Leaders Ring the Bell of Peace at the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit,
Calling for a New Era of Global Peace
The 28th Eurasian Economic Summit was held on May 7–8, 2025, at the WOW Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye. With the theme “A More Humane World – Dialogue for a Livable World,” the summit convened high-level leaders from across sectors and continents to discuss key global issues including the economy, energy, the digital realm, artificial intelligence, health, and ecology. The final forum on May 8, titled “Peaceful Solutions, Restoring Peace,” featured several current and former heads of state offering insights and proposals on how national leadership can promote global prosperity through peace. On the same day, the “Bell of World Peace and Love” ringing ceremony was held. Leaders from various fields rang the bell and made heartfelt wishes for a harmonious and prosperous world, symbolically blessing global peace efforts.
In alignment with the forum’s theme of peaceful solutions, H.E. Moncef Marzouki, Former President of the Republic of Tunisia, stressed the need to maintain high spirits and actively fight for peace. He called for coordinated efforts to protest war, support victims, denounce crimes and war criminals, and collectively build lasting peace. H.E. Emil Constantinescu, Former President of the Republic of Romania, underscored the vital role of education in fostering a culture of peace and emphasized its development at the civil society level.
For the fourth time, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was invited to participate in the summit. During the “Peace and Dialogue” session on May 8, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, delivered a keynote titled “Love, Conscience, and Action: Illuminating Hope and Peace.” He emphasized that promoting conscience-based education to build a culture of conscience and peace, along with establishing systems rooted in transparency and integrity, are key conditions for igniting hope and achieving harmonious and sustainable development.
The summit attracted approximately 650 participants from 44 countries, including political, diplomatic, economic, educational, and cultural leaders, as well as religious figures and representatives from the business and academic sectors. That evening, FOWPAL hosted a special Bell of World Peace and Love ringing ceremony during the summit banquet. Distinguished guests who rang the bell and expressed their wishes for global peace included Dr. Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC); Chief Rabbi of Türkiye, Rav David Sevi; renowned Turkish historian and former Director of the Topkapi Palace Museum, İlber Ortaylı; and Mr. Mahir Yağcılar, former Minister of Public Administration of Kosovo.
Dr. Asaf Hajiyev, Secretary General of the PABSEC, wished for global peace and prosperity. Chief Rabbi of Türkiye, Rav David Sevi, expressed hope that love and peace would always bring goodness to our beautiful world. Renowned Turkish historian and former Director of the Topkapi Palace Museum, İlber Ortaylı, shared his desire for peace across both North and South. Mr. Mahir Yağcılar, former Minister of Public Administration of Kosovo, wished peace for all people and the world.
Earlier that day, Dr. Hong also presented specially curated paintings as tokens of goodwill to several distinguished individuals, including Chief Rabbi of Türkiye Rav David Sevi, renowned Turkish historian and former Director of the Topkapi Palace Museum İlber Ortaylı, former Minister of Public Administration of Kosovo Mahir Yağcılar, North Cyprus Turkish Republic Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, and Vice President of the Marmara Group Foundation Cafer Okray. Through these artworks, Dr. Hong shared his blessings and inspired greater positive energy for building a peaceful new world.
In the face of global challenges—including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, frequent outbreaks of disease and natural disasters, and Türkiye’s recent devastating earthquake—FOWPAL’s cultural goodwill delegation delivered a heartfelt performance during the banquet. Their presentation offered blessings to Türkiye and the world. Portrayed as conscience warriors transcending time, the performers embodied the light of hope, fusing spirituality and technology to envision a brighter future. Through ethereal singing, angels of love guided the audience toward inner awakening and inspired the purest human kindness. Their voice conveyed messages of love and hope, uplifting spirits and inspiring courage in the quest for peace. A group of dynamic youth volunteers,transformed into Energy Boys and Energy Girls,energized the stage with bright smiles and spirited dance, filling the room with joy and positive energy.
In an interview, Marmara Group Foundation Vice President Cafer Okray expressed his honor in presenting a medal to Dr. Hong in recognition of his dedication to world peace. He noted that the relationship between FOWPAL and the Marmara Group Foundation began nearly three years ago and expressed hope for its continued growth. Receiving the artwork at the banquet was a pleasant surprise for him, as he had not expected to see such beautiful art from the Far East, specifically Taiwan. He expressed his gratitude for the gift. Mr. Okray also praised the youth volunteers, noting their consistent improvement over the years. He congratulated them on their outstanding performance, stating that their ongoing commitment holds great promise for a future of peace and international friendship.
North Cyprus Turkish Republic Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu also shared his impressions, expressing delight at being part of the Marmara Foundation event in Istanbul and meeting FOWPAL members. He described the experience as “wonderful,” highlighting the energy, love, and respect conveyed by FOWPAL. He highly praised the volunteers, saying they did a fantastic job and the energy they demonstrated was truly remarkable.
For decades, Dr. Hong has led FOWPAL’s cultural goodwill delegations to 114 countries across five continents, organizing bell-ringing ceremonies, World Leader Summits of Love and Peace, and cultural performances to promote the universal values of conscience, love, and peace. To date, 632 prominent leaders from 158 nations—including 80 heads of state and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates—have rung the Bell of World Peace and Love, collectively contributing powerful positive energy toward global peace and a sustainable future. During this summit, declarations for the World Day of the Power of Hope, the International Day of Conscience, and Transparency and Integrity were also promoted—each reinforcing the commitment to building a harmonious world grounded in conscience and love.