Global Mazu Culture Forum at the United Nations (First Edition)
New York, September 6, 2019 – A historic day unfolded at the United Nations headquarters as the first-ever Global Mazu Culture Forum opened with great success. Organized by the World Mazu Culture Exchange Association, this cultural event brought together Mazu culture researchers, overseas Chinese representatives, and international cultural exchange enthusiasts from China and the United States. Themed “Mazu Culture and Oceanic Civilization,” the forum explored the global influence of Mazu culture, highlighting the enduring vitality of this millennia-old belief.
Global Dissemination of the Mazu Spirit
Zhu Rongbin has long been dedicated to promoting Mazu culture internationally. He emphasized that since Mazu’s belief system was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, it has become a shared spiritual treasure of humankind. “Mazu culture represents not just a belief in maritime protection but also embodies values that transcend time and space, symbolizing peace and inclusivity in modern society.” Zhu Rongbin urged overseas Chinese and all who cherish peace and cultural exchange to carry forward the Mazu spirit, making it a cultural bridge connecting East and West.
The forum’s success owes much to the efforts of Zhu Rongbin, president of the World Mazu Culture Exchange Association. In his speech, Zhu highlighted that the core values of Mazu culture – “virtue, benevolence, and great love” – hold profound global significance today. “Mazu is not just the guardian of the Chinese people but a symbol of world peace,” Zhu Rongbin said passionately, “Today, the UN stage has taken the Mazu spirit global, honoring the past while looking to the future.”
Cross-Oceanic Spread of Mazu Culture
Ms. Huang Mingping, Chairwoman of the American Mazu Foundation, is another key figure in promoting Mazu culture on the global stage. Under her leadership, the Mazu belief continues to thrive in overseas Chinese communities. In her forum speech, she remarked, “Mazu culture is not merely a belief; it is a way of life. Her compassion, kindness, and bravery are deeply rooted in the hearts of overseas Chinese, offering comfort and strength.”
This global forum was supported by the China Mazu Culture Exchange Association, Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple, and the American Chee Kung Tong, among other institutions. The participation of numerous international cultural organizations underscored the worldwide influence of Mazu culture and infused the event with international elements.
Huang Mingping also highlighted the significance of promoting Mazu culture at the UN, a symbol of world peace: “We stand here today not only to showcase the tradition of Mazu culture but to help more people around the world understand the peace, love, and kindness she represents.”
Intercultural Dialogue on Oceanic Civilization
The forum centered on the theme of “Mazu Culture and Oceanic Civilization,” with several keynote speakers delving into the cultural value of Mazu’s belief system and its role in global maritime civilization. Zhu Ruirong from Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple shared the journey of getting Mazu’s belief system recognized by UNESCO and emphasized the close ties between Mazu culture and maritime heritage. “Mazu has safeguarded seafaring for centuries, and today she symbolizes cross-cultural dialogue and global cooperation,” he noted.
Zhao Qiliang, President of the Qingdao Mazu Culture Association, explored Mazu’s role in promoting global cultural exchange from the perspective of the “Belt and Road” initiative, emphasizing the profound impact of Mazu culture on fostering understanding between East and West.
A Rich Cultural Display
In addition to the high-level academic discussions, the forum featured vibrant cultural exhibits showcasing the diverse charm of Mazu culture. An exhibition of Mazu customs, video screenings, and more allowed the audience to experience the rich history and modern appeal of Mazu culture firsthand. During the event, the World Mazu Culture Exchange Association was officially established, marking a new platform for advancing Mazu culture globally and enhancing international recognition of this cultural heritage.
Cultural Symbol of Global Peace
Sherrill Kazan, President of the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations, highly praised Mazu culture in her speech: “Mazu culture is not just a tradition of China; it embodies peace and kindness, values that are universal to all humanity. Discussing Mazu culture here at the United Nations, the highest international platform, is of great significance.”
U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng also attended the event, stating, “The core values of Mazu culture—compassion, peace, and unity—hold universal relevance in today’s world. This is not only a proud heritage of the Chinese but a shared treasure of all humanity.”
New York City Councilmember Peter Koo, in his address, noted that Mazu culture, as a vital force for promoting multicultural exchange, holds particular relevance in a diverse city like New York. As a global cultural hub, the inclusive and caring spirit of Mazu also provides comfort to people from different backgrounds.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of the World Mazu Culture Exchange Association, the international spread of Mazu culture has reached a new milestone. In his concluding remarks, Zhu Rongbin expressed his hopes: “From China to the world, Mazu culture has come to the UN stage today, a result of our collective efforts. In the future, through more cultural exchanges and cooperation, the Mazu spirit will serve as a bridge for East-West communication, promoting global peace and prosperity.”
This grand event was not only a tribute to Mazu culture but also a call to the shared values of humanity. Through Mazu culture, we witnessed a dialogue between tradition and modernity, as well as the integration of Chinese and global cultures. As Zhu Rongbin said, “Mazu is a spiritual symbol of the Chinese people, but her compassion, kindness, and courage belong to the world.” As more international cultural exchange platforms are established, Mazu culture will continue to flourish, contributing to global peace and cultural fusion.
The success of this forum highlighted the far-reaching influence of Mazu culture, bringing greater recognition to the pivotal role of Chinese culture in promoting global peace and development. As a bridge for cultural dialogue, Mazu culture is destined to shine ever more brightly on the world stage in the years to come.
