FOWPAL Embarks on Its 114th Global Journey of Peace,
Unveiling the Mystique of an Islamic Nation
For 25 years, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) has traveled tirelessly around the globe to promote the ideals of love, peace, and conscience. In April 2025, its World Peace Journey reached its 114th nation—Saudi Arabia. Led by FOWPAL President Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, a delegation of 26 volunteers visited numerous cultural landmarks from April 5 to 12, including ancient sites, mosques, museums, and world-class attractions. They also sailed across the Red Sea and paid a visit to the Emirate of Al-Madinah Province, where they shared the message of love and peace with local communities and invited them to endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope and the Declaration for Transparency and Integrity. The delegation further visited the historic Al-Shafi'i Mosque in Jeddah, a site with over a thousand years of history, engaging in meaningful cultural exchanges. In a serendipitous encounter, they also met H.R.H. Princess Wijdan F. Al-Hashemi of Jordan, creating precious moments that symbolized the passing on of love and peace.
April 6 – Diriyah Heritage
FOWPAL volunteers, dressed in martial arts attire and blue peacock costumes, posed with tour guides and representatives at the At-Turaif District in Diriyah. They presented the guides with Smile of Conscience Medals, to which the guides responded with heartfelt gratitude, saying that the volunteers are doing something truly remarkable.
Visit to Boulevard World Theme Park
At Boulevard World, a staff member at a live photo booth (center, in red) joyfully joined the delegation in dancing, creating a lively and cheerful scene.
April 7 – Visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Dr. Hong presented FOWPAL’s treasured and unique large-scale painting “A Wish” to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The artwork, imbued with warm sincerity, symbolizes a heartfelt prayer for heaven’s compassion and blessings of peace and harmony for all beings. The gift was received by Hanan Alyahya, the museum’s Visitor Relations Manager.
Hanan Alyahya, Visitor Relations Manager of the National Museum, expressed her delight at the delegation’s visit and presented an exquisite incense holder as a token of appreciation.
Visit to the Memorial Exhibition of the Late Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz
The delegation presented the Talal bin Abdulaziz Foundation with an artwork titled “Spring Has Come,” symbolizing the joy of renewal and vitality as nature awakens in spring. The gift was received on behalf of the foundation by Dr. Asem, its Secretary.
Visit to the Kingdom Arena
Delegation volunteers held silk umbrellas—symbols of a traditional culture of selfless service and peace—creating a historic silhouette inside the Kingdom Arena.
April 9 – Exchange at As Safiyyah Museum & Park, Medina
Dr. Hong presented the artwork “In Righteous Light” to the As Safiyyah Museum & Park in Medina, conveying the blessing that ‘when the heart surges with righteousness, light shines forth, dispelling darkness and guiding the path forward.’ The gift was received on behalf of the museum by guide Mohammed Sulaiman Al Hazmi and Dr. Sa’ed Ghanim.
The As Safiyyah Museum & Park expressed deep gratitude for the delegation’s visit and presented a Model of the Holy Ka'aba in return. The model is inspired by the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest pilgrimage site, symbolizing the center of faith and the source of peace. Inscribed on the model is the phrase “A Commemoration from the Land of the Two Holy Sites” (Arabic: لتبقى ذكرى من أرض الحرمين), referring to Mecca and Medina, conveying blessings and the continuity of faith.
Visit to the Emirate of Al-Madinah Province
Dr. Hong presented the Emirate of Al-Madinah Province with a specially symbolic artwork titled “Spring Brings Hope.” This piece conveys the message: ‘As spring warms the March skies and flowers bloom in vibrant colors, a beautiful heart opens the world, and hope quietly arrives,’ embodying the delegation’s spirit of goodwill and the promotion of love and peace.
April 10 – Visit to the Heritage Commission of Al-Sur Historic District, Yanbu
Dr. Hong presented the Heritage Commission of Al-Sur Historic District with an artwork titled “Colors of Hope.” The piece conveys the message: ‘Brimming with happiness and brightness, rejoicing together across the world.’ The gift was received on behalf of the commission by Center Manager Mr. Ammar Yasser Alshamrani.
At the Al-Sur Historic District Visitor Center, delegation volunteers performed a combination of dance and three songs—“We Can Change the World,” “Happiness Is Everywhere,” and “The Angel in Your Heart.” The performance conveyed the message that if everyone harbors an angel in their heart, the world can be transformed, spreading joy everywhere. Two museum staff members were moved to tears, expressing gratitude for the delegation’s exchange and wonderful experience, and praising it as a truly extraordinary act. Visitor Center Manager Alshamrani also expressed that such an exchange was truly amazing and wonderful, and that he hoped more people, like these young volunteers, could change the world.
First Red Sea Sailing Experience
Volunteers embarked on their first voyage across the Red Sea, excitedly raising the Flag of An Era of Conscience and waving various banners promoting love and peace, capturing a precious historic moment for the purpose of the trip.
April 11 – Floating Mosque
The delegation visited the renowned Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah, famously known as the Floating Mosque because it appears to hover above the water during high tide.
Visit to Al-Balad, Jeddah’s Old Town
During a visit to Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic old town, the delegation walked to the exterior of Al-Shafi'i Mosque and unexpectedly encountered H.R.H. Princess Wijdan F. Al-Hashemi of Jordan. Dr. Hong shared with the Princess the delegation’s mission of promoting love and peace in Saudi Arabia, and presented a special issue on the International Day of Conscience along with feature articles documenting Dr. Hong’s meetings with world leaders.
Endorsement Event at King Fahd’s Fountain
At the seaside park next to King Fahd’s Fountain, the world’s tallest fountain, volunteers shared messages of love and peace with visitors enjoying the night view, inviting them to endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope and the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity, receiving enthusiastic responses. When delegation volunteers explained FOWPAL’s mission of promoting love and peace to Madhad, an Egyptian working in Saudi Arabia, he expressed amazement, saying it was his first time experiencing such a positive atmosphere in the country and that the volunteers were lively, energetic, and warm-hearted. Madhad was pleased to learn more about FOWPAL and shared that he has been seeking similar humanitarian initiatives around the world, expressing his willingness to contribute if given the opportunity.
April 12 – Visit to Al-Shafi'i Mosque, Jeddah
The delegation arrived early in the morning at Al-Shafi'i Mosque, the spiritual center of Jeddah’s old town. Mosque guide Sheik Ahmed Bokhary welcomed the group, explaining the history of Islam from its origins to the present and the significance of the holy city of Mecca. Each volunteer received a handcrafted woven bag, a palm tree pin, and a Chinese-language Quran. Dr. Hong shared with the guide three essential life wisdoms—health, safety, and happiness—and presented a unique artwork titled “The Light That Illuminates the World.” The piece conveys the message: ‘A bit of love, a thread of hope, a spark of courage, and tiny rays of passionate red light weave the footprints that change the world. Like a soaring dragon, it blesses the earth, spreading light of hope amid the chaos of the universe, illuminating a better world.’
Dr. Hong presented the special issue on the International Day of Conscience to Al-Shafi'i Mosque guide Sheik Ahmed Bokhary, with both displaying bright smiles.
Guide Sheik Ahmed Bokhary expressed a warm welcome to the delegation, stating that Saudi Arabia is a peaceful country and a place for love for everyone. He emphasized that peace comes from the Creator, from Allah, and wished the delegation safety and mercy.
Sincere and Kind People of Saudi Arabia
Upon arrival in Yanbu, volunteers were sincerely and persistently assisted by hotel staff with their luggage. Although some items could be carried by the volunteers themselves, the staff smiled and insisted that helping with the luggage was part of their job, delivering everything to the rooms. When the volunteers offered tips, the staff politely refused, maintaining their warm smiles and reiterating that it was their duty. Their genuine kindness left a deep impression on the volunteers.
On the third-to-last day of the journey, the delegation arrived in Jeddah and checked into their hotel. That evening, volunteer Jinde (left) mentioned to hotel staff that he wanted to have laundry done. A staff member who had just finished work voluntarily offered to drive him to a nearby laundromat and assured him the cost would be low. After Jinde dropped off his clothes, the staff not only paid for the service but also firmly refused to accept any reimbursement, explaining that he considered the volunteers as friends, and friends should not be charged. His thoughtful gesture and genuine kindness left the volunteers deeply impressed by the warmth and sincerity of the people of Saudi Arabia.