Chairmen and Founder of the Buddha's Light International Association World Headquarters, the Ven. Master Hsing Yun, Outstanding young adults from universities worldside, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: A-Mi-Tuo-Pho!
Standing here today, I am filled with joy and moved by what I see: university students representing over twenty countries around the world – individually with different skin color, diverse language and culture, but coming together in friendship and camaraderie. Only genuine acceptance and friendship can transcend man-made boundaries to bring about the realization of a world united in harmony.
Guided by the Ven. Master Hsing Yun, Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) has been inducted into international NGO associations under the auspices of the United Nations. Over the years, BLIA has zealously carried out numerous missions around the globe, and has since made great strides in the realms of international affairs and humanitarian enterprises. I would like to take this opportunity to commend BLIA for their extraordinary accomplishments in Taiwan and abroad.
The Youth Symposium of this year, hosted by National Taiwan University and jointly sponsored by the Buddha's Light International and the International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS), aspires to broaden students' worldview, open their minds and hearts, and encourage them to reach out to the world –all in the hope that the promotion of international goodwill would make possible the creation of a Pure Land.
Under the caption of "Bridging the world together," students from over twenty nations and elite universities around the world have come together to share their experiences in the areas of religion, economics, politics, education, and mass communication. We hope that such multi-dimensional framework will open productive dialogue among participants and broaden their perspectives on the world.
Youth is the hope and pillar of our future, for that youth education remains one of the preeminent focuses of my government. Sixty years ago, the Ven. Master Hsing Yun committed himself to Buddhism; since then, his dedication to youth education has garnered the respect and admiration from people worldwide. For the last forty years, he has founded Fo Guang University, Nan Hua University, Tsung-Lin University, as well as the Hsi-Lai University in the United States. In addition, after the completion of a land donation by the government of Australia to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order in year 2000, the planning of a new Nan Tien University in Australia has since ensued.
Our friends from abroad, in the month ahead, you will have the opportunity to expand your understanding of the culture, economy, politics, and the way of life in Taiwan; and to discover the splendor of this land as well as the endearing friendship of its people. Upon returning home, I hope you will share your experiences with others in your countries and sway more people to visit and acquaint themselves with Taiwan. For those of you who represent Taiwan, I call upon you to extend the utmost hospitality to your friends from abroad, and seek growth from this experience to further broaden your worldview and foster a deeper understanding for the pluralistic cultures the world is comprised of. Via the promotion of cultural exchanges among the young adults of the world, the 2004 International Youth Symposium will surely be an enriching experience for all of you.
In closing, I wish you a carefree, healthy, and safe journey during your stay in Taiwan and much success to The 2004 Youth Symposium. Thank you. A-Mi-Tuo-Pho.
He urged the young men in the country for an international youth forum to try to understand Taiwan, its people and culture during their stay. The president said that the more they come to understand the nature of Taiwan, the more they will grow to love it.
The one-day forum, jointly sponsored by several local universities, was held Thursday afternoon at National Taiwan University in Taipei. It brought together some 60 university students from more than 20 countries.