Grand Opening Ceremony of 2001 World Citizens Assembly

The 2001 World Citizens Assembly officially began at 3:00 pm on March 30 on the 12th floor of the Grand Hotel in Taipei. The ceremony commenced with the song "Love of the World." Over 600 honored guests participated, including Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Mattern, Dr. K. Elaine Valdov, Chairman Ex-Officio, Executive Committee of NGOs Affiliated with United Nations DPI, Mr. Rene Wadlow, Permanent Representative of AWC to the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. George Papaf, Chairman of AWC India, H.E. Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, Ambassador of Grenada to the UN, Mr. Benjamin "Frank" Venti, Former Mayor of Monterey Park, Mrs. Venti, Mr. Robert Huff, Mayor of Diamond Bar, Mrs. Eugenia Chen, acting on befalf of the mayor of Los Angeles, Mr. Richard Wayne Ogle, former U.S. Diplomatic Officer, H.E. Mambury Njie, then Ambassador of Gambia to Taiwan, Mr. James Latham, Reporter for Radio for Peace International in Costa Rica, and so on. The delegates were from over 50 countries around the world, and represented various peace, human rights, environmental protection, and academic organizations. A delegate from each of five continents greeted the group, giving special significance to the theme "One World." The event was a success.

Vice President of R.O.C. Lu Hsiu-lien spoke on behalf of the 23 million people in Taiwan, welcomed all the participants, and expressed her profound expectations and goodwill toward WCA 2001. In her speech, she indicated that the efforts of the UN in promoting world peace have crossed the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco, and taken root in Taipei. She also mentioned the pursuit of love and peace by the people of Taiwan.

During the opening ceremony, a special video of AWC was played to remind all participants of the importance and urgency of promoting world citizenship. With peace, prosperity and love as its mission, this historic assembly promoted the strength of peace through unity to reach constructive resolutions.

Date: March 30, 2001
Venue:The Grand Hotel, Taipei
Organizer: Association of World Citizens
Host Committee: AWC Taiwan and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
Co-Sponsor: Federation of World Peace and Love