FOWPAL Featured on 7 News Belize Ahead of World Leader Summit of Love and Peace

On January 14, 2026, members of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) appeared on Sunup, 7 News Belize, to introduce Belizeans to the organization’s global mission and to preview the upcoming World Leader Summit of Love and Peace, scheduled to take place this Friday in Belize City.

Founded in 2000 in California, USA, by Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, FOWPAL is an international, volunteer-based peace organization dedicated to promoting love, peace, conscience, and hope worldwide. Over the past two decades, its members—who fully fund their own travel and activities without fundraising—have carried this mission to 121 countries across six continents. Belize marks the organization’s latest stop following visits to Trinidad and Tobago.

“We are all volunteers,” explained Effie Chen, a FOWPAL representative, during the broadcast. “We each have our own professions, but we take time off from work, sponsor ourselves, and travel together because we believe the world truly needs more love and peace.”

Joining Chen on the program were Dr. Patricia McDougall, Dr. Jennifer Hung, Betty Lu, and Alan Hung, who shared personal reflections on their journeys with FOWPAL. Betty Lu, who works professionally with children, spoke about how traveling with the organization has encouraged her to grow beyond her comfort zone. Under Dr. Hong’s guidance, she noted, volunteers are inspired to follow their conscience, do what is right, and unite people through compassion. Witnessing audiences’ responses at FOWPAL’s summits, she said, has reinforced her belief that the world urgently needs more love and peace.

At the heart of FOWPAL’s global outreach is the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace, which brings together leaders and decision-makers whose choices affect nations and millions of lives. FOWPAL emphasized the importance of conscience—listening to the inner voice that distinguishes right from wrong—as a guiding force for ethical leadership and lasting peace, said Alan Hung.

A key figure in bringing FOWPAL to Belize is Patricia McDougall, who was born in Belize and currently works in Washington, D.C. Long active in community-building and cultural exchange, she first encountered FOWPAL at events in the U.S. and was deeply moved by the organization’s music, spirit, and unifying energy. Recognizing the global need for peace, she advocated for Belize to be included on FOWPAL’s Caribbean journey.

“Right now, the world needs peace,” McDougall shared. “There is no better place to share love, transparency, and unity than Belize.” She highlighted the country’s importance on the global stage and emphasized the role of intergenerational dialogue, cultural heritage, and leadership in shaping a more peaceful future.

During the program, Effie Chen also highlighted FOWPAL’s instrumental role in advancing two United Nations–recognized observances: the International Day of Conscience, adopted in 2019, and the International Day of Hope, adopted in 2025. These initiatives aim to inspire individuals and institutions worldwide to reflect on moral responsibility and the transformative power of hope in building a sustainable future.

Earlier in the journey, on January 12, FOWPAL hosted a bell-ringing ceremony in Trinidad and Tobago, where six distinguished leaders rang the Bell of World Peace and Love. On behalf of H.E. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Darrell Allahar, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, rang the Bell and conveyed her heartfelt wishes for peace. Five additional leaders—including government officials and religious figures—also rang the Bell, offering sincere aspirations for global peace, unity, and sustainable development. To date, more than 660 distinguished leaders, including heads of state, UN ambassadors, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and other visionaries, have participated as official bell ringers worldwide.

The Belize summit is expected to welcome a diverse gathering of dignitaries, community leaders, educators, faith representatives, and cultural contributors. Invitations have been extended to the prime minister, government officials, national and local leaders, and academic institutions, including the University of Belize, reflecting FOWPAL’s strong emphasis on education and youth engagement. In addition to keynote messages and the bell-ringing ceremony, the program will feature cultural performances, youth participation, music, and dance, celebrating Belize’s rich heritage while reinforcing universal values of unity and peace.

With its message of conscience, hope, transparency, and integrity, FOWPAL’s visit offers Belizeans an opportunity to join a global movement dedicated to building a more peaceful and sustainable world.