529NEWS – Page 24 – Seattle Sports News Report

NEWS Oct 25,2024

BUILDING LEADERS FROM WITHIN

LINUS OKORIE tellshow Elliot Hill went from being anintern to Nike’s CEO
It is no secret that companies today face a pressing challenge: the search for strong, visionary leadership. With global markets, shifting faster than ever, organizations cannot afford to wait for the perfect leader to walk through the door. Instead, they must focus on building leadership from within—harnessing talent, developing it, and preparing future leaders for the highest levels of responsibility.
This is where Nike, one of the most recognizable brands on the planet, stands out. Nike did not find its CEO, Elliot Hill, on atraditional corporate recruitment drive, nor did it poach him from a rival company. Instead, Hill began his journey at Nike as an intern—a fresh graduate of Sports Administration from Ohio University—and spent 32 years growing through the ranks, armed with ambition, raw talent, and a thirst for growth.
The corporate world is filled with statistics that reveal the depth of the leadership gap. Even industry research and business literature highlight the issue, underscoring how this leadership gap threatens the ability of businesses to sustain long-term, multi-generational growth. According to a 2021 Deloitte report, 86% of organizations believe leadership is one of their most pressing challenges, yet only 13% feel confident in their ability to build effective leaders within. Many companies rely heavily on external hires to fill leadership roles, often overlooking the talent and potential already present within their ranks.
This constant external search for leadership can be costly, both financially and culturally. Hiring externally for top positions disrupts company culture, as new leaders often take time to adapt. Even worse, organizations risk losing talented individuals who could have risen to these roles but never received the opportunity or training to do so. This reliance on external hires is often a direct result of the lack of a robust leadership development structure within the company, which leaves internal talent untapped and unprepared to step into leadership roles when the need arises.
Elliot Hill’s story could have been an all-too-common corporate tale: an ambitious intern who works hard but eventually hits the ceiling, held back by a lack of internal growth opportunities. Fortunately, Nike’s leadership culture is anything but common. Rather than overlook Hill’s potential, he was given the responsibilities that tested and refined his journey to the top of the corporate ladder.
What made Nike different? Unlike many corporations that primarily seek to develop external hires or focus solely on high-level talent for leadership positions, Nike’s commitment to internal growth is embedded in its DNA. The company recognized that leadership is not just about technical skills or managerial experience. It is about understanding the company’s ethos, values, and long-term vision. And who better to embody these than someone who has grown within the company?
Nike’s leadership model revolves around identifying and cultivating leadership potential early in an employee’s career, long before they take on executive responsibilities. By focusing on internal talent development, Nike has created a leadership pipeline that builds stronger leaders who understand the company from the ground up.
Nike’s culture fosters leadership at all levels, not just through formal training programs, but through a supportive and empowering environment, that encourages growth. This shows that when the right systems are in place, organizations can groom their employees into business leaders. Let us break down the core elements of how you can learn from this strategy to develop future leaders.
By considering specific criteria, it is seen that Nike’s internship program is not merely a corporate formality or a short-term, coffee-fetching stint. Rather, it is a strategic initiative designed to expose young talent to real-world challenges and offer opportunities to demonstrate leadership early on. Interns at Nike are given substantial responsibilities and allowed to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects, which lays the groundwork for future leadership.
Interns and entry-level staff should do more than just observe or assist—they should be actively participating in projects that require strategic thinking and collaboration. This early exposure to the company’s operations and leadership philosophies will help them understand the nuances of the company’s vision and values. Internship and trainee programs should be deliberately structured to be immersive, growth-oriented experiences that provide young professionals with the tools and guidance to eventually step into leadership roles.
Nike’s decision to invest in Elliot Hill was not a one-time occurrence. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to identifying high-potential individuals and providing them with the resources to succeed. More importantly, they cultivate a culture of mentorship, pairing promising individuals with experienced leaders for guidance. Hill’s early years were spent in sales, where he held various roles for over a decade. In 2000, Hill was promoted to Vice President of EMEA Sales and Retail, and from there, his rise through the ranks continued steadily. In 2003, he became Vice President and General Manager of USA Retail, followed by Vice President of USA Commerce in 2004. His progress did not stop there—by 2006, Hill was Vice President of Global Retail, and in 2010, he took on the role of Vice President and General Manager of Nike North America.
Nike’s commitment to his growth became even more evident as Hill transitioned to President of Geographies and Sales in 2013, then to President of Geographies & Integrated Marketplace in 2016, before eventually becoming President of Consumer & Marketplace from 2018 to 2020, overseeing Nike’s global operations and marketing strategy. Through each role, Hill’s leadership was shaped by the company’s unwavering dedication to his development. For organizations looking to build strong internal leaders, the lesson is clear: growth requires not just identifying talent but continuously nurturing it through mentorship, opportunities, and strategic leadership roles over time.
Elliot Hill’s ascent to the CEO position is a testament to Nike’s belief in internal growth. For companies, internal promotions send a powerful message: loyalty and hard work will be rewarded. This boosts employee morale and retention while also fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among future leaders. When employees see a clear path to advancement within the company, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to its success.
According to Thomas Roulet, professor of organizational sociology and leadership at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, staying in the same organization may offer fewer opportunities for advancement compared to moving elsewhere. He explained that firms tend to go for “shiny external newcomers” for CEO positions. Additionally, employees know that moving between jobs can increase their salary and future prospects due to the diversity of experiences gained.
Business leaders should focus on creating a culture that prioritizes internal promotions. Recognize the value of home-grown talent and ensure that employees have access to the resources they need to grow. By promoting from within, companies can build a leadership team that is not only skilled but also deeply connected to the company’s values and vision.
One of Nike’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to create a culture where leadership is not just for those at the top or within management. Leadership at Nike is seen as a quality that can (and should) be developed at every level of the organization. Leadership is not always about titles or authority—it is about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire others. Therefore, encourage your employees to take ownership of their roles, make decisions, and lead initiatives, regardless of their position within the company. This will unlock the full potential of their teams and cultivate a new generation of leaders.
Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

Shaanxi welcomes -cliff-like- cooling and issues blue frost warning

On October 20, in a recent update from the Shaanxi Provincial Meteorological Station, it was reported that the region is expected to face precipitation, a drop in temperature, and windy conditions due to the combined effects of a plateau trough and cold air. Specifically, the eastern part of Shaanxi’s northern region and some areas in the southern part are anticipated to experience a temperature decrease of 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, while parts of eastern Guanzhong and southern Shaanxi may see drops of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

In Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi, reporters observed a stormy atmosphere with a significant temperature drop prompting many residents to bundle up in winter clothing and scarves. According to the Xi’an Meteorological Station, the city has been under the influence of strong cold air since the evening of October 19, and temperatures continue to fall, with daily averages dropping between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperatures are expected early on October 21, accompanied by brief gusts of wind reaching 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale.

At 9:30 AM on the same day, the provincial meteorological authority issued a blue frost warning. As a result of cold air mass and radiative cooling, from 2 AM to 9 AM on October 21, and again from 2 AM to 9 AM on October 22, areas like most of Yulin, Yan’an, central Tongchuan, northern Xianyang, parts of eastern Shangluo, and some locations in the Qinling Mountains could see minimum temperatures drop to between -2 to 0 degrees Celsius. Notably, on October 22, regions in western and northern Yulin and western Yan’an may experience temperatures falling below -3 degrees Celsius, which could pose a risk of frost affecting key seasonal crops.

Meteorological departments are advising government and agricultural authorities to prepare for frost conditions. Farmers are recommended to take protective measures for crops, vegetables, flowers, fruits, aquatic farming, and forestry. Local rural organizations and farmers are encouraged to stay vigilant about local frost warning information to enhance protective actions.

Additionally, at 8 AM, the Shaanxi Provincial Meteorological Station released a weather bulletin indicating light rain across parts of northern Shaanxi and most of Guanzhong, with eastern northern Shaanxi and eastern Guanzhong experiencing light to moderate rain, while the northern regions of Shaanxi and the Qinling Mountains are facing light rain or sleet.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

The 14th Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference was held, looking forward to the prospects of diversified cooperation between the two countries

On October 17th, the 14th Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference took place in Kuala Lumpur, drawing the attention of nearly a thousand entrepreneurs to the vast cooperative opportunities between China and Malaysia.

Among the hot topics discussed was the recent export of fresh durians from Malaysia to China. Sun Shuqing, the Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, shared an inspiring story during his address at the conference. He recounted that in August, the head of Malaysia’s agricultural department visited China and witnessed firsthand the overwhelming popularity and booming sales of “Mao Shan Wang,” a variety of fresh durian, at a local supermarket. He emphasized that in 2023, the Chinese durian import market reached an impressive $7.82 billion, while imports of frozen durians from Malaysia were only $273 million, representing just 3.4%. This indicates significant potential for agricultural trade cooperation between the two countries, with promising prospects ahead.

During the conference, Malaysian MP Qiu Peidong read a speech on behalf of Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Chen Hongjian, who extended an invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs to experience Malaysian durians. Chen also championed other Malaysian agricultural products, highlighting that last year, exports of palm oil and related products made up over 10% of Malaysia’s total exports to China. In the first eight months of this year, Malaysia’s palm oil exports to China reached nearly 900,000 tons, showing further growth compared to the same period last year. He noted that as trade relations deepen between Malaysia and China, the demand for Malaysian agricultural products, including palm oil, continues to thrive, with China emerging as one of Malaysia’s key export markets.

Attending the conference were Amirudin Shari, the Chief Minister of the economically advanced Selangor state, and Executive Member Huang Sihan, who both welcomed Chinese investments across various sectors. Amirudin specifically mentioned opportunities in electronics, machinery, transportation, food and beverage, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. Huang Sihan elaborated on the favorable investment environment in Selangor, further highlighting the upcoming second integrated circuit design park aimed at attracting Chinese businesses to support the state’s semiconductor development.

Beyond economic and trade cooperation, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liu Zhendong emphasized the importance of enhancing civilizational dialogue and ideological exchanges between Malaysian and Chinese communities. During the evening banquet, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Loke Siew Fook, enthusiastically promoted Malaysia as a rich travel destination, noting the visa-free convenience between the two countries. He expressed hope that collaboration in tourism, in addition to economic trade, would strengthen the connection and exchange between the people of Malaysia and China.

The Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference, organized by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, has evolved from its original name, the Malaysia China Import and Export Merchants Association, reflecting the increasingly diverse nature of economic cooperation between the two countries. During the conference, Chamber President Lu Guoxiang stated that Malaysia and China are experiencing positive growth across multiple sectors, and the Chamber intends to continue serving as a “bridge” for these collaborations. He mentioned that the cooperation memorandums signed during the conference are expected to involve over 1.2 billion ringgit (approximately $277 million).

Sun Shuqing also noted that some member companies of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce have been engaged in bilateral trade for over 50 years, contributing to the foundation of commerce between the two nations. He highlighted that the vibrant economic sectors recently in focus are also crucial for enhancing Malaysia-China trade relations, which mutually benefit each other’s economic growth.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

Mail-in ballots for the presidential election are being mailed out and will arrive in the mailboxes of Bay Area voters this week_1

The Bay Area Elections Officials Alliance recently made an important announcement regarding the upcoming 2024 presidential election. On October 16, they confirmed that mail-in ballots have started to be sent out and will begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes this week. They are urging voters to participate in early voting to ensure a smooth process for this critical election.

Eligible voters will receive their ballots for the presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024. To ensure that everyone can participate, several convenient voting methods are available. Voters can choose to mail their completed ballots in a prepaid return envelope back to the election office. Alternatively, they can drop off their ballots into official ballot drop boxes. In-person voting will also be available from October 7 to November 5 at designated polling centers. Additionally, voters who haven’t registered ahead of time can take advantage of same-day registration and voting on Election Day.

Kristin B. Connelly, the voter registration official for Contra Costa County, noted, “Bay Area voters have plenty of options when it comes to casting their ballots. Election officials have been preparing for this election for months and are ready to ensure that voters can use their preferred methods to cast their votes.”

Voters can also track their mail-in voting ballots and receive notifications from their county election office as their ballots are mailed, received, and processed. They can use the “Where’s My Ballot” service at https://wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to monitor the mailing process of their ballots.

Election officials emphasized that each mail-in ballot comes with a unique identification code used for signature verification, ensuring the safe handling of votes. The ballot processing procedure includes sorting the ballots upon receipt, verifying signatures, notifying voters of any ballots that cannot be verified, further reviewing disputed ballots, and ultimately sending verified ballots to the counting center.

Furthermore, voters have access to the BallotTrax service, which allows them to instantly track the status of their mail-in ballots, ensuring they successfully enter the counting phase. Voters are also encouraged to reach out to local election officials for comprehensive non-partisan election information to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

The 101st person to win the Nobel Prize at the University of Chicago Robinson won the economics prize for his research on political and economic relations

James A. Robinson, a professor of economics and political science at the University of Chicago, recently received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. According to the university’s records, Robinson is the 101st Nobel laureate associated with the institution and its 34th recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. In addition to Robinson, there are currently seven other Nobel Prize winners still teaching at the University of Chicago.

When it comes to counting Nobel laureates by institution, the methods vary, leading to different totals. Some universities count only alumni, while others include faculty who have won the prize. By combining both alumni and faculty achievements, Harvard University tops the list with 161 laureates, though only 52 of those are listed on its official website. Following Harvard is UC Berkeley with 110, the University of Chicago with 101, MIT with 99, and Columbia University with 96.

As for Robinson, he serves as a professor at the Harris School of Public Policy and the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago. He directs the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts.

His influential research focuses on political and economic development, particularly the relationship between political power, institutions, and prosperity. Robinson examines both historical and contemporary causes of economic and political divergence, using mathematical and quantitative methods from economics to analyze cases in other social sciences, complemented by qualitative research and fieldwork.

Robinson has a particular interest in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. He has served as a fellow at the African Studies Institute at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka. From 1994 to 2022, he taught summer courses at the University of the Andes in Bogotá, and his fieldwork has taken him to countries including Bolivia, Colombia, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for data collection.

Together with MIT economist Daron Acemoglu, Robinson has co-authored three influential books. Their first collaboration, “Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy,” presents theories on the stability of democratic and dictatorial regimes. Their second book, “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty,” has been translated into 41 languages since its 2012 publication and compiles extensive research on comparative development, exploring the reasons why some nations thrive economically while others remain impoverished. Their latest work, “The Narrow Corridor: States, Society and the Fate of Liberty,” delves into the ongoing and inevitable struggles between states and societies, detailing the historical processes that shape the modern world.

Robinson earned his PhD from Yale University, his master’s from the University of Warwick, and his bachelor’s degree from the London School of Economics.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

Russia says South Korean drones penetrated Pyongyang and interfered in North Korea’s internal affairs. South Korean diplomat- Deeply regret

On October 14, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia views South Korea’s drone infiltration into Pyongyang as an interference in North Korea’s internal affairs. She urged South Korean authorities to take North Korea’s warnings seriously. In response, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official expressed regret over Russia’s stance, claiming it “supports unverified, one-sided assertions from North Korea.”

According to previous reports, on October 11, the North Korean Foreign Ministry claimed that South Korea had used drones to penetrate Pyongyang’s airspace on October 3, 9, and 10, distributing numerous anti-North propaganda leaflets. On October 12, Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the North Korean Workers’ Party Central Committee, stated that “the South Korean military cannot evade responsibility as the main provocateur or accomplice in this significant violation of sovereignty.” On the 14th, Kim emphasized that North Korea is aware that South Korea was behind the drone incident, asserting that if the sovereignty of a nuclear power is violated by forces trained by the U.S., then the U.S. must be held accountable.

In comments posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website, Zakharova noted the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, highlighting reports from North Korea that drones from South Korea had infiltrated areas including Pyongyang, distributing propaganda. She criticized this behavior as a blatant violation of North Korea’s sovereignty and interference in its domestic affairs.

Zakharova insisted that South Korea should take North Korea’s warnings seriously and halt reckless provocative actions that escalate tensions on the peninsula, stressing that lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through political and diplomatic means based on the principle of indivisible security.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government expressed regret over Russia’s comments, with a Foreign Ministry official stating that all responsibility for the recent incidents lies with North Korea. The official remarked, “The Russian Foreign Ministry supports unverified, one-sided claims from North Korea and alleges that South Korea violated North Korea’s sovereignty and interfered in its internal affairs. We deeply regret this assertion.”

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

Broken-leg Olympic marathon star resumes training

The Olympic athlete, who broke her leg during the marathon, reflects three months on.An Olympic marathon runner who completed this summer's race with a broken leg is to resume training this week.
Rose Harvey, from Evesham, in Worcestershire, said she could not wait to get back out, "hungrier than ever, ready to work hard".
She battled through the "agony" in Paris to finish 78th in a time of 2:51:03 in 24C heat.
Harvey said she was focused on the next Olympics: "I've got four years to LA, and some really exciting potential races in between."
As well as regaining her fitness in the months since the games, Harvey got married to fiance Charlie Thuillier.
"We got married three weeks after the Olympics, which seemed a really good idea when we were planning it, because I would be off training and able to let my hair down a bit," she told BBC Hereford & Worcester.
In the event, she was still using crutches on the big day: "I just about made it down the aisle without them – I was let off by my physio for that very special occasion."
She added that spending the rest of the day on crutches "was a bit of a pain", but "didn't hamper our fun".
Reuters Rose Harvey in black running kit with her tied-back blonde hair flowing behind her against a blurred background of Olympic branding and supporters. ReutersRose Harvey ended up crossing the line with a stress fracture of her femurLooking back on the marathon itself, she said: "There were a couple of points where I did stop in the race and thought 'I can't do this any more'."
But she said she asked herself if she would look back and wonder if she could "run just an extra five minutes or an extra mile".
"I went into that race with such different goals, and my harsh critic inside me always looks at what I wanted to achieve – I was a long way from that," she said.
"I think at the moment, I'm not at the stage where I can feel proud of it. But I hope I'll look back and feel proud of some part of it in time to come."
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by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

Israel is accused of attacking United Nations troops again, and countries condemn it- it may constitute a war crime

On October 11, a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was seen moving through the town of Marjayoun, located in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. This comes in the wake of two artillery strikes by the Israeli military on UN peacekeepers within a 24-hour period, resulting in injuries to two personnel and raising alarm internationally. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna summoned the Israeli ambassador to France for an explanation, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing intolerance towards such incidents, stating they “will not be tolerated.” Meanwhile, UNIFIL personnel affirmed their commitment to remain at their posts.

According to France Info, Israeli forces targeted UNIFIL peacekeepers, known for their blue helmets symbolizing peace, resulting in injuries to two people. Previously, on October 10, two Indonesian UN personnel were also injured in a similar strike. The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from various nations, with many arguing that these are not mere accidents and may constitute war crimes.

While France has historically supported Israel’s right to defend itself, its stance appears to be hardening in light of these recent attacks. The Israeli embassy responded to inquiries from BFM TV, stating that the military did not intentionally target UNIFIL but accused Hezbollah of using UN facilities as cover for attacks. They claimed efforts have been made to request UNIFIL personnel to relocate further from the border to mitigate such incidents, and an investigation into the artillery fire is underway.

Sky News reports that UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the Israeli border, having been a site of significant conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strikes as criminal.

One of the most robust denunciations came from Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, whose country plays a major role in UNIFIL. He stated, “This is neither a mistake nor an accident. It could amount to war crimes and is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.” His words are significant, especially as Italy and several European nations have traditionally supported Israel in its conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.

European Council President Charles Michel described the attacks on UN peacekeepers as “irresponsible and unacceptable,” calling on Israel and all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law. Countries such as France, Spain, and Jordan have also condemned Israel’s actions.

In response to the escalating violence, UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti emphasized the mission’s commitment: “We are there because the UN Security Council called upon us to be there, and we will continue to stay until the situation becomes untenable for our operations.” He noted that, despite a mass exodus of civilians from the area, many remain caught in the ongoing conflict. Tenenti stated that the troops still have important work to accomplish, including assisting local NGOs and UN agencies to provide much-needed food and water to affected villages.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

2024 Xinjiang Alar Marathon starts

On October 20, 2024, at 9:30 AM, the Aral Marathon kicked off, drawing nearly 3,000 runners from various backgrounds.

As the starting gun fired, participants surged from the starting line, eager to take on the challenge ahead. This year’s event featured three race categories: a full marathon (42.195 kilometers), a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), and a fun run (3.59 kilometers). The race commenced at the 359th Brigade Memorial Museum and passed several iconic sites, including the Tunken Cultural Park and the Populus Euphratica Riverside Park. Runners not only pushed their limits but also enjoyed the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves lining the route, all while witnessing the impressive modernization of Aral City in Xinjiang.

“It was my first marathon since participating in one in Changsha. Since becoming a silver-age teacher at Tarim University, I’ve come to really appreciate Aral, and even encouraged two of my students to join this event,” said Zhu Yan, a 61-year-old retired professor from Zhejiang University.

“On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, we are hosting this marathon for the first time to showcase the charm of our military reclamation city and promote the spirit of sports,” explained Zhang Shigao, director of the Aral City Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism.

by 529mai.com

NEWS Oct 25,2024

World Buddhist Forum promotes exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations

On October 17th, the sixth World Buddhist Forum concluded in Ningbo, Zhejiang, organized by the Chinese Buddhist Association and the China Religious Culture Communication Association. Under the shadows of Xuefeng Mountain, a gathering of monks, scholars, and experts from various countries engaged in deep dialogues about the essence and philosophical insights of Buddhist culture, fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

The World Buddhist Forum is an international dialogue mechanism for Buddhist multilateral exchanges initiated and hosted by China. Over the past five sessions, the forum has expanded its reach across Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In the last three days, approximately 800 representatives from the Buddhist community, including experts and attendees from 72 countries and regions, participated in the forum. The theme for this year was “Walking Together in Shared Aspirations for Harmonious Coexistence.” The event comprised an opening ceremony, main forum, seven sub-forums, a new media forum, a television forum, and a closing ceremony, along with an exhibition on Buddhist culture.

Buddhism has uniquely integrated into Chinese culture over the past 2,000 years, developing deep roots with traditional Chinese values. This integration has led to the establishment of key traditions in Chinese Buddhism focused on both agricultural Zen practices and academic research, along with international exchange. As a crucial facet of Chinese culture, Buddhist philosophy significantly fosters social harmony and cultural identity.

Today, Buddhism enjoys a healthy legacy within Chinese society, advocating principles of “walking together in shared aspirations for harmonious coexistence” and embodying the spirit of compassion and altruism. The World Buddhist Forum showcases the latest achievements of Chinese Buddhism in this domain and offers a window into understanding Chinese culture.

The forum featured three exhibitions related to Buddhist art, presenting the essence and contemporary values of Buddhist culture. Following the main discussions, a cultural performance utilized modern lighting and staging techniques to illustrate the history of Buddhism’s integration into Chinese culture. Five performances highlighted various themes, including “Original Aspirations,” “Journey Westward, Arrival Eastward,” “Compassion for All Beings,” “Millennial Legacy,” and “Songs of Peace.”

“Monks from both China and abroad are united in preserving and continuing this millennia-old tradition, actively promoting the exchange of human civilizations,” said Li Silong, a professor of philosophy and head of the Institute of Religious Culture at Peking University, during one of the sub-forums.

As the world faces numerous challenges, a key question remains: how can Buddhist teachings advance to benefit society? Forum participants reached a consensus that practicing the principles of humanistic Buddhism, driven by compassion and wisdom, is vital to addressing contemporary global issues.

“Being worldly does not mean abandoning the world,” is one of the distinctive characteristics of Buddhism as it merges with Chinese civilization. Daishi Ohtani, president of the Japan International Zen Cultural Exchange Association, indicated that the tradition of charity within Buddhism in Japan has long emphasized public welfare and altruism.

“Since Buddhism entered China, the principles of universally liberating sentient beings and alleviating suffering have nourished many charitable initiatives within Chinese culture,” noted Ming Sheng, vice president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, during the sub-forum.

Jie Di, deputy abbot of the male monastic department at Zhongtai Chan Temple in Taiwan, articulated the importance of this forum as an affirmation of Buddhism’s commitment to worldly engagement. The exhibitions presented genuine historical scenarios of cultural exchanges, encouraging contemporary dialogue among countries to foster mutual understanding and cooperation for the greater good.

“Technology should not overshadow humanity,” shared several Buddhist leaders who discussed ethical challenges posed by technological advancement. Zhaochu, the president of the Buddhist Federation of Los Angeles, emphasized the opportunity to leverage these technologies to connect Buddhist temples with their communities for service.

During a press conference at the forum, organizers released a promotional video that vividly illustrated the theme of “Walking Together in Shared Aspirations for Harmonious Coexistence.”

In light of the global challenges that humanity faces, the closing ceremony reaffirmed the consensus reached over the three days of discussions through the “Xuefeng Mountain Declaration,” urging the global Buddhist community to play a role in constructing a shared future for humankind.

Participants from various countries enthusiastically responded to the forum’s call to action. Fahuo, the president of the Frankfurt Buddhist Academy and vice chair of the United Nations Vesak International Council, told reporters that they aimed to convey to the world that the compassionate wisdom of Buddhism can bring love and support, reducing misunderstandings among people.

Falong, the abbot of the Amitabha Temple in Ottawa, Canada, remarked that historically, Buddhism has imported ideals of civilization and peace across different nations. In today’s world, characterized by deepening racial divides, trade disputes, and conflicts, the spirit of universal love and rational wisdom cultivated within Buddhism can provide valuable perspectives in addressing global challenges such as war, pandemics, environmental pollution, and resource shortages.

One of the notable achievements of this forum was the compilation of Buddhist texts. Building upon previous forums, the Chinese Buddhist Association engaged with various Buddhist communities to promote the translation and study of Buddhist texts in different languages, aiming to create new avenues for international cultural exchange and cooperation within Buddhism.

Yingjue, president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, expressed his hope that this forum would serve as a platform to transmit the spirit of compassion and wisdom inherent in Buddhism, promote its teachings of peace, and unite Buddhists and peace-loving individuals worldwide to jointly contribute to global development, advance cultural exchanges, and build a shared future for humanity.

by 529mai.com

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