Combating Global Crises with Conscience:
Bell of Peace Rings at Eurasian Economic Summit to Unite Global Goodwill
The 29th Eurasian Economic Summit was grandly held from May 11 to 13, 2026, at the WOW Istanbul Hotel in Türkiye, hosted by the Marmara Group Foundation. Centered on the core theme of "Global Responsibility," this year's summit focused on how to collectively pursue peace and a sustainable future in a post-war world fraught with war, terrorism, conflicts, and forced migration. Political, diplomatic, economic, and religious leaders from nearly 50 countries gathered to jointly seek solutions to global challenges. Invited for the fifth time, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) attended the grand event, presenting a spectacular opening performance, delivering vital speeches, and participating in forums.
The opening ceremony took place on the morning of May 12, featuring an opening address by Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation. Dignitaries, including the President of Türkiye, the President of Uzbekistan, and Nobel Laureate Professor Aziz Sancar, expressed their congratulations and support. Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, led a delegation of 74 international volunteers to participate in the summit.
In his remarks, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze stated that as the environment continues to deteriorate, it becomes even more vital for the human heart to maintain stability and balance. He emphasized that the "heart" is the foundation of everything; only with a kind heart can subsequent actions and influences create a virtuous cycle, thereby injecting the power of peace and hope into the world.
FOWPAL international volunteer Yu-Ling Lin delivered a speech titled "The Future of Innovation and Sustainability Begins with Love, Conscience, Transparency and Integrity." She shared how following Dr. Hong to promote love, peace, and conscience worldwide has inspired her life. It was Dr. Hong's guidance that prompted her to seriously reflect on the impact of AI on future development. Standing at the forefront of rapid emerging technology development, she realized that "innovation" is a double-edged sword. When AI is used correctly, it can accelerate medical research, predict diseases, enhance education, and even help bridge resource inequalities. However, when directed wrongly, it can equally be used for precision strikes in warfare, manipulating information, and creating false realities. As mentioned in the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity initiated by Dr. Hong: Sustainability begins with peace, and peace begins with conscience. In this rapidly spiraling world plagued by frequent wars, love, conscience, transparency, and integrity are the remedies to save the world.
Following the screening of the summit's opening video, FOWPAL international volunteers presented the "Fire Phoenix" dance and "The Power of Peace and Love" performance. This artistic display, symbolizing the energy of rebirth, hope and peace, echoed the current global situation of war, conflict, and turmoil, as well as the summit's theme focusing on humanity's shared future and global responsibility. The highly infectious dances and songs allowed attendees to feel the warmth and positive energy conveyed by love and peace.
A solemn and sacred Ceremony of Ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love was also held at the venue, aiming to awaken human conscience through the chime, consolidate kind thoughts and true love, and pray for world peace and the co-prosperity of all living beings on Earth. On that day, six international leaders rang the bell and made wishes for peace:
Nikolche Jankulovski, Deputy Minister of Finance of North Macedonia, expressed his profound hope, stating that his wish is "a world without wars, green economy and without poverty."
Jadranka Kosor, former Prime Minister of Croatia, made a wish for "Love for all!"
Marek Belka, former Prime Minister of Poland, emphasized that "Peace is the value, is the essence of success and happiness."
Prince Radu of Romania extended his gratitude to FOWPAL, stating, "Thank you for your valuable work, and for your inspiration, commitment and generosity!"
Dumitru Braghiș, former Prime Minister of Moldova, underscored that "The most important for human beings is health and peace. I wish peace to everyone, especially nowadays."
Dimitris Avramopoulos, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, voiced his aspiration for "a world in peace, solidarity and democracy."
Having previously rung the Bell of World Peace and Love in 2023, Ali Ouhmid, President of the African Court of Mediation and Arbitration (CAMAR), specially presented the Certificate of Honor and Merit to Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze. This was in recognition of his remarkable contributions and sustained efforts to promote world peace, as well as his exemplary commitment, constant dedication, and actions in favor of peace, tolerance, and fraternity among peoples. During his interview, Ali Ouhmid shared that he had personally decided to present this award to Dr. Hong as a symbol of honor and high value, emphasizing that Dr. Hong truly deserved greater recognition. He further praised Dr. Hong as a man of peace who continuously fights for global equality, security, and a world without war, while tirelessly working to ensure that democracy and human rights are fully respected.
He also shared that the African Court he presides over is not merely an institution for handling investor-state disputes and resolving conflicts; it also promotes global economic, cultural, sports, and social development. Regarding social issues, it encompasses combating poverty, eradicating impoverishment worldwide, promoting security and peace, and safeguarding children's rights, among other vital values. This, he noted, embodies the true significance of the trophy.
During the evening banquet, Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation, was presented with the "FOWPAL Distinguished Contribution Award for Global Peace and Cooperation" by Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, recognizing his long-term dedication to promoting peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding in the Eurasian region, as well as his remarkable contributions to advancing international cooperation and cross-cultural harmony. Concurrently, Mr. Sezgin Bilgiç, Secretary-General of the Foundation, received the "FOWPAL Culture of Peace Contribution Award," acknowledging his enduring efforts and significant achievements in promoting peace, cross-cultural exchange, and international friendship.
To honor Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze’s outstanding contributions through his lifelong dedication to promoting love and peace, as well as his steadfast support and continuous attendance at the Eurasian Economic Summit, the Marmara Group Foundation specially commissioned a custom oil portrait of Dr. Hong. Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Foundation, alongside Dr. Mutlu Erbay, one of the creators of the artwork, personally presented the portrait to Dr. Hong as a symbol of their highest esteem.
In addition to a spectacular performance by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Orchestra (IMM City Orchestra), FOWPAL meticulously curated a series of cultural presentations. Among them, the martial arts formation was centered on the Eastern martial spirit of 'stopping conflict and promoting goodness,' demonstrating the power to counter chaos, safeguard righteousness, and defend justice through their synchronized and fluid movements.
FOWPAL volunteers also dynamically blended strength and grace to interpret the imagery of a phoenix spreading its wings. Symbolizing a rebirth from the ashes along with resilient and fearless wisdom and hope, the performance conveyed a positive belief in purifying negative energy, breaking through the darkness, and welcoming the light, encouraging people of the world to move forward hand in hand to become better versions of themselves.
Furthermore, young FOWPAL volunteers performed the modern dance 'Song of Conscience,' awakening the world’s conscience through their singing and dancing. Teenage volunteers then performed 'Happiness Is Everywhere,' filling the venue with vibrant and joyful energy, while spreading optimism, hope, and peace, bringing the summit to a warm and hopeful conclusion.