Photo: Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, right, shakes hands with Fritz Jean, former Prime Minister of Haiti and a member of its Transitional Presidential Council, before Jean rings the Bell of World Peace and Love.
FOWPAL Hosts Bell of World Peace and Love Ringing Ceremony to Bless the World
January 28, 2025
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States in a globally anticipated ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda. This marked the first time in 40 years that the event was moved indoors, due to an Arctic blast that blanketed the capital in freezing temperatures.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including former U.S. presidents, vice presidents, high-ranking government officials, and foreign dignitaries such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Prominent leaders from various sectors also attended, with the tech industry represented by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, formally marking Trump’s return to the White House. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of the Federation of World Peace and Love, led FOWPAL delegates from Washington, Philadelphia, Seattle, New York, North Carolina, and the Greater Los Angeles Area and the Bay Area in California to participate in this historic occasion.
In his inauguration address, President Trump declared the start of "the golden age of America," emphasizing his vision to create a proud, prosperous, and free nation. He expressed confidence that America would become "greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before" while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Trump outlined his commitment to immediately restoring integrity, competence, and loyalty in government, aiming to deliver hope, prosperity, safety, and peace to all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background.
Speaking on the day being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Trump honored King’s legacy, vowing to strive toward making his dream a reality. He highlighted plans to address critical issues such as trade, immigration, and urban law and order. Stressing his aspiration to be remembered as a "peacemaker and unifier," he urged citizens to work together, asserting that collective efforts could achieve any goal and fulfill any dream.
A series of celebratory events followed, including official concerts, a parade, luncheons, and inaugural balls, along with interfaith prayer services. Non-governmental organizations also hosted events to commemorate this historic moment.
Photo: Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, left, receives Global Peace Award from Dr. Agorom Dike, founder and president of African and Caribbean International Leadership Conference for promoting peace, love, conscience, and the power of hope.
One of the notable celebrations was the "World Leaders Peace and Harmony Inaugural Ball and Concert" held at the Capital Hilton Hotel. Organized by the African and Caribbean International Leadership Conference, the event promoted love, peace, and conscience. The conference's founder and president, Dr. Agorom Dike, presented Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, with the Global Peace Award in recognition of his efforts to promote peace, love, conscience, and the power of hope, as well as his contributions to fostering healing and transformation within the global community. During the event, Dr. Hong delivered the keynote speech and presided over the solemn Bell of World Peace and Love ringing ceremony, underscoring the importance of conscience-driven leadership.
Photo: Dr. Hong reveals the meaning of ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love at the World Leaders Peace and Harmony Inaugural Ball and Concert in Washington, Jan. 20, 2025.
Reflecting on the severe challenges facing the world, including natural disasters, regional conflicts, and ongoing wars, Dr. Hong stated, “The darkest times often present the greatest opportunities for transformation. The chances to alter humanity's destiny lie in the hands of each of us. In the face of natural and man-made disasters, we must not place blame on others or fate. Instead, we must act with conscience, discern right from wrong and truth from falsehood, and actively perform good deeds to selflessly benefit all living beings. This is the ultimate remedy to save the world.”
Dr. Hong further encouraged leaders to embrace conscience as a guiding principle, saying, “The fate of global citizens is deeply interconnected. If everyone follows their conscience, fulfills their roles with conscience, acts with integrity, and strives for mutually beneficial outcomes, we will have the opportunity to create a brighter, more hopeful future for the world!”
Four influential leaders rang the Bell and made wishes for peace. Fritz Jean, former Prime Minister of Haiti and a member of its Transitional Presidential Council, rang the Bell and wished to end the violence in Haiti and in the region and to make the world a better place for humanity to evolve in peace.
Ambassador Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and former Ambassador of Belize to the U.S., rang the Bell and wished that “we can all eventually agree to work together to combat climate change!! We owe it to our children!!”
Photo: Amb. Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, left, receives the “Key to the Heart” from Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL. The key symbolizes that a visionary leader plays a vital role in shaping the world’s future.
Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador (Ret.) of Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S. and Mexico, rang the Bell and stated, “My wish is unified determination, collaboration and courage to break down the walls of hatred and division and build bridges of peace, justice, compassion, understanding and mutual respect. Every voice matters. We must work together to unite across borders, cultures, and ideologies. Let us leave this world a better place than we met it.”
Photo: Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador (Ret.) of Trinidad and Tobago to the U.S. and Mexico, left, receives the “Key to the Heart” from Dr. Hong. The key symbolizes that a visionary leader plays a vital role in shaping the world’s future.
Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, a singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader, rang the Bell and wished everyone to “know the love of Jesus and be free in Him.” She is known professionally as Sinach and is the first singer-songwriter to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12 weeks in a row.
Photo: Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, a singer, songwriter, and senior worship leader, left, is posed to ring the Bell of World Peace and Love, as Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, looks on.
To date, 608 distinguished individuals from 155 countries, including 76 heads of state and 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, have rung the Bell, spreading messages of unity and hope worldwide.
During the event, Dr. Hong presented the Compass Clock of Conscience to various leaders. The clock represents time, direction, and purpose, reminding everyone to seize opportunities to follow their conscience and perform good deeds. FOWPAL members performed the captivating “Golden Phoenix Dance,” symbolizing compassion and courage, and delivered an uplifting song “Happiness Is Everywhere,” inspiring unity and hope. Their martial artists electrified the audience, encouraging acts of conscience and goodwill to spark a positive ripple effect for global peace. The evening also featured inspiring performances by artists such as Jumbo Aniebiet, Papa San, Minister Sinach, Chevelle Franklyn, and Dr. Agu G. Uchechukwu.
Photo: FOWPAL presents the graceful Golden Phoenix Dance. Through this enchanting performance, embodying the Phoenixes’ compassionate and loving energy, FOWPAL wishes everyone safety, health, happiness, and all the best in 2025.
FOWPAL’s dedication to promoting peace spans over two decades, with over 10,000 cultural exchanges and performances in 113 countries aimed at uniting hearts and spreading messages of love and conscience. Additionally, FOWPAL was instrumental in the United Nations’ declaration of April 5 as the "International Day of Conscience," a milestone inspiring action for a sustainable future.
As the United States embarks on this new chapter in its history, FOWPAL’s bell-ringing ceremony in Washington, D.C., stands as a powerful symbol of hope and unity, rallying global citizens to work together for a brighter and more harmonious world.