FOWPAL Inspires Global Unity and Action at the Ambassador’s Peace Ball in Washington, D.C.
Upholding Transparency and Integrity Through Conscience and Hope
Amid growing global challenges, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), in collaboration with MAC/BAN Corp, Patricia Professional Photographer, and CICA International University & Seminary, co-hosted the Ambassador’s Peace Ball in Washington, D.C., on October 28, 2025. Holding this event at such a critical moment in the world’s political center carries profound significance. The gathering brought together ambassadors, diplomats, NGO leaders, and peace advocates from various nations to exchange insights and actions on promoting peace and sustainable development.
Dr. Hong’s Call for Conscience-Guided Governance
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, delivered powerful opening remarks, emphasizing, “When we follow our conscience and make transparency and integrity the guiding principles for action, democracy can be revitalized.” He continued, “When those in power uphold integrity and act according to their conscience, they can greatly reduce the problems and biases arising from human subjectivity, enhance institutional effectiveness, and strengthen public trust and confidence in governance.”
Dr. Hong added, “Transparency allows people to see the truth, and integrity allows them to believe in it. By restoring these two interdependent values, we can reshape a better world, fostering warmer and more trusting human relationships.”
Reflecting on Dr. Hong’s speech, Ambassador Frederic Edem Hegbe of Togo to the United States said, “Let's be inspired by what Dr. Hong is doing. What he's doing tonight is for you, is for all diplomats. We have to be inspired to unite the world. We have to be inspired by his words to do good for humanity. You know, humanity is facing many challenges. Tonight, through his discourse, through his speech, I learned a lot. We, ambassadors who represent our countries, we have a big heart of the work he is asking us to do.”
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa of Sierra Leone to the United States commented on the values of transparency and integrity, saying, “I think it's very important that we work in transparency, openness in whatever we do, in our relationships, in our work ethics, and also in our diplomatic overtures and we maintain transparency. And of course, integrity strikes at the very core of our morality, and of what we strive to do, and bringing out honesty, bringing out trust, and bringing out faithfulness in everything that we do.”
Honoring Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze
The celebration paid special tribute to H.E. Dr. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, former African Union Ambassador to the United States, whose tenure concluded in August. Many dignitaries attended the event to honor her, including Ambassador Dragan Šutanovac of Serbia to the United States and Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama of Zambia to the United States. Jan Du Plain, an experienced embassy liaison in Washington, D.C., invited dignitaries from various nations to share messages of goodwill for Ambassador Suka-Mafudze. H.E. Frederic Edem Hegbe, Ambassador of Togo to the United States, remarked that Ambassador Suka-Mafudze and he are friends, not only colleagues, and wished her all the best in her future endeavors and good health.
In a heartfelt farewell, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze expressed deep gratitude for the friendship and collaboration she experienced in Washington, D.C. She noted that friendship was the foundation that made her work meaningful and impactful. She extended appreciation to Dr. Hong for his partnership and stated that the ringing of the Bell of World Peace and Love represents courage, compassion, and collective action toward peace. She affirmed the shared mission of promoting understanding, unity, and peace among nations, and expressed hope to continue these efforts globally.
Endorsement of the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity
A highlight of the evening was the joint signing of the Declaration of Transparency and Integrity by Dr. Hong and Ambassador Suka-Mafudze. The Declaration calls on individuals, organizations, and nations to uphold transparency and integrity as essential foundations for peace and sustainable development.
To date, influential leaders and citizens from 148 countries, including ambassadors to the United Nations and the United States, former heads of state, government officials, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, have endorsed the Declaration.
Dr. Hong and FOWPAL initiated the UN-declared International Day of Conscience and International Day of Hope, and they are now calling for global support to promote the Declaration and advocate for the adoption of the International Day of Transparency and Integrity by the United Nations. These three international observances—fostering conscience-guided governance, a healthy economy, mutual assistance, and universal love—aim to build a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze Receives the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze rang FOWPAL’s Bell of World Peace and Love in September 2023 and collaborated with FOWPAL to promote global peace and sustainability. In recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing African unity and international cooperation, Dr. Hong presented her with the FOWPAL Peace Bell Award.
As Ambassador of the African Union to the United States, Dr. Suka-Mafudze played a critical role in fostering partnerships between Africa and the world, promoting shared prosperity and stability on behalf of the 55 member states of the African Union. Her vision and unwavering commitment to peace and human dignity continue to inspire people around the world.
Bell Ringing Ceremony for Peace
Amid a spirit of unity, Dr. Hong was invited to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love nine times to bless the world. Each resonant strike spread powerful positive energy throughout the hall as he made three heartfelt wishes: “First wish: May transparency and integrity be upheld and practiced.
Second wish: May our Earth endure in everlasting sustainability. Third wish: May all living beings dwell in eternal peace.”
Four ambassadors to the United States also rang the Bell. Ambassador Henri Etoundi Essomba of Cameroon stated, “Best wishes for a peaceful world.”
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa of Sierra Leone stated, “I wish there will be peace everywhere.” Acknowledging the conflicts across the globe, he expressed his hope for “peace in Gaza, Ukraine, DRC, Sudan, CAR, Mali, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Haiti, etc.” Reflecting on the ringing of the Bell, he added, “It was so breathtaking, it was so peaceful, and it served as an awakening call to all of us to strive for peace in the world.”
Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin of Saint Kitts and Nevis wished that “all people will love and cherish each other and the gift of life and learn understanding, charity, and acceptance.”
Ambassador Frederic Edem Hegbe of Togo stated, “I wish all the best for all people of the world. Peace, fraternity, unity, and especially love and solidarity.”
To date, 656 prominent figures from 158 countries have rung the bell and made heartfelt wishes for peace, working together for the world’s sustainable future. Among them are 83 heads of state and government, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, UN ambassadors and officers, and other visionary leaders.
Recognitions and Cultural Exchange
Dr. Hong presented Certificates of Cultural Exchange to the co-organizers of the event—Ambassador Rev. Dr. Devon Bannister, President of MAC/BAN Arts, and Patricia McDougall—and presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to several leaders, symbolizing conscience as humanity’s guiding compass for timely goodness and ethical action.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to global peace, Dr. Hong was honored by Rev. Dr. Devon Bannister, Pro-Chancellor of CICA University & Seminary, on behalf of CICA University & Seminary, as a Fellow of the Most Excellent Order of International Experts (FOIE).
For nearly six decades, Dr. Hong has led his dizi (apprentices) in volunteer efforts promoting love and peace worldwide. Under his leadership, FOWPAL has made concrete and profound contributions to the United Nations for more than two decades and has visited 120 nations across six continents, including goodwill missions to five Central Asian countries, Saudi Arabia, fifteen Central and South American nations, and regions of Western, Central, Northern, and Southern Africa. Most recently, Dr. Hong led FOWPAL on visits to five Caribbean nations and Brunei, continuing to spread messages of conscience, love, and peace.
Peace Through Art and Friendship
The evening also featured vibrant African drumming and music, along with the uplifting song “The Power of Peace and Love” by FOWPAL members, inspiring compassion and unity among attendees.
The Ambassador’s Peace Ball celebrated friendship among nations and reaffirmed the shared belief that all people are one global family. FOWPAL continues to host monthly virtual programs on its International Conscience Day YouTube channel, highlighting themes of conscience, hope, transparency, and integrity. Dr. Hong’s full speech from the event will be featured on the channel. FOWPAL invites everyone to follow their conscience, embrace hope, and uphold transparency and integrity to create a peaceful and sustainable world.