The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit Concludes: Dr. Hong Steers the Course of Conscience with the Resounding Echoes of Peace
The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit, organized by the Marmara Group Foundation, convened from May 11 to 13, 2026, at the WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center. This prestigious event brought together statesmen, scholars, business leaders, religious figures, and civil society representatives from 48 countries worldwide to address critical global threats in the post-war era and collaboratively forge path-breaking solutions. On May 13, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) sustained this momentum by conducting a sacred ceremony of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love, delivering keynote addresses, and presenting cultural performances. Through these initiatives, FOWPAL urged global leaders to counter global crises with conscience, infusing crucial positive energy into the realization of global sustainable development.
The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit served as an open platform for critical deliberations on energy, trade, and geopolitics. Enriched by the participation of FOWPAL, the summit offered a profound perspective of conscious awakening rooted in its core theme, "Global Responsibility," while inspiring leaders from all sectors to collaboratively reflect on the essential font of sustainable development.
On this momentous day, three prominent international leaders rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and articulated their wishes for global harmony. Among them, W. Cole Durham, Jr., President of the G20 Interfaith Forum Association, rang the Bell and declared his vision: "We need to bear in mind the costs of silence and the costs of illusions if we are to prevail in the struggle for peace." In a subsequent interview, he further expressed that, speaking as the head of the G20 Interfaith Forum worldwide, they are highly conscious that elements like transparency, peace, unity, and conscience are vital if they are to truly have the kind of effects they desire to see in the world.
Ionuț Vulpescu, former Romanian Minister of Culture, rang the Bell with the wish for "continued efforts in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding." General (Ret.) Marius Eugen Opran of Romania also rang the Bell, proclaiming, "With friendship and hope that we'll meet again in the future!"
At the gala dinner, Dr. Hong rang the Bell nine times for the world, a sacred ceremony punctuated by his three profound wishes: "First Wish: May Everyone’s Conscience be Awakened; Second Wish: May true love, unity and cooperation prevail; Third Wish: May there be everlasting peace in the world." Through this powerful invocation, he guided the distinguished guests to unite their benevolent intentions, creating a collective moment of serene reflection and prayer for Türkiye and the entire world.
Lin Chin-En , a volunteer from FOWPAL, recounted that moment Dr. Hong struck the Bell, the attention of the distinguished guests was instantly captivated. As if guided by an unspoken consensus, the room fell into a reverent silence, with everyone deeply focused throughout the nine powerful reverberations. Lin shared that he, too, profoundly felt the serene tranquility and the boundless, infinite energy radiating from each chime.
To date, a total of 690 prominent leaders from 159 nations have rung the Bell of World Peace and Love, including 89 heads of state and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Moving far beyond the ritual, numerous global leaders have translated their sacred wishes into concrete actions, pioneering transformative initiatives that foster peace within their respective countries and regions, thereby inspiring infinite hope for global harmony.
Boris Tadić, former President of Serbia (2004–2012), expressed strong support for and endorsed the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity. In a subsequent interview, he illuminated the critical essence of transparency, observing that it fosters predictability within an otherwise entirely unpredictable world. He emphasized that prioritizing and strengthening this predictability constitutes a profoundly righteous endeavor. Expressing deep concern over a troubling global trend, Tadić noted his alarm at seeing an increasing number of politicians focus heavily on preparing for warfare and emerging conflicts. He underscores the existential necessity for leaders to fully comprehend their immediate environment and context, while actively championing all peace-oriented institutions—explicitly recognizing FOWPAL as one of those vital pillars.
Sercan Sahan, Corporate Communications Specialist for the Elvan Group, stated that the world truly needs peace now more than ever. He noted that people are genuinely feeling extremely weary, especially of the wars and conflicts experienced recently, emphasizing that this not only impacts the economy but also deeply touches the human conscience. Consequently, Sahan expressed that there is a real need for conscience and empathy now more than ever. He further remarked that what these friends from FOWPAL are doing here is exceptionally beautiful and meaningful.
That day, volunteer Claudia Huang delivered a speech titled "Conscience, Integrity, and Transparency: Foundations for Peace and Prosperity." Speaking from the perspective of a law enforcement professional, she explored how to implement integrity and transparency based on love and conscience, thereby promoting economic prosperity and international peace. Huang recalled that during her tenure as a prosecutor, Dr. Hong of FOWPAL had reminded her of the profound importance of conscience. Consequently, when handling cases involving vulnerable groups, she was able to listen mindfully to the statements of both victims and defendants, applying wisdom and conscience to clarify facts and make appropriate judgments, thus exercising her capacity to uphold justice and rectify wrongs within her official duties. She believes that her profession entails far more than merely debating in court or drafting legal documents; rather, it demands a deeper understanding of the vital importance of human rights. For this reason, she has also actively participated in legal and tax reform initiatives, promoting the protection of taxpayer rights.
Huang pointed out that governments must begin with their own integrity. She noted that the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity promoted by Dr. Hong mentions that "transparency is the cornerstone of trust and collaboration" and that "integrity is the foundation of ethical conduct, reflecting sincerity, honesty, and accountability. Individuals and organizations alike must honor their commitments and live by moral principles to protect social justice." Huang explained that these principles illustrate the fundamental blueprint for the operation of a state apparatus, embodying the conscience of national leaders and institutional designers. Furthermore, she believes that world peace and economic relations are inextricably linked. When a nation can safeguard human rights and establish a fair legal system, it can foster economic prosperity; in turn, a stable economy builds trust internationally and reduces conflicts.
That evening, volunteers from FOWPAL presented a captivating display of Eastern cultural performances. The martial arts formation, symbolizing stopping conflicts and promoting goodness, demonstrated the spiritual state of resolving warfare through wisdom. The lotus flowers, symbolizing perfection and auspiciousness, along with the evergreen pine branches and cranes representing longevity, offered blessings of endless vitality and continuous happiness to all, welcoming a more brilliant future together. Sprightly youth volunteers performed the "Dragon-Horse Dance," using the spirit and courage of galloping toward goals to inspire leaders to join hands in forging a shared peaceful future for humanity. Furthermore, the young volunteers sang "We Can Change the World," hoping to break through challenges alongside leaders from various sectors through love and the power of vows in their hearts, grasping hope to transform the world with love, ensuring sustainable peace and global co-prosperity. Accompanied by enthusiastic Black Sea folk music (Karadeniz şarkıları), the volunteers danced traditional, vibrant steps together with local attendees. Seamlessly blending as one, they shared the joy of cultural exchange, bringing the summit to a perfect and harmonious conclusion.
Cheng Jyun Yang mentioned that when singing and dancing the "Dragon-Horse Dance" alongside other youth volunteers while dressed in vibrant orange Energy costumes, the overflowing vitality became mutually infectious, filling him with profound joy and prompting him to perform with exceptional vigor. He added that while singing, he earnestly wished to convey his entire heart and intent to the world. Seeing the expressions of the audience members below the stage visibly softening, he felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
Graduate student Ting Yu Li expressed that after the banquet concluded, guests even took the initiative to approach them and dance together. She reflected that this occurred because of their sincere sharing, which inspired the guests to willingly open their hearts and connect with them. Furthermore, she deeply felt that despite cultural differences, a heart-to-heart exchange can bring everyone remarkably close together.