About WCA 2001 > Cultural Activity with 5,000 Performers...

Cultural Activity with 5,000 Performers Viewed Bt 20,000 global Representatives

The Cultural Feast of World Citizens aims to convey that every human being is a world citizen, and with our will and actions, we can decide the destiny of the globe. Both President Chen Shui-bain and Vice President Annette Lu attended the feast. President Chen arrived at the Taipei Municipal Stadium at around 4:30 pm. Welcomed by inspiring drumbeats and applause, President Chen indicated the pursuing the value of human rights and democracy makes it possible to reduce conflicts among humanity and attain world peace. Vice President Lu arrived at around 5:15 pm for the "Ceremony to Pray for World Peace." She rang the Bell of Peace, put her commitment for peace into action. With "Love of the World" as the inspiration and through cultural activities, we hope to unite the hearts of all people, and learn to respect out differences so to create a culture of peace for the 21st century.

The feast began with a review of the procession of Tai Ji Men dizi(similar to students) with grand formations of flags, drums, dance and martial arts, which were brought by thousands of people. The performance displayed the culture of and the profound tradition between shifu and dizi. Through the cultural activity, we hope to spread the spirit of the highest level of martial arts, which is to cease war with wisdom, throughout the world.

The Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) was the host committee for this event. Through the pure and ancient ceremony of ringing the Bell of Peace, the emblem of FOWPAL, we hope to unite significant leaders from the public and private sectors to make their commitment in striving together for world peace. During the ceremony, Dr. K. Elaine Valdov received the "World Peace and Love" Prize from Dr. Hong Tao Tze, President of FOWPAL. Dr. Valdov has a Ph.D. in Therapeutic Counseling from the International Open University for Committee of NGOs Affiliated with the United Nation s Department of Public Information, was Vice Chairperson and Member of the Executive Steering Committee of the Millennium Forum - "Strengthening the UN for the 21st Century, "was Co-Convener of "The 1999 Seoul International Conference of NGOs: The Role of NGOs in the 21st Century - Inspire, Empower, Act," was Director of "Campaign for a Culture of Peace," and was Chairperson of The NGO Committee on the University of Peace. After confirmation of qualifications by members of the International Jury Commission of FOWPAL, Dr. Valdov became the first recipient of the Prize as a commendation to her long-term contributions in promoting international peace.

Dr. Takeshi Utsumi, and H.E. Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, Ambassador of Grennada to the UN, as well as His Holiness Lama Gangchen also made their commitments to world peace and left their signatures on the Bell of Peace. Dr. Utsumi, founder of the Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education (CAADE), made his wish for peace by indicating that he hopes to combine modern technology with spiritual education to help people understand one another and contribute to world peace.

Witnessed by President Chen, another highlight was the announcement of Taiwan World Citizenship Day on April 1. The concept of world citizenship is gradually coming into the mainstream. The announcement means that the people in Taiwan are willing to transcend ethnic and national boundaries, and take on responsibilities for the global village. Although Taiwan is viewed as an economic miracle, an island of technology, as well as a place of peaceful political transfer to democracy, it will again attract the attention of the world for its viewpoint on world citizenship.

In the "Ceremony to Pray for World Peace," leaders of various religions and from different fields to pray for the six billion people and all creatures. The ceremony began after an announcement expressing that we can decide the destiny of this world, and that the earth could be a peaceful one in which there is no suffering, no fear, no war, and no pain.

Lastly, a Tai Ji Men chorus of a thousand people, made up of over 700 children and teenagers, formed the shape of a heart and sang the WCA 2001 theme song, "Love of the World." Their singing spread the wishes for peace to every corner of the world. The desire for peace exists in both the young and old. To unsure that the next generation has a world-view, the education for a culture of peace for children becomes essential and necessary. The program was especially arranged in this respect by the host committee. At the end, Former Mayor of Monterey Park Benjamin "Frank Venti", she especially traveled to Taiwan, proclaimed Dr. Hong an Honorary Citizen of the City of Monterey Park, and presented him with the "Key to the City" in appreciation for his great efforts for "Love of the World, A Culture of Peace."

Program: Cultural Feast of World Citizens
Date: April 1, 2001
Venue:Taipei Municipal Stadium
Organizer: Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy
Federation of World Peace and Love

 
 
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