Photo:Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, led the FOWPAL delegation to Suriname to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience from October 9, 2024. They pose for a group photo in front of the Presidential Palace of Suriname. It is the 112th nation that FOWPAL has visited for cultural exchange.
October 13, 2024
Suriname, a vibrant nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, is celebrated for its multiculturalism, harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic groups, and its rich tropical rainforest resources. Notably, it is one of only two countries globally with negative carbon emissions. Against this backdrop, from October 9, 2024, the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL), led by its president, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, arrived in Suriname to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience. This marks the 112th country visited by FOWPAL in its global cultural exchange efforts.
At a time when the world is grappling with ongoing conflicts, border tensions, and the devastating impacts of climate change, Dr. Hong's message of peace is both timely and crucial. As humanity faces uncertainty and growing unhappiness, Dr. Hong emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body to cope with the rapid changes in the environment. In 2022, he issued the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope, establishing September 23 as a day to inspire global citizens to act with conscience and harness the power of hope for the safety and sustainability of the planet.
Photo:Members of the Suriname national football team endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope.
On the first day of their visit to Suriname, the FOWPAL delegation invited members of the Suriname national football team to endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope. As the world’s most popular sport, football has the unique power to promote health, well-being, and peace, as well as to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The players' endorsement of the declaration symbolizes their commitment to the power of hope and the strength of selfless, altruistic actions aimed at creating a better environment for future generations.
UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Marta Vieira da Silva once remarked, “Football unites the world.” In this spirit, the Suriname national football team’s participation underscores how sport can contribute to global peace and sustainability. Their actions reflect a willingness to cooperate for the benefit of their families, communities, and the planet.
Photo:Members of the Suriname national football team endorse the Declaration of World Day of the Power of Hope.
In addition to engaging with the football players, Dr. Hong and the FOWPAL delegation visited the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This former Dutch colonial town from the 17th and 18th centuries highlights Suriname’s dedication to cultural preservation, serving as a reminder of the nation's respect for its heritage.
Photo:Members of FOWPAL and the Suriname national football team pose for a group photo, radiating joyful and positive energy.
Dr. Hong emphasized the connection between cultural preservation, education, and economic prosperity. “A good culture fosters a quality education, which, in turn, drives a strong economy. A healthy economy leads to a high quality of life, which contributes to peace and prosperity,” he stated. He encouraged nations to embrace a culture of conscience and to integrate valuable elements from diverse cultures and education systems to promote positive economic growth, national harmony, and environmental sustainability.
Photo:The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral is a gem of the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From its thresholds to its towering spires, the entire structure is made of wood.
Through this visit, FOWPAL continues to champion the causes of love, peace, and sustainability, reinforcing the belief that global citizens, working together, can create a better, more harmonious world.