Year: 2022

Uniting the forces of goodness for global peace and sustainability

LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the planet, a war between Russia and Ukraine has erupted. April 5, 2022 marked the third UN-designated International Day of Conscience, and the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) has declared the entire month of April as International Month of Conscience and has been organizing a series of forums and online activities with various organizations around the world in the hope of awakening the conscience in global citizens and uniting them to apply their conscience and do more good deeds to save the world in crisis and move it towards sustainable development. FOWPAL invites people around the globe to endorse the “Declarations for Human Rights of World Citizens and Peace” and two declarations of conscience—the “Declaration of International Day of Conscience” and “Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience”—in order to inject powerful positive energy into the Earth to help stabilize the world.

Peace is everyone’s holy wish. When the light of goodness is illuminated in everyone’s heart, the positive energy of conscience spreads and connects global citizens, forging a tremendous force for action to change the world for the better and make global sustainability possible. For over two decades, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, has led delegates from FOWPAL, the ECOSOC-accredited NGO Association of World Citizens (AWC), and Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy (Tai Ji Men) to visit 101 countries on six continents, advocating the idea of love and peace around the world and promoting the culture of peace with love and conscience. They have been recognized as “International Ambassadors of Peace and Goodwill.” Kiribati’s Ambassador to the UN Teburoro Tito, who is also a former president of Kiribati, praised Dr. Hong as “modern-day Confucius.” Dr. Hong led the delegates to travel the world, and they have volunteered their time and self-funded these trips to foster peace and positivity, building friendships with people in numerous countries, touching the hearts of countless individuals, and adding chapter after chapter of heartwarming true stories to their own lives and the lives of others.

In 2018, in front of the Clock Tower of the medieval citadel in Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Romania, delegates from the three organizations sang the “Love and Peace Song” to give hope and encouragement to global citizens while conveying their selfless love for the world. Those who heard them singing were touched, and many were moved to tears and embraced the delegates warmly.

“When you started singing, it gave me goosebumps,” said Sandra Barbulescu, an English language teacher in Romania, “I’ve always wanted to give the idea of love and peace and unity and love, mostly. So when I saw you doing this, and so many people from far away . . . I understand that you are volunteers, so it really really impressed me. And you have so beautiful voices.” With tears in her eyes, she added, “They were tears of joy. You really touched my heart. Thank you for coming here.”

On a beautiful evening in the summer of 2005, delegates from the three organizations gave a cultural performance at the square in front of the Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio in Rome, Italy, transcending language and cultural barriers and allowing the sisters there, who had not danced in many years, to relax and dance to the beautiful music presented by the delegation. Daniela Sabatini, an Italian composer, spoke of the sisters’ feedback about the event: “I am deeply touched of this. They told me that for many many years, they don’t dance. This evening, they are very happy like children.” Sabatini described the song as “music from heaven” making everyone in the audience feel as if they were “in the sky near God.”

In August 2016, delegates from the three organizations presented cultural performances in the 52nd International Folklore Festival of Gulpilhares in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, with over 2,000 people in attendance. Delfim Manuel de Sousa, director of cultural affairs of Vila Nova de Gaia, said that his heart was filled with love and caring after the delegation’s journey of peace to his city. He stated that he wished to give each member of the group a bear hug because they are more than just friends to him.

In 2005, during the “World Summit of Love and Peace” hosted by FOWPAL in New York, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze declared September 15 as the International Love and Peace Day. The then President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernández attended the summit and was the first head of state to sign the declaration. He and Dr. Hong jointly turned the “Key to the World,” symbolizing the activation of more energy of love and peace in the world. On that occasion, President Fernández rang the “Bell of World Peace and Love,” made a wish for peace, and said, “For me, it’s been a great experience.” “What you are projecting, what you are disseminating around the world is really what the world needs. So instead of violence, instead of hatred, instead of exclusion, I think we should embrace each other as brothers and sisters,” he added.

In 2008, when Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela were on the brink of war, President Fernández took the initiative to mediate a peace agreement among the three countries, successfully defusing a potential war, saving millions of people from the scourge of war, fulfilling his wish for peace when ringing the Bell.

In 2002, FOWPAL was invited to visit various countries in West Africa. The then President of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade rang the “Bell of World Peace and Love,” stating that “Senegal, its people, its government and president launch a call to all women and men of the world to build and consolidate peace in the world.” In 2008, President Wade also turned the wish he made when ringing the Bell into actions by calling for unity and peace in the African region. In March 2008, President Wade coordinated and successfully promoted the signing of a peace agreement between the heads of state of Sudan and Chad, ending a five-year war between the two neighboring countries and saving countless lives. The efforts of these presidents to prevent wars have been widely lauded.

Over the years, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze has led FOWPAL, AWC, and Tai Ji Men to promote a culture of peace with love and conscience around the world. The three organizations initiated the movement of An Era of Conscience in 2014. They also launched a global endorsement campaign for the Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience; to date, people in 195 nations have endorsed it.

Beginning in 2018, FOWPAL collaborated with various Permanent Missions to the United Nations on a draft resolution titled “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience.” In 2019, Dr. Hong launched a global endorsement campaign for the Declaration of International Day of Conscience, which has been endorsed by people from 195 countries. On July 25, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution “Promoting the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience, designating April 5 as the International Day of Conscience.

In addition to the aforementioned two declarations of conscience, Dr. Hong also proclaimed several significant declarations, including “Love of the World, A Declaration of Peace,” “Peace Declaration,” “Declaration of Human Rights for World Citizens,” and “Declaration of International Love and Peace Day.” Dr. Hong launched global endorsement campaigns for these four declarations, known collectively as the “Declarations for Human Rights of World Citizens and Peace,” which have been endorsed by more than 3.73 million people from 173 nations.

As Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze stated in his message for the third International Day of Conscience, “Currently, the world situation is precarious, with the pandemic, war, and many unforeseeable natural and man-made disasters claiming countless lives and destroying homes, plunging the whole world into fear and anxiety.” “The key to crisis resolution lies in conscience,” Dr. Hong remarked, adding that only by awakening everyone’s conscience and encouraging them to act in accordance with their conscience will we be able to stop war, end the pandemic, heal the wounds of the Earth and all living things, and lead the world toward peace.

The world was originally very beautiful; however, due to the increasingly advanced technology, there has been an imbalance in people’s hearts and disorder in the world, causing innocent and good hearts to gradually change. While previous problems have yet to be resolved, new ones are emerging, and now we must work together and take action for peace together immediately. FOWPAL invites everyone to endorse the aforementioned declarations to build a new culture of peace around the world, hoping that the butterfly effect of goodness will continue to expand globally, and that everyone will return to a peaceful world where there is no pain, no fear, no war, and no suffering.

About the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL): Established in 2000 in the United States by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, FOWPAL is an international love and peace organization, with members from around the world. Guided by the principle of “Changing the world for the better starting with one good thought,” it aims to promote world peace and love through various activities such as world summits of love and peace, ceremonies of ringing the “Bell of World Peace and Love,” and cultural exchange performances. To date, 399 prominent figures from 122 countries have rung the Bell, made their wishes for love and peace, and pledged to work for the world’s sustainable future. Among them are 43 heads of state and government, seven Nobel Peace Prize laureates, UN ambassadors, and other visionary leaders.

Media Contact:
Lily Chen
Representative
info@fowpal.org
626-202-5268
www.fowpal.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d498e29f-17df-4f8c-b368-7e1a38f14107

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

Renaming is one of 22 recommendations put forward by Standing Strong Task Force to help the university address the legacy of Egerton Ryerson

TORONTO, April 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Earlier today, Ryerson University’s Board of Governors unanimously approved a motion to rename our institution “Toronto Metropolitan University” effective immediately. This change marks the start of a new chapter for the university, as it moves forward with a name that better reflects its values and aspirations.

“I cannot think of a better name than Toronto Metropolitan University,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi. “Metropolitan is a reflection of who we have always been – an urban institution dedicated to excellence, innovation, and inclusion and who we aim to be – a place where all feel welcome, seen, represented and celebrated.”

Located in the heart of Canada’s biggest and most diverse city, Toronto Metropolitan University represents all that it is to be metropolitan. The university is a gathering place for people from all over the world, from all walks of life, with broad and diverse perspectives, lived experiences and ambitions. Metropolitan also defines the university’s aspirations to expand its reputation and reach, as exemplified by its new Lincoln Alexander School of Law, its first international campus in Cairo, Egypt and its plans for a future School of Medicine in Brampton.

The new name is the culmination of work carried out over several years. Following the Board of Governors accepting all 22 recommendations put forward by the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, the university established a framework for the renaming process which included the formation of the University Renaming Advisory Committee (URAC).

“It was an honour to chair the University Renaming Advisory Committee, along with Vice-Chair Tanya De Mello. I am very pleased by the strong support of the Board of Governors and excited to have played a part in the adoption of our name which allows for a new beginning,” said Jennifer S. Simpson, Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Chair of URAC. “Through our community engagement we learned that there was a strong desire – across all groups of students, faculty, staff and alumni – for the new name to reference our place or location. Toronto Metropolitan University reflects the feedback we heard and is in line with our values and our accomplishments that define who we are as an institution.”

URAC oversaw extensive community consultations that generated responses from over 30,000 people and went on to review over 2,600 potential names. The committee produced a shortlist of names that were subject to several practical parameters including: ensuring alignment with our values, being intentionally inclusive with our diverse community, undertaking linguistic checks and trademark searches, and digital considerations.

Truth and Reconciliation is a key priority for the university, the renaming is an important and highly visible measure in the university’s path toward reconciliation, and it is just one more step in the journey. The University remains committed to supporting the ongoing work of the Truth and Reconciliation Working Group and implementing all of the remaining Standing Strong Task Force recommendations.

“This is a very important moment in our university’s history as we move forward with a name that better reflects our values and can take us into the future,” said President Lachemi. “As a university, our values have long defined who we are and they will always guide where we are going. They are the basis upon which we have built our uniquely vibrant, diverse and intentionally inclusive culture. Our new name builds upon these values and, along with our 73 years of excellence and achievement, it is intended to be a name that unifies all of us – a place where all of our community members belong.”

While the university is changing its name to better reflect its values and aspirations, the university’s mission, vision and visual identity will remain in place to maintain continuity, recognizability and ease the transition to a new name.

Further information, including more background on the renaming process and ongoing updates on the action plan to implement all Standing Strong Task Force recommendations, can always be found on the Next Chapter Website.

About Toronto Metropolitan University*:
Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University, is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the University is home to more than 46,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and 225,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ryerson.ca.

*In April 2022, the university renamed and began a new chapter

Media inquiries
Jessica Leach
416-704-2166
jleach@ryerson.ca

MONTREAL, April 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castle Hall, the Due Diligence Company, is proud to announce the appointment of Matthias Knab, the founder of Opalesque, as Senior Advisor to the firm. Matthias will help guide the expansion of Castle Hall’s DiligenceExchange platform, working with both investors and asset managers. DiligenceExchange (“DXC”) offers an industry-standard approach to the collection of verified due diligence data which, in turn, powers Castle Hall’s innovative DiligenceExchange benchmarks.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Castle Hall team and contribute to the growth of DiligenceExchange,” said Knab. “DXC helps the industry in two ways. First, data gathering has become a true bottleneck, as asset managers respond to numerous data requests asking overlapping questions in slightly different formats. DXC standardizes data sets, which are then subject to Castle Hall’s independent ‘trust but verify’ checks to protect against fraud.

“Second, standardization of data allows Castle Hall to calculate DiligenceExchange benchmarks, delivering long-overdue transparency to the industry. The due diligence process is much more efficient when it is supported by evidenced data around, for example, how frequently do asset managers form a valuation committee, appoint independent members to a fund board, or how often investors will see asset managers employing multiple family members”.

“Matthias is one of the alternative investment industry’s most well-known and respected professionals,” said Chris Addy, Castle Hall’s CEO. “We are delighted to have his advice available to Castle Hall as we continue to expand DiligenceExchange, the heart of our fintech solution to due diligence.”

About Castle Hall

Castle Hall Diligence helps investors worldwide manage the operational, ESG, cyber and investment risks of asset managers. Castle Hall’s core competitive advantage is DiligenceHub, the firm’s proprietary online diligence application, which has helped clients review diligence across several thousand fund entities. More information is available at www.castlehalldiligence.com.

About Opalesque

Founded in 2003, Opalesque is the world’s first digital newsletter focusing on hedge funds and alternative investments. With a team of researchers and contributors, Opalesque to date has researched over 3,000 funds and delivered more than 400,000 articles as the leading news and research portal for alternative investments.  Matthias is also the publisher of Horizons: Family Office & Investor Magazine, the world’s largest quality family office & investor magazine and producer of Opalesque.TV, the first dedicated video channel on alternative investments with over 2 million views.

Contact:

Emily Boone (x431)

Stephen McKinlay (x501)

+1 450 465 8880

solutions@castlehalldiligence.com

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