the pressing need for global stability through unity and cooperation among nations, the Marmara Group Foundation hosted the 27th Eurasian Economic Summit in 2024 under the theme “Overcoming Crisis, Building Stability: Collaborating to Build a More Inclusive World.” The summit took place at WOW Istanbul Hotel on February 21 and 22. The final forum on the second day, themed “From Crisis to Stability, Building an Inclusive World,”invited 20 current and former heads of state to participate in the discussion. From a national perspective, they all agreed that peace is the key to promoting prosperous development.
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was invited to hold a bell-ringing ceremony at the conference. In addition, FOWPAL co-signed “The Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope,” inviting everyone to gather their wishes and pray for the world. During the conference, a total of 13 important leaders from various countries rang The Bell of World Peace and Love. This conference was attended by nearly 300 politicians, diplomats, scholars, religious leaders, and business people from around 40 countries. A total of 13 leaders rang the bell at this conference. Six political and religious leaders including Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia (2012-2022); Boris Tadić, President of Serbia (2004-2012); Danilo Turk, President of Slovenia (2007-2012); Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the 274th Patriarch of Constantinople; Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta (2014-2019); and Ilir Metaj, President of Albania (2017-2022) rang the bell on the second day.
These leaders also wrote down their wishes for peace when they rang the bell. Borut Pahor, the former President of Slovenia, wrote, “Love, not hate.”Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the 274th Patriarch of Constantinople, wrote, “We pray and work for peace always and everywhere in the world.”Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the former President of Malta, wrote, “I wish that all the people of the world acknowledge the beauty of our diversity and celebrate it as one human family. Mutual respect can ensure a culture of formative peace, holistic wellbeing, and sustainable progress for all.” Ilir Metaj, the former President of Albania, wrote, “Hopeful for peace and freedom for all the people in the world.”
“Peace and love…” is the wish of Boris Tadić, the former President of Serbia. He also reminded us, “To prevent conflicts, it is necessary to understand the culture and different identities of others, and to respect each other. It is also important to understand which ethnic or social groups are prone to conflict at the appropriate time, and to prevent potential conflicts. This is very important.”
Danilo Turk, the former President of Slovenia, expressed his wish, “Brutal sanctions should be abandoned.”
For decades, Dr. Hong has led the Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group to visit 103 countries across five continents, holding bell-ringing ceremonies, World Leader Summit of Love and Peace, and cultural performances to promote the concepts of conscience, love, and peace. Until now, 544 important leaders from 146 countries have rung the bell and made wishes, including 70 heads of state and 9 Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Bell ringers who transcend different countries, races, and beliefs continue to exert their positive influence in their respective fields, collectively contributing to world peace.
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) also brought three declarations to this event: “The Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope,” ”The Declaration of International Day of Conscience,” and “The Declaration of World Prayer Day.” The attendees were invited to co-sign these declarations, jointly promoting conscience, prayer, and wishes to change the fate of mankind. Not only for ourselves, but for others, and for the safety and peace of the world. We unite in action, gathering positive energy to lead the Earth towards the path of sustainable development.