"The Cultural Feast of Love and Peace" at the American University in Cairo
  
  In August 2002, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) and the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, was invited by Dr. Mamdouh Riad Tadros, Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, to take part in the First Egyptian-International Conference on Protected Areas and Sustainable Development held in Sharm El Sheikh. Since love and peace are the foundation of the sustainable future of the world, in addition to attending the conference, Dr. Hong led the "Love of the World, Peace Cultural Goodwill Group," formed by FOWPAL and the Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, both non-profit, non-religious, non-political and non-governmental organizations, to spread the message of love and peace. This group arrived in Egypt on October 20, 2002.  


Egyptian dance at the AUC

Egyptian dance at the AUC

Culture, the crystallization of wisdom of our ancestor, serves as a communication bridge that connects people and countries, and it crosses ethnic, national, language, and religious boundaries. International cultural exchange is not only a trend but also an avenue to international cooperation and world peace. During the past several years, this group has presented nearly 400 cultural performances and activities for public goodwill at different locations in America, Asia, Oceania and Africa. Joining together with people with the same ideal this group engages in activities with love as motivation. Through cultural exchange, this group brings together people's hearts and works for a peaceful coexistence between people and between countries, hoping that people will settle their disputes and conflicts with wisdom.

Cultural exchange---Tai Ji Men Miao Jian Dance Cultural exchange---Tai Ji Men Chinese Martial Arts

n Cairo, this group had successful performances in front of the great Pyramid of Giza and International Park Nasr City, sharing Chinese ancient culture with a lot of people who did enjoy the activity very much. Moreover, it co-hosted "The Cultural Feast of Love and Peace" with the American University in Cairo (AUC) at 11:00-12:00 a.m. on October 28. Mr. Thomas Bartlett, President of the AUC, rang the Bell of Peace during the event and made his wish for world peace during the event.

The Bell of Peace has collected commitments of world peace from heads of state and world leaders including eight heads of states, four Nobel Peace Laureates, and 90 world leaders in respective circles from various countries.


Dr. Thomas Bartlett, the President of AUC rang the Bell of Peace

In ancient Chinese wisdom, martial arts, a kungfu with heart and qi (energy), represents turning war into peace through wisdom. On October 28, this group presented martial arts combined with cultural performances, and students of AUC performed traditional Egyptian dance. When ancient Chinese culture met the magnificent Egyptian civilization, the performances left audients an unforgettable experience, which may happen just once in a lifetime.


Dr. Hong presented the Certificate of Honor to Dr. Bartlett and exchanged gifts.

In addition to the cultural exchange performances, a campaign to gather endorsements for "1999 Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace," "Association of World Citizens UN/NGO/DPI/ECOSOC, 2001 Peace Declaration, World citizens Assembly," and the "Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens" was also held at the same time at AUC. Many professors, staff, and students of AUC endorsed to support the concept that promoting human rights with love toward world peace is the responsibility of people all over the world.