The 9th World Mazu Culture Forum Opens Grandly on Meizhou Island: Promoting Mazu Spirit and Facilitating Cultural Exchanges

Meizhou Island in Putian Once Again Draws Global Attention as Mazu Spirit Inspires Universal Consensus

On November 19, 2024, the 9th World Mazu Culture Forum and the 26th China Putian Meizhou Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival were grandly inaugurated in the “Hometown of Mazu” – Meizhou Island, Putian. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Macao SAR Government, and the Fujian Provincial Government.

The 9th World Mazu Culture Forum Grand Opening on Meizhou Island

Under the theme of “Great Love, Peace, and Civilizational Dialogue,” the forum brought together leaders, cultural scholars, entrepreneurs, and Mazu devotees from around the globe to discuss the inheritance of Mazu culture and explore new opportunities for global cultural exchanges, infusing profound cultural energy into advancing world peace and collaboration.

A High-Level Event Elevating a Cultural Icon to the Global Stage

During the opening ceremony, Su Hui, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairwoman of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, delivered a keynote address and declared the forum open. She highlighted that Mazu culture is a vital part of China’s cultural heritage, emphasizing its core values of “virtue, benevolence, and love,” which resonate with global principles of peaceful coexistence and cross-cultural understanding. Su called for creative transformation and innovative development to invigorate Mazu culture in the modern era.

Lin Jinzan awards a cross-strait standardization pilot project plaque

Mazu Builds Bridges - Project Signing Ceremony — Mazu Builds Bridges – Project Signing Ceremony

In his remarks, Luo Dongchuan, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, highlighted Fujian’s commitment to leveraging the unique advantages of Mazu culture to share “Mazu stories” worldwide. He emphasized the role of Mazu culture as a modern cultural icon and a bridge for civilizational exchanges, crucial to building a culturally strong Fujian and promoting Chinese culture globally.

Among the distinguished attendees were Cui Yuying, Vice Director of the CPPCC Committee for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Compatriots and Overseas Chinese; Zhao Rui, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; He Guangshun, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Natural Resources; and Cai Jianlong, Acting Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government. Their participation and speeches highlighted the unique value of Mazu culture in advancing international cultural cooperation and dialogue.

Forum Outcomes: Advancing Cultural Innovation and Technological Breakthroughs

One of the forum’s key achievements was the release of the “China Maritime Culture Development Report (2024)”, China’s first maritime culture blue book. This comprehensive report summarizes the progress of maritime culture in 2024, encompassing maritime history, education, and cultural industries. It offers a Chinese perspective for building maritime culture in a global context.

Launch of 'China Maritime Culture Development Report (2024)' — Launch of ‘China Maritime Culture Development Report (2024)’

In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center unveiled the open-source “Mazu” series of marine numerical forecasting models. The newly released “Mazu Ocean Circulation” and “Mazu Wave” version 1.0 represent significant advancements in China’s marine numerical forecasting technologies. These breakthroughs enhance global shipping safety and disaster prevention, with these innovations having previously been recognized among China’s Top Ten Marine Scientific Advances in 2021 and 2023.

He Guangshun, Chief Engineer at the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center, remarked that Mazu culture transcends its role as a cultural symbol, embodying the strategic vision of a maritime power. By integrating Mazu culture with modern technology, China continues to lead in the fields of maritime culture and disaster prevention.

“World Mazu Culture Alliance” Expands Global Influence

The forum’s success was supported by the extensive efforts of the World Mazu Culture Alliance. The alliance unites Mazu temples in 49 countries and regions worldwide, promoting Mazu culture through cross-national publicity, cultural exchanges, and collaborative research, further enhancing its global reach.

Li Wenqi, the alliance’s director, commented, “The spirit of Mazu transcends borders and cultural differences, embodying universal values of love and peace. We will continue promoting Mazu culture globally, fostering connections among diverse nations and cultures.”

World Mazu Culture Alliance team members Lin Bingbin, Li Wenqi, Zheng Ruiming, Luo Fujin — World Mazu Culture Alliance Team: Lin Bingbin, Li Wenqi, Zheng Ruiming, Luo Fujin

Today, there are over 10,000 Mazu temples worldwide with a following of over 300 million devotees. Mazu culture has evolved from a cherished treasure of Chinese heritage into a crucial bridge for international cultural dialogue. In 2009, the Mazu belief and customs were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming China’s first faith-based world heritage listing.

Cross-Strait Cooperation: 18.57 Billion RMB Projects Signed to Lead a New Era of Development

The forum also featured the unveiling of the “Cross-Strait Cultural Communication Joint Research Institute” and the awarding of the “Cross-Strait Mazu Culture Standardization Pilot Project” plaque. The event culminated in the release of the landmark “Meizhou Declaration.”

Reading the Meizhou Declaration at the 9th World Mazu Culture Forum

During the “Mazu Builds Bridges” signing ceremony, 30 projects were finalized with a total investment of 18.57 billion RMB. These projects span industries such as healthcare, advanced equipment manufacturing, and digital economy, further showcasing the vital role of Mazu culture in promoting economic cooperation and societal progress.

Mazu Culture: From Historical Heritage to Global Consensus

Originating on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, Mazu culture is deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Chinese people. It has transcended its regional origins to become a vital symbol of international cultural exchange. The forum’s success pays tribute to the historical significance of Mazu culture while uncovering its profound contemporary relevance.

In the age of globalization, the core values of Mazu culture—virtue, benevolence, and love—connect different ethnicities, cultures, and faiths. This cultural heritage provides a vital foundation for building a shared future for humanity through cultural innovation, technological advancement, economic cooperation, and social progress.

Copyright © World Mazu Culture Alliance. This article has been translated into over 20 languages, reaching more than 50 countries and regions. Readers worldwide can access versions of the 9th World Mazu Culture Forum by following the links below. Edited by Lin Bingbin and Luo Fujin, New York Bureau. Reproduction is permitted with proper citation and author credits. Thank you for your support and interest.

中国 (China)
第九届世界妈祖文化论坛在湄洲岛隆重开幕

台湾 (Taiwan)
第九屆世界媽祖文化論壇在湄洲島隆重開幕

马来西亚 (Malaysia)
Forum Kebudayaan Dunia Mazu ke-9 Dibuka dengan Meriah di Pulau Meizhou

菲律宾 (Philippines)
Ang Ika-9 na Pandaigdigang Mazu Cultural Forum ay Matagumpay na Binuksan sa Meizhou Island

新加坡 (Singapore)
The 9th World Mazu Cultural Forum Grand Opening at Meizhou Island

越南 (Vietnam)
Diễn đàn Văn hóa Mazu Thế giới lần thứ 9 khai mạc trọng thể tại Đảo Meizhou

香港 (Hong Kong)
第九屆世界媽祖文化論壇在湄洲島隆重開幕

澳门 (Macau)
第九屆世界媽祖文化論壇在湄洲島隆重開幕

印尼 (Indonesia)
Forum Budaya Dunia Mazu ke-9 Resmi Dibuka di Pulau Meizhou

泰国 (Thailand)
การประชุมฟอรั่มวัฒนธรรมโลก Mazu ครั้งที่ 9 เปิดตัวอย่างยิ่งใหญ่ที่เกาะเหมยโจว

日本 (Japan)
第9回世界媽祖文化フォーラムが湄洲島で盛大に開幕

韩国 (South Korea)
제9회 세계 마쭈 문화 포럼이 메이저우섬에서 성대히 개막