2015 International Forum on A Culture of Peace in celebration
of International Day of Friendship at Tai Ji Men
In recognition of the International Day of Friendship, the “2015 International Forum on A Culture of Peace” was held on Aug. 1 at the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy in Los Angeles, to promote better understanding and respect among people. At this joyous event, co-organized by the Federation of World Peace and Love, Association of World Citizens, and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, experts, scholars, and international youth volunteers shared their thoughts on how to make our world a better place.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered a message for the 2015 International Day of Friendship: “On this International Day of Friendship, let us strengthen bonds among individuals and generate greater respect and understanding in our world.”
The “2015 International Forum on A Culture of Peace” was kicked off by the presentation of a film which showed that through cultural exchanges precious friendships have been created among peoples of the world. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men, said in his welcoming remarks, “When we have heart-to-heart cultural exchanges, we transcend the barriers of nationality, race, language and religion to build a heartfelt friendship that extend beyond space and time….As we embrace a culture of peace and put it into practice, we will usher in a positive future for the next generation.”
Dr. Rene Wadlow, president of the Association of World Citizens, sent his best wishes for the event and mentioned, “Although there are still many world tensions and local wars as in the Middle East, the idea of friendship among all the peoples of the world could become a real force for cooperation.”
Throughout the event, there were cultural exchanges such as colorful and lively performances including: Tai Ji Men members singing, “The Angel in Your Heart,” and Grupo Congo Istmeno de Panama, a cultural group of Congolese Panamanians.
Dr. Antonio Gellini, founder of the Family Film Awards and Olympia Awards shared his experiences and deep appreciation for cultural diversity, having lived in 23 nations and is fluent in English, Farsi, Hebrew, Italian, Afghani, Totki, and Arabic. He shared how Tai Ji Men has inspired and brought out the best in him and how he uses films and arts to promote mutual understanding, love, and respect among people, making our world a better place for all.
Munni Irone, a philanthropist, author, educator, businesswoman, TV host, and Hollywood celebrity shared her experiences of traveling around the globe and meeting many world leaders and prominent figures in various fields, and she considers Dr. Hong the most balanced and greatest leader. She believes that Tai Ji Men is the most harmonious and happy organization that she has ever seen. She has a 7-year-old grandson named Zain Irone, who is highly gifted, scoring at 99.99 % on an intellectural assessment. Munni, wishing to help him become a future leader, took him to the event and signed him up for the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy. She believes that an intelligent child especially needs to learn the wisdom of balance to get equipped to be an outstanding leader.
Erwin Grifis and Lorraine Grifis of Grupo Congo Istmeno de Panama remarked that they had learned a lot at this wonderful event and would start from themselves to make positive changes around them. Kayque Ruan Borbosa, a college student from Brazil, mentioned that it is important to listen to one’s conscience and do to others what you wish them to do to you.
The event concluded with all attendees singing a peaceful song called “We Are One World” and took a group photo with the “An Era of Conscience” banner to record the new precious friendships.