New York, October 18, 2024—On the afternoon of October 19, Beijing time, the highly anticipated 2nd Global Mazu Cultural Forum was held grandly at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Co-hosted by the Mazu Foundation of America and the World Mazu Cultural Exchange Association, with guidance from the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple Board, this event marks the 15th anniversary of Mazu’s inclusion in UNESCO’s “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” Over 100 guests and Mazu followers from the United States, Canada, Peru, and various regions of China such as Fujian, Jiangxi, and Shandong gathered to discuss the preservation and promotion of Mazu culture worldwide.
Distinguished Guests Highlight Global Perspectives
The forum attracted numerous distinguished guests from cultural and international organizations, including Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan, Secretary-General of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values, and Global Concerns at the UN, Delois Blakely, Queen Mother of Harlem, Sherrill Kazan, President of the World Council of Peoples at the United Nations, Xing Yulin, Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in New York, Lin Jinzhan, Chairman of the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple Board, and Zhu Rongbin, Chairman of the Mazu Foundation of America. The speakers shared deep insights into Mazu culture and its role in promoting peace and cultural dialogue in a globalized world.
Huang Mingping: Mazu Culture Transcends Borders, Promotes Peace
Mazu Foundation of America Chairwoman Huang Mingping said, “Mazu culture is not only a spiritual treasure of the Chinese nation but also a force for global cultural dialogue and cooperation, advocating ‘great love and peace.’” She emphasized that the foundation will continue to promote Mazu culture internationally, helping more countries and regions understand its message of harmony, inclusiveness, and love. She urged nations to strengthen cooperation through cultural exchanges to address global challenges.
Zhu Rongbin: Promoting Mazu Spirit to Build Cultural Bridges
Dr. Zhu Rongbin, Chairman of the Mazu Foundation of America, noted, “The Mazu spirit is not just a religious belief but a bridge connecting different cultures and nations. By promoting Mazu’s values, we can foster mutual understanding and cooperation among countries worldwide.” Dr. Zhu has dedicated years to spreading Mazu culture in North America, successfully establishing a Mazu Temple in Flushing, New York, and organizing various cultural events to boost the local presence of Mazu traditions. He stated that the foundation will continue to enhance collaboration with international organizations to expand Mazu culture’s global impact.
Lin Jinzhan: Mazu Culture as a Bond of Global Friendship
Lin Jinzhan, Chairman of the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple Board, remarked, “As a cultural gem of the Chinese nation, Mazu traditions have spread to over 50 countries and regions, becoming a bridge of friendship between different civilizations.” He noted that since 2009, when the Mazu tradition was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, its international influence has rapidly grown. Lin pledged that the ancestral temple will continue to work on promoting Mazu culture worldwide, fostering global dialogues and cooperation.
Deepening International Cultural Exchange, Sharing Results
This forum was not only a cultural exchange event but also a platform for Mazu followers worldwide to share and collaborate. Throughout the event, academic discussions, gift exchanges, and certificate presentations were held. The guests discussed the protection and inheritance of Mazu culture and shared their experiences in promoting it.
Lin Jinzhan presented culturally significant gifts to Guruji H.H. Dileepkumar Thankappan, Zhu Rongbin, and Tang Ziyi, President of the World Chinese Federation, recognizing their contributions to global cultural exchanges.
Looking Ahead: Mazu Culture as a Beacon for Global Peace and Prosperity
The World Mazu Cultural Alliance, as a pioneering force in global cultural promotion, played a crucial role in the forum. With its advanced technological platform and extensive global outreach, the alliance quickly expanded Mazu’s cultural message to dozens of countries through innovative global live broadcasts, multilingual translation, and targeted social media interactions. Executive Officer Li Wenqi stated, “We are not just a tech-driven platform, but promoters of global culture, utilizing technology and strategy to bring Mazu’s spirit to all corners of the world.” The alliance’s global promotion model and technological innovation have gained widespread recognition, with multiple cultural and charitable organizations expressing interest in collaboration.
As the 2nd Global Mazu Cultural Forum concluded, the guests unanimously agreed that Mazu culture is not only an important symbol of Chinese culture but also a driving force for global cultural exchange and cooperation. Through the worldwide dissemination of Mazu’s spirit, nations will strengthen understanding and work together to face global challenges, fostering mutual prosperity and harmonious development.
Dr. Zhu Rongbin and Ms. Huang Mingping expressed their commitment to continue spreading the message of “great love and peace” embodied by Mazu culture to more regions around the world, contributing to cultural cooperation and mutual understanding. Attendees expressed their belief that Mazu culture will continue to provide lasting momentum for the peaceful development of the international community.
