FOWPAL brings peace summit to Belfast for first time

By AI, Created 5:30 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Federation of World Peace and Love held its first Belfast visit on May 15, 2026, bringing more than 40 delegates to Northern Ireland on the eve of the UN International Day of Living Together in Peace. The event paired cultural exchange with appeals for transparency, integrity and reconciliation in a region shaped by decades of conflict and global tensions.

Why it matters: - Northern Ireland’s peace process remains a live example of how communities can move from conflict toward coexistence. - FOWPAL framed the Belfast event as part of a broader push to promote conscience, transparency, integrity and peace at a time of war, polarization and migration pressures worldwide. - The summit linked local reconciliation in Belfast with a global message about sustaining dialogue across differences.

What happened: - The Federation of World Peace and Love made its first-ever visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland, on May 15, 2026. - FOWPAL President Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze led a delegation of more than 40 members. - The group hosted the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace at DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square. - The summit was co-organized by Dr. Patricia McDougall, founder and CEO of Patricia’s Professional Photos, and Rev. Dr. Devon Bannister, president of MAC/BAN Arts. - The event took place on the eve of the UN International Day of Living Together in Peace. - The theme was “Upholding Transparency and Integrity Through Conscience and Hope.”

The details: - The United Nations marks May 16 as the International Day of Living Together in Peace. - FOWPAL said the day encourages nations to resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation. - Dr. Hong invited attendees to observe a minute of silent reflection and prayer for people suffering from war and conflict. - Dr. Hong rang the Bell of World Peace and Love for the first time in Northern Ireland. - Paula Bradshaw, a Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast, also rang the bell. - Bradshaw called on people “to remember our common humanity and to live in peace for the betterment of us all.” - Ian Parsley, a parliamentary researcher, discussed Northern Ireland’s path from conflict toward peace and the role of hope and conscience in social change. - Abhinov Shyju, policy manager at Diverse Youth NI and a board member of Belfast City of Sanctuary, referenced “lokah samastha sukhino bhavantu,” meaning “May all beings on Earth live together in peace.” - Shyju urged replacing division with unity. - Prince Okorie, a project manager and operations head with experience in project management, budgeting, scheduling, construction and IT, emphasized unity, human dignity and integrity. - Noel Wilson, a lieutenant commander, stressed inner peace and awareness during global instability and highlighted the Golden Rule. - Wilson said, “Do not do unto others what you would not wish done to yourself.” - Guests joined a lighting ceremony symbolizing illumination through conscience, transparency and integrity. - The program included martial arts, the “Golden Peacock” dance and an angelic dance performance. - Organizers said the performances were meant to express peace, mutual respect and hope. - The delegation also visited Belfast City Hall, Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway for cultural exchange. - FOWPAL said the visits reflected Northern Ireland’s commitment to peace, inclusion and harmony.

Between the lines: - The Belfast visit gave FOWPAL a chance to connect peace messaging with a place where reconciliation has deep historical meaning. - The use of symbolic rituals, performances and shared remarks was designed to make peacebuilding feel cultural and personal, not only political. - The event also positioned conscience and integrity as governance values, not just moral ideals.

What’s next: - FOWPAL said it will continue promoting peace and conscience through intercultural exchange. - The organization said it has now visited 123 countries. - FOWPAL said 691 prominent figures from 159 countries have rung the Bell of World Peace and Love. - That group includes 89 heads of state and government, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, United Nations ambassadors and officials, and other leaders. - The organization is using those partnerships to build support for what it calls a sustainable future for the world.

The bottom line: - FOWPAL used its first Belfast visit to tie local reconciliation to a global peace message, betting that dialogue, symbolism and cultural exchange can reinforce trust across divided communities.