FOWPAL’s Peace Bell Rings in Times Square for International Day of Peace 2025
Dr. Hong Calls on the World to Embrace Hope, Transparency, and Integrity for a Sustainable Future
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. At a time when conflicts and unrest continue in many parts of the world, the aspirations for peace resonate louder than ever. This year’s International Day of Peace was commemorated with diverse events across the globe, including a major celebration in New York City’s Times Square.
The Good News Corporation organized the Times Square event, featuring a full day of music, dialogue, and cultural sharing. Broadcast live to countless viewers worldwide, it brought together organizations and individuals committed to spreading love and peace.
Paul Sladkus, President of the Good News Corporation, welcomed everyone and reminded the crowd that peace is the presence of dialogue, justice, compassion, and cooperation. He also connected peace to environmental care, emphasizing that without protecting Mother Earth, lasting peace cannot be achieved. He highlighted New York’s role as a global stage, noting that hundreds of thousands of people pass through Times Square daily, making it the perfect place to spread the message of peace and unity. He stressed that peace, love, and compassion are universal values, and that what happens in New York resonates worldwide as part of the larger global story.
The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was invited to participate in this global gathering. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, delivered a keynote speech, sharing three heartfelt wishes: “May everyone awaken their conscience, discern right from wrong, and work together with transparency, integrity, and mutual love. May the power of love spread across the world, inspiring each of us to act with courage and wisdom, to do good deeds, and to ignite the light of hope. May global citizens turn their aspirations into action, creating a future of peace and sustainability.” He urged everyone to “act now and build a peaceful world together!”
FOWPAL also presented an uplifting song titled “The Power of Peace and Love,” reminding participants that peace and love can heal pain, break down barriers, and inspire compassion.
Another highlight of the day was the ringing of FOWPAL’s Bell of World Peace and Love. Dr. Hong explained the meaning of the ceremony, sharing that conscience is the driving force for positive change, urging united action to realize hopes and safeguard human rights. He noted that with transparency and integrity, humanity can come together, inspired by the Bell’s call, to let hope shine and create a brighter future. He rang the Bell nine times, expressing his heartfelt wishes for world peace. This was followed by a meaningful “Meditative Minute of Silence,” inviting all attendees and people around the world to pause at noon to send their kind wishes for global peace and harmony.
With the conviction that transparency and integrity are essential values for individuals, communities, and nations in building a peaceful and sustainable future, FOWPAL members invited attendees to endorse the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity.
Dr. Hong has dedicated more than two decades to leading FOWPAL on self-funded cultural and peace missions to 120 nations, promoting love, peace, conscience, and hope. He initiated the UN-declared International Day of Conscience and the International Day of Hope. In 2023, he received the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing 1.2 million hours of volunteer service by Dr. Hong and FOWPAL members in the United States.
Many people of diverse backgrounds participated in the Times Square celebration, sharing their personal visions for peace. A. Kane, from New York City, shared, “It’s important to be transparent and have integrity and believe in world peace and focus on doing good things for the world.”
Ydanis Rodríguez, Commissioner for the New York City Department of Transportation, remarked, “We should say no to war, yes to peace. We should say no to hate, yes to love, and let's figure out how we can work together.”
Chef Divya Alter reflected on peace in everyday life: “Peace begins not at the conference table or the treaties; peace begins at the dining table at home. . . . Food is the glue that keeps our bodies healthy. So the more we live a healthy lifestyle, the more we have a healthy mindset. And when we have a healthy mindset, we think peacefully.”
The International Day of Peace 2025 celebration in Times Square stood as a powerful reminder that through love, conscience, hope, and integrity, humanity can come together to heal divisions, inspire change, and build a lasting culture of peace.
