2024 International Conference of Chief Justices of the World
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze inspires all to apply their conscience and harness the power of hope to spread kindness
The 25th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World was organized by City Montessori School in Lucknow, India from November 20 to 24. On November 23, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) honored Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, the Manager of City Montessori School Society, with the World Education Contribution Award, celebrating her dedication to education as a mission for fostering global unity, peace, and goodwill.
Dr. Jagdish Gandhi devoted his life to education, founding the City Montessori School (CMS), which has grown steadily since 2007. Today, it serves over 60,000 students and staff, earning the distinction of being the largest school in the world and the first to receive the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education.
Dr. Gandhi valued education as a foundation for global understanding, encouraging students to engage in Model United Nations conferences to explore international issues and advocate for their futures.
Following Dr. Gandhi's passing in January 2024, his daughter, Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, continued his legacy with unwavering dedication. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, presented her with the prestigious World Education Contribution Award.
During the Conference, the FOWPAL delegation hosted the "World Leader Summit of Love and Peace," featuring a ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love. Distinguished guests who rang the Bell included: Diallo Mamadou Bathia, President of the Constitutional Council and former Minister of Defense of Mauritania; Ophrah Dorothy Kamanga, Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal of Malawi; Abdullah Abu Razizah, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Libya; Katalin Novák, former President of Hungary; and Maria Eugenia Lopez Arias, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Panama. Ringing the Bell symbolized their dedication to promoting love, peace, and global harmony.
In his speech, Dr. Hong highlighted the accelerating spread of dark forces wreaking havoc on the Earth in recent years, whether through natural disasters or human-made crises, resulting in devastating global challenges. Behind the death tolls from calamities and wars lie countless shattered families, accompanied by long-lasting repercussions and hidden threats.
Dr. Hong emphasized, "Conscience activates the power of hope, inspiring acts of kindness, which will guide people to stay away from persecution and disaster, and return to a world of happiness and goodness.”
He encouraged everyone to act with conscience and harness the power of hope to ensure safety and sustainable development for themselves, others, and the world. By uniting their collective strength, global citizens can transform their shared aspiration for peace into a tangible reality, he added.
Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams GCMG, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, received the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award. In an interview, he expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Hong for tirelessly promoting love and peace on numerous significant occasions. Sir Rodney also shared that he felt deeply honored to contribute to these meaningful efforts and extended his appreciation to his wife and colleagues for their daily support. He expressed hope that his endeavors would inspire others and help create a happier and more harmonious world.
After ringing the bell, Justice Diallo Mamadou Bhatia expressed his deep concern about the turbulent state of the world, emphasizing that both he and his country sincerely wish for peace for all peoples.
Justice Dorothy Kamanga expressed her hope that people would engage in harmonious interactions, avoid deceitful and negative behaviors, and instead cultivate an environment of support through uplifting and encouraging dialogue.
Justice Abdullah Abu Raziza prayed that God would bring peace to this world.
President Katharine Novak rang the Bell and stated, “I turn to God Almighty and pray that people understand the strength and impact of love not comparable to anything else.”
Justice Maria Eugenia Lopez Arias wished people to always act with their heart to fulfill the innocence of humanity.
The FOWPAL delegates encouraged all influential leaders to extend kind wishes to the world and actively promote love and peace, fostering a society rooted in harmony, sustainability, and prosperity.