FOWPAL Celebrates First International Day of Hope with Global Leaders in New York
Uplifting messages, cultural unity, and international recognition highlight a joyful and powerful celebration
In honor of the first-ever United Nations-designated International Day of Hope, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) hosted an unforgettable event in New York on July 10, 2025, uniting world leaders, diplomats, and peace advocates in a shared celebration of peace, conscience, and sustainable development.
Honoring the Origins of the International Day of Hope
The evening opened with heartfelt welcome remarks by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, who emphasized the transformative power of hope. “‘Hope’ is a reflection of the heart’s aspirations—and even more, a steady inner force that propels us forward. But hope can only be realized through genuine action. It is the ‘power of hope’ that transforms vision into reality—a selfless energy that arises from within and is devoted to the greater good. The greater our vision of hope, the broader the circle of positive energy it creates. Such a vision calls for courage and fearless, unwavering action to provide it with strong and lasting support,” he said.
Dr. Hong’s long-standing collaboration with H.E. Mr. Teburoro Tito, the current UN Ambassador and former President of Kiribati, has been central to advancing a global culture of peace with love and conscience. Since 2018, the joint efforts of FOWPAL and Kiribati helped lead to the UN’s adoption of the International Day of Conscience in 2019. Building on that momentum, in 2022, the Permanent Mission of Kiribati and FOWPAL co-authored a draft resolution focused on the “power of hope.”
On March 4, 2025, Ambassador Tito presented the resolution to the UN General Assembly, declaring, “Today, Kiribati stands before this assembly with a profound belief in the power of hope, a force that has carried humanity through the darkest of times and propelled us toward a future of possibility, resilience, and renewal."
On the very same day, the landmark resolution was officially adopted by the UN, designating July 12 as the International Day of Hope. In recognition of Ambassador Tito’s lifelong dedication to peace, conscience, and humanity, Dr. Hong honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a commemorative painting, and a special citation.
Ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love
Another highlight of the evening was the powerful Bell of World Peace and Love ceremony. Dr. Hong rang the Bell nine times and made three heartfelt wishes: “May everyone follow their conscience, and the world will be at peace. May everyone act on their aspirations, and love and hope will shine. May everyone uphold integrity, so we may share in prosperity and spread the truth together.”
International Day of Hope Book Launch
To commemorate this historic occasion, FOWPAL released a special edition publication dedicated to the International Day of Hope, acknowledging the crucial role of the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to the United Nations and the support of other nations that led to the UN’s official designation of this meaningful day. Visionary leaders—including Kiribati’s current UN Ambassador and former President Teburoro Tito, former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, former President of Ecuador Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, and 1997 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jerry White—jointly signed a symbolic board representing conscience as a guiding force and hope as a beacon of light, celebrating the launch of the special edition. This powerful ceremony not only reflected the shared values of conscience and hope but also symbolized a united global vision for advancing peace and sustainability.
Distinguished Remarks from Global Leaders
The evening also featured inspiring speeches from prominent international figures. Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the Pan African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa at the UN, remarked: “From combating climate change to managing shared water resources, from fighting pandemics to promoting peace and security, the benefits of cooperation far outweigh the costs of division. But cooperation alone is not enough. We need hope . . . When we act with hope, we not only transform our lives, but also inspire others to do the same.”
H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe shared that when he entered the room, he immediately sensed a powerful atmosphere—a great energy, a palpable presence of peace, serenity, and care. He emphasized the importance of making a positive impact, stating, “You can leave your legacy by the world you influence, by the things you do. And I think the best way to leave a legacy is uniting for peace. And a great example for this is Dr. Hong.” Highlighting the significance of the International Day of Hope, he added, “Let's expand this day and have a peaceful, beautiful world.”
Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, Founder of A Time for Truth Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hong and FOWPAL for organizing the event, for bringing positivity into the world, and for the beautiful cultural performances. Acknowledging the many challenges and problems facing the world—particularly those affecting children and youth—he emphasized the importance of the International Day of Hope. He urged everyone to work together to give the younger generation a hopeful and bright future.
Gloria Starr Kins, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of SDR and a longtime journalist who has covered the UN since 1957, shared heartfelt reflections, expressing admiration for the ongoing efforts to address global issues such as sanitation. She emphasized the importance of dignity and humanitarian support, and expressed deep gratitude for attending the event, calling the experience “wonderful.”
Jerry White, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, delivered inspiring remarks, stating, “When we're in a room like this and we vibrate together in concert, it brings forth the sounds and the harmonies. So it's simple. We vibrate. And it's a wonderful thing.” He encouraged everyone to take meaningful action, urging, “Make your vibration count!”
Council Member Quantavia L. Hilbert of Orange, New Jersey, presented a citation to Dr. Hong in recognition of his courage and compassion in promoting peace and uniting people from all walks of life under the banner of dignity, understanding, and harmony.
Dr. Samarth Joseph, Founder and CEO of ESPOIR Youth Programs, presented Global Peace Awards to Dr. Hong, Dr. Hugues Sanon, and H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, honoring their dedication to spreading love, peace, and conscience globally. Additionally, Ambassador Tito received special recognition from Dr. Hugues Sanon, representing COJEP International.
Ambassador Tito delivered heartfelt remarks, stating, “We are all human beings, we are all brothers and sisters, we are created to be happy. But we are not happy nowadays, more and more people are not happy. Why? Because they've lost their humanity. I think now we gather ourselves to say that we are all brothers and sisters, we are all humans, we want to continue to be promoting the good humanity. Good humanity is within each one of us. We are born with that.” He called on everyone to take meaningful action, urging, “The world is in trouble. Let's fix it. Let's come together and fix it.” In recognition of his inspiring contribution to humanity, the audience responded with a joyful cheer, shouting in unison, “Hip Hip, Hooray! Hip Hip, Hooray!”
Compass Clock of Conscience Presentation
Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to Wanaïma Latortue, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the UN; Kalkidan Tamiru Tesfaye, Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the UN; and Christel Rodrigues da Costa from the Security Council Secretariat Branch of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The presentation of the Compass Clock emphasized the urgency of timely, conscience-driven decisions and actions in addressing global challenges and fostering peace, justice, and sustainable development.
Notable Guests
Among the many distinguished attendees were Bircan Unver, Founder-President of The Light Millennium; Naaz Farhana, President of Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Sacha Bisa Amari, Chief Consul/Founder of Dr. Werled Group; Bishop Lubin Moise, Founder of Mount Sinai Worship Center; Dr. Charles S. Waters, Founder and Senior Pastor of Kingdom Faith Global Ministries; David Young, Musician, Author, Artist, and Channeler; and Paul Sladkus, Founder of Good News Corporation.
Cultural Performances Uplift and Inspire
The celebration overflowed with joy and inspiration as FOWPAL presented an array of uplifting cultural performances. Powerful martial arts demonstrations, symbolizing peace and inner harmony, captivated the audience with precision and strength, drawing thunderous applause.
Equally moving were the musical presentations, including performances of “We Can Change the World,” “Song of Hope,” “The Power of Peace and Love,” and “Happiness Is Everywhere.” The heartfelt melodies and powerful lyrics moved the audience, stirring deep emotion and reflection. Laughter, joy, and unity filled the hall, affirming the powerful role of culture in conveying messages of love, peace, and hope.
A Milestone for Humanity
The celebration of the International Day of Hope marked a major milestone in the global peace movement. It reminded the world that conscience, hope, and collective action are the pillars upon which a brighter and more harmonious future can be built—for current and future generations alike.