Summary of the World Interfaith Harmony Week China Activities The World Interfaith Harmony Week China activities were hosted by the International Communications Organization (ICO) and co-hosted by the World Hung Mun Organization (WHMO). On February 20, 2025, the United Nations “World Interfaith Harmony Week” “World Religious Sustainable Development Action” event, organized by the Hainan Traditional Culture Institute, and the “United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week New Youth Forum,” organized by the Hainan Yanhuang Culture Institute, were grandly held in Haikou City, Hainan Province. Simultaneously, the Taiyuan branch venue launched its activities, and the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week New Youth Forum was also held in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, and other locations on the same day. This series of activities, with “Faith and Sustainable Development” as the link, transcended regions and cultures, demonstrating the positive actions of global interfaith cooperation and youth power in addressing ecological and social challenges. A Grand Event of Interfaith Cooperation Haikou City, Hainan Province, as the main venue of this event, attracted participants from religious communities, academia, environmental advocates, civil society, and community representatives. The theme of the event was “Universal Harmony, Harmonious Society,” aiming to promote the realization of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through interfaith dialogue and collaboration. The World Hung Mun Organization (WHMO), as the organizer, with its profound historical background and extensive international influence, injected unique cultural connotations into the event, while the Hainan Traditional Culture Institute and the Hainan Yanhuang Culture Institute ensured the smooth implementation of the event with their local resources and organizational capabilities. At the opening ceremony, participants witnessed the signing of the “Hainan Interfaith Sustainable Development Initiative.” Representatives from multiple faiths, including Mazu beliefs, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Taoism, pledged to contribute to the sustainable development of the Earth by promoting green living, supporting educational equity, and community development. The event also featured thematic forums such as “Religion and Ecological Civilization” and “Faith-led Public Welfare Innovation” to discuss how religious groups can play a greater role in modern society. In addition, cultural performances showcasing Li ethnic songs and dances, Taoist Tai Chi performances, and religious environmental artworks highlighted the integration of diverse faiths and ecological protection. Mr. Luo Jiashan, President of the Hainan Mazu Culture Exchange Association, stated in his speech: “Haikou, as a pioneer in ecological civilization construction, is honored to be the host of this event. We hope to create a greener and more harmonious future through the power of global Mazu beliefs and culture.” Liu Jianzhong, President of the Hainan Traditional Culture Institute, emphasized: “The Hung Mun has always upheld righteousness and responsibility. This event is our commitment to global society.” Li Jianrui from Haikou Amitabha Hall, Christian Wang Shanyu, and other individuals from different faiths shared meaningful insights around the event theme. Chen Xuegang, Chairman of the World Hung Mun Organization, the organizer, stated that the World Interfaith Harmony Week “World Religious Sustainable Development Action” and the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week New Youth Forum will continue to hold related activities in suitable locations to spread to the world the loving and friendly social environment of China’s religious freedom, freedom of belief, and harmonious coexistence among different faiths. On February 27th, the United Nations WIHW World Religious Sustainable Development Action—the 11th anniversary of the national intangible cultural heritage project “Haikou Tianhou Worship (Mazu Memorial Ceremony)” and the Mazu Parade of Haikou Tianhou Palace were held in Haikou City, Hainan Province. At the WIHW World Religious Sustainable Development Action event site, Haikou Tianhou Palace was decorated solemnly and elegantly, with incense swirling, and people presented flowers, fruits, and other offerings to Mazu, expressing their respect for Mazu. During the sacrificial ceremony, a congratulatory message was read, expressing gratitude for Mazu’s protection of the people and praying for favorable weather and national prosperity in the new year. The “Yuanxiao Weiming Lantern” Mazu Parade involved thousands of believers in traditional costumes carrying the Mazu statue, proceeding slowly amidst the sound of gongs and drums. Starting from Haikou Tianhou Palace, passing through Zhongshan Road, Shuixiangkou, Changdi Road, Deshengsha, Xinhua Road, Donghu Road, and Boai Road to the Qilou Old Street, Mazu returned to Haikou Tianhou Palace. The procession paraded along the main streets of Haikou city, attracting many citizens to stop and watch. The grand scene of praying for the people became a beautiful Tianhou worship scenery in Haikou City and brought infinite charm to the Qilou Old Street. This event attracted the attention of many citizens and tourists, witnessing the inheritance and development of this traditional culture. Luo Jiashan, the representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage project “Haikou Tianhou Worship” and president of the Hainan Mazu Culture Exchange Association, told reporters that “Haikou Tianhou Worship” is a national intangible cultural heritage project approved and promulgated by the State Council. The Mazu Parade praying for the people is one of the main connotations of Tianhou Worship and is also the most popular folk culture festival in Haikou, becoming a popular ritual event for every household. Luo Jiashan said: “The annual Lantern Festival ‘Weiming Lantern’ Mazu Parade is also a great feat in the history of inheriting and developing Mazu beliefs and culture. For more than ten years, on the thirtieth day of the first lunar month every year, Mazu from Haikou Tianhou Palace goes out for a parade. The magnificent Mazu parade procession slowly follows, and various traditional props, such as the Mazu sedan chair, artistic performance teams, and children’s float teams, give citizens a feast for the eyes and bring peace, joy, and happiness.” A relevant person in charge of Haikou Tianhou Palace stated that “Haikou Tianhou Worship,” as a national intangible cultural heritage project, is not only a precious memory in the hearts of Haikou people but also an important part of the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. It is hoped that through such activities, more people will understand and pay attention to this valuable intangible cultural heritage. On the same day, relevant leaders from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Hainan Provincial Government, the Hainan Traditional Culture Institute, the Hainan Mongolian Chamber of Commerce, the Hainan Economic Development Federation, the Hainan Taiwan-funded Enterprises Association, the World Hung Mun Organization, the Hainan Yanhuang Culture Institute, the United Nations WIHW World Religious Sustainable Development Action Organizing Committee, as well as the Hainan Mazu Culture Exchange Association, the Haikou Mazu Culture Exchange Association, and the Haikou Tianhou Palace Management Committee, and Mazu believers from all over Hainan Province participated in the event. It is reported that the 11th anniversary of the national intangible cultural heritage project “Haikou Tianhou Worship (Mazu Memorial Ceremony)” and the Haikou Tianhou Palace “Yuanxiao Weiming Lantern” Mazu Parade praying for the people’s sacrificial ceremony are not only a cultural display but also a spiritual baptism. This year’s event was integrated into the United Nations WIHW World Religious Sustainable Development Action, which not only deepened the world’s understanding of Mazu beliefs but also opened a door of hope for Chinese Mazu beliefs to move towards a broader world. Chen Xuegang (Guanlan), Chairman of the World Hung Mun Organization (WHMO) and Master of Jinhua Mountain, said that Mazu is the goddess of peace, and the World Hung Mun Organization will cooperate closely with the Hainan Mazu Culture Exchange Association and Mazu temples around the world to jointly spread Mazu beliefs and promote the Mazu spirit of establishing virtue, doing good, and great love. In the future, Haikou Tianhou Palace will continue to be committed to the protection and inheritance of Mazu culture, so that this blessing from the depths of the ocean can be passed down from generation to generation. “Haikou Tianhou Worship” began to form among the people in the Yuan Dynasty. It is a folk belief activity that worships and praises Mazu, with palaces (temples) as the main activity sites and customs and temple fairs as the forms of expression. In 2014, the “Haikou Tianhou Worship” declared by Haikou City, Hainan Province, was approved by the State Council and included in the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists. According to records, there were 5 Mazu temples built on Hainan Island in the Yuan Dynasty. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Mazu temples were found in 13 prefectures and counties of Qiongzhou Prefecture. The United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week “World Religious Sustainable Development Action” and “United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week New Youth Forum” activities are supported by the International Communications Organization (ICO) and co-organized by media such as China Fax News Agency and China Record News Agency, as well as organizations such as the Hainan Yanhuang Culture Institute, the Hainan Traditional Culture Institute, and the Hainan Mazu Culture Exchange Association. The “World Religious Sustainable Development Action” and “United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week New Youth Forum” held multiple exchange activities during the World Interfaith Harmony Week (January 25 to March 2, 2025).