Dr. Hong Receives International Recognition for Promoting Conscience and the Power of Hope for World Peace
In a chaotic world, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), persistently champions the causes of “conscience” and “the power of hope” through various international conferences and dialogues with leaders across diverse fields, and he has received recognition from cross-national and religious communities. This year, Dr. Hong had a significant meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople during the 27th Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by the Marmara Group Foundation in Istanbul, Türkiye, on February 21 and 22. They exchanged ideas on promoting the culture of peace with love and conscience. Dr. Hong was also instrumental in the United Nations’ adoption of the International Day of Conscience.
At the summit, FOWPAL was honored to conduct a bell-ringing ceremony, where 13 distinguished leaders from different countries rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and made wishes for peace. Among these leaders were former presidents of various nations and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, upon ringing the Bell, expressed, “We pray and work for peace always and everywhere in the world.” Dr. Hong and the Patriarch shared a meaningful exchange, underscoring the importance of peace and conscience.
Continuing his advocacy for global peace, Dr. Hong co-organized the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace at the UN Headquarters in New York on April 4, 2024, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the UN. This event celebrated the International Day of Conscience. The summit, themed “Amplifying the Power of Hope for a Better World,” highlighted the significance of the “Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope.” Representatives from 23 countries attended the event, which was broadcast live globally via UN Web TV, emphasizing the widespread impact it has garnered over the past three years.
In his remarks, Dr. Hong emphasized the critical need for "the power of hope" in addressing the world’s ongoing challenges. He stated, “At this critical moment when the world continues to face emerging challenges, we earnestly propose the necessity of ‘the power of hope.’ The power of hope turns our choices and decisions based on conscience into self-commitment and positive action, making us willing to overcome all difficulties. As we maintain confidence, patience, and perseverance, provide mutual assistance and reminders, we will find a clear and correct direction amid complex issues. By harnessing the collective power of hope of everyone, we can accelerate towards the bright path of a better tomorrow.”
The summit also featured insights from Deputy Prime Minister Redzepi of Kosovo, former heads of state and government, UN ambassadors, and other influential leaders. Among the notable participants was the Director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Rev. Protopresbyter Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, who shared their thoughts and recommendations for global peace and sustainability.
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, initiated the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, urging the global community to act with conscience and harness the power of hope for global security and sustainability. Since the global endorsement initiative began in November 2022, people from 164 countries had signed the declaration by May 2024. Through these events, Dr. Hong and FOWPAL continue to inspire and mobilize global leaders towards a future grounded in peace, love, and conscience.