The Bell of World Peace and Love Resounds in Colombia:
Colombia's Minister of Education and Deputy Minister of Justice Endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) has been promoting love and conscience, fostering a global culture of peace, and has visited over 100 countries worldwide. After completing its New York trip at the end of September, in early October, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, led the FOWPAL delegation to the vibrant region of Latin America. Following their participation in the EduComunidad 2024 in Ecuador, where Dr. Hong was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Education and delivered a speech at the event, FOWPAL traveled to Colombia. On October 7, they met with Minister of Education José Daniel Rojas Medellin and Deputy Minister of Justice Helen Ortiz Carvajal. Both leaders rang the Bell of World Peace and Love, made wishes for peace, and endorsed the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, encouraging people worldwide to join hands in changing the world.
Located in the northwest of South America, Colombia is the fourth largest country in Latin America, with Spanish as its official language. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country experienced a war against drug trafficking, which led to a rise in murder and crime rates. However, since entering the 21st century, Colombia has gradually improved its quality of life and security, becoming a popular tourist destination in the Americas.
In today’s turbulent world, stability and peace in Latin America are especially important. As early as 2005, then-President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernández, rang the Bell of World Peace and Love, wishing to promote world peace. Together with Dr. Hong, they turned the "Key to the World," symbolizing the initiation of love and peace by global leaders. In March 2008, when Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela were on the brink of war, President Fernández successfully mediated, using wisdom to avert the crisis, fulfilling the wish made when ringing the Bell and saving millions from the devastation of war. The FOWPAL delegation, following their visit to Ecuador, visited Colombia, which holds great historic significance for peace.
Dr. Hong led the FOWPAL delegation to the office of the Minister of Education, where they were warmly welcomed by Minister José Daniel Rojas Medellin and his staff. Minister Medellin is an economist, political activist, and politician in Colombia, and currently serves as an honorary professor at the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the National University of Colombia, as well as the president of Sociedad de Activos Especiales(SAE), which is affiliated with the Ministry of Finance. When Dr. Hong shared his paper from the EduComunidad 2024 in Ecuador, Minister Medellin expressed strong agreement. Dr. Hong also shared the idea that a good culture leads to a good education, and a good education leads to a strong economy. The two had a very pleasant and engaging conversation. Afterwards, the Minister rang the Bell of World Peace and Love and wished that schools would be safe havens, where the monster of war does not disturb any boy or girl, nor silence their smiles.
Dr. Hong also shared an important message to express his blessings for Colombia and the world: “Spreading the culture of conscience across the universe. Uniting the world in heart and solidarity. The clear sound of the Peace Bell reaches Heaven. May the world be filled with love and last forever.” Dr. Hong also presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to the Minister, explaining that it symbolizes time, direction, and goals, guiding people towards a bright path in life. It serves as a reminder to cherish time and practice conscience and good deeds in daily life.
Minister Medellin expressed his appreciation and stated that he felt deeply honored to attend the bell ringing ceremony and to be among the distinguished individuals who rang the Bell, symbolizing a shared hope for world peace. From his position at the Ministry of Education in Colombia, he expressed a commitment to channeling all efforts toward making schools, colleges, and universities environments of peace, striving to shield children from the devastating horrors of war.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Helen Ortiz Carvajal, who has over a decade of experience as a lawyer and has a unique perspective on judicial justice, was deeply moved after learning about FOWPAL's travels across six continents and the ancient bell, as well as the results of the bell-ringing ceremony in Ecuador. She then rang the bell and stated that the path to peace is through dialogue, empathy, solidarity, and love.
Dr. Hong had a cordial conversation with Deputy Minister Carvajal and her team, explaining FOWPAL's global efforts and achievements in promoting peace. They shared a common vision for peace, and Dr. Hong presented the Deputy Minister with a commemorative gift and the “Key to the Heart,” which symbolizes that conscience is the key to unlocking a brighter future for the world, encouraging sincere wishes for peace and actions, which can be spread through the sound of the Bell.
Minister Carvajal expressed her appreciation and stated that ringing the Bell brought a profound sense of peace and freedom, a feeling of great significance. From the perspective of the justice system and its operators, it is crucial to approach conflict resolution with empathy, solidarity, and love in the hearts. This mindset enables differences to be resolved through dialogue and compassion, rather than relying on judicial processes, which are often more complex and difficult.
For decades, Dr. Hong has led FOWPAL in promoting a culture of love and conscience through global cultural exchanges, bell-ringing ceremonies, and the World Leader Summits of Love and Peace. Colombia marks the 111th country FOWPAL has visited. In 2022, Dr. Hong declared September 23 as World Day of the Power of Hope, encouraging people to act with conscience and harness the power of hope for the safety and sustainability of themselves and others, allowing positive energy to guide the Earth towards sustainable development.