The Bell of World Peace and Love Rings in Kazakhstan
Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group Central Asia tour marks the start of its global mission
In recent years, global temperatures have repeatedly reached new highs, and extreme weather events have become more frequent. Combined with international tensions, these factors have severely impacted human life and resources. In this moment of crisis, the importance of world peace and security is even more evident.
In July of this year, the Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group, which has completed its 104-country tour, embarked on a new journey. On August 6, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the leader of Tai Ji Men, led the group on a journey to five Central Asian countries, with the first stop in Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country. The delegation visited the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation, the Dutch Embassy in Kazakhstan, and Almaty Management University. During the visit, Nicolaas Jacob Schermers, the Dutch Ambassador to the five Central Asian countries, rang the Bell of World Peace and Love, and wished for peace in Kazakhstan and around the world. Additionally, Sholpan Tazabek, Vice President of Almaty Management University, signed the "Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope," expressing a commitment to work together for sustainable global development.
The Bell of World Peace and Love is the spiritual symbol of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL). On the 8th, Dr. Hong, accompanied by volunteers, visited the Dutch Embassy in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. They specially invited Nicolaas Jacob Schermers, the Dutch Ambassador to the five Central Asian countries, to ring the Peace Bell, making him the 555th person to do so. This event marks a significant milestone in the global journey of love and peace.
During the bell-ringing ceremony, Dr. Hong first explained the significance of the ritual: "The beauty of the earth awakens conscience; the beauty of the human heart brings wishes to fruition; the righteous energy of heaven and earth spreads throughout the universe; and in a harmonious state, purity, kindness, and beauty prevail." Nicolaas Jacob Schermers then rang the Peace Bell and made a wish: " I wish much courage to people to work for peace, every day again！" Dr. Hong presented him with the "Key to the Heart," symbolizing the key to unlocking the soul and representing the release of the power of love, to commemorate this special moment.
When Nicolaas Jocab Schermers learned that Dr. Hong is 81 years old and still so active, he was amazed and remarked that the delegation is truly an impressive group of people. He wished Dr. Hong success in the important mission of spreading peace and love. Dr. Hong also shared FOWPAL’s long-term efforts in leading volunteers from around the world to advance the ideals of love, peace, and conscience, emphasizing the importance of love, peace, and cultural education. Nicolaas Jocab Schermers expressed strong agreement with these ideas.
The delegation also visited the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation in Kazakhstan, where they were received by KAIPOVA Botagoz, Deputy Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan. KAIPOVA Botagoz welcomed the delegation and expressed great interest in the continuous efforts of FOWPAL at the United Nations to promote world peace, deeming it an outstanding endeavor. The foundation presented Dr. Hong with a book introducing the museum; and the staff provided a detailed explanation of the structure of the foundation's historical building, which includes three main areas: the arts, library, and museum. The Presidential Center Museum primarily showcases the contributions of Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, during his tenure after the country's independence, as well as his life experiences, including his growth, education, and career. The museum also features Kazakhstan's history and commemorative artifacts presented to the former president by foreign heads of state and important dignitaries.
Against the backdrop of global efforts to reduce carbon footprints, Kazakhstan is actively developing renewable energy. Dr. Hong and the Cultural Goodwill Group also visited the Museum of Future Energy in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. The museum's deputy director, Nariman Aubakirov, quickly formed a rapport with Dr. Hong and provided a full tour of the museum.
Tiffany, a member of Cultural Goodwill Group, remarked that due to the presence of the international airport, most travelers converge in Kazakhstan's former capital, Almaty. She expressed admiration for the foresight of the president at the time who decided to relocate the capital to Astana. She noted that the decision to use Japanese urban planners and invite several internationally renowned architects, without the constraints of the old capital's legacy, was key to transforming the city into a completely new modern metropolis.
Almaty Management University is a higher education institution in Almaty, Kazakhstan, primarily focused on cultivating talent in the field of economics. It is one of the earliest business schools in Kazakhstan. The delegation made a special visit to this institution to promote the importance of conscience and education. They were warmly welcomed by Vice President Sholpan Tazabek, Head of the International Department Aliya Akpayeva, and International Development Manager Mukasheva Aisara.
Sholpan Tazabek discussed the importance of incorporating sustainability into the school’s education. She strongly agreed on the importance of conscience, noting that sustainability and attention to human rights go hand in hand. She expressed hope for future opportunities to continue collaborating with FOWPAL, and signed the "Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope." On behalf of the delegation, Dr. Hong presented gifts, including the Compass of Conscience and an International Day of Conscience special issue. The "Compass of Conscience" symbolizes the guidance toward a bright path in life, reminding people to seize the time and practice conscience and good deeds in their daily lives.
Sholpan Tazabek stated that love and peace are the foundation of society and the world. Therefore, she expressed her gratitude to Dr. Hong and FOWPAL for the extremely important work they are doing, which she believes is the key to ensuring safety. She emphasized that world peace is built on the efforts of those who promote peace. Regarding the concept of conscience, she mentioned that conscience is the foundation of peace, and that whatever we do, we must follow our conscience. This is why people must become more aware of their own actions.
During an interview, Aliya Akpayeva, the Head of the International Department, mentioned that living in the 21st century is the best time for humanity and brings great happiness. People should remember simple values, such as having a conscience in daily life. Although these values are both simple and extremely important, they are often forgotten. She urged people to have more gratitude for life, as we are fortunate to live in such a wonderful era with such a beautiful existence. She expressed her pleasure in seeing the delegation’s visit.
Love of the World Cultural Goodwill Group’s journey of love and peace in Central Asia began in Kazakhstan, marking the 105th country visited by the delegation. In this region, rich in cultural heritage and diverse ethnicities, the delegation engaged in a series of meaningful exchanges. They hope to unite more like-minded friends and continue advancing the cause of global friendship, peace, and sustainable development.