BRUSHSTROKES OF FRIENDSHIP, BOUNDLESS LOVE
Beijing, June 17, 2025，The launch ceremony for “Love in Asia and Africa,” the anthem of the Women Empowerment and Development Society in Asia- Africa (WEDS.AA), themed “Brushstrokes of Friendship, Boundless Love ” was grandly held at the Beijing Jintai Art Museum. Marking WEDS.AA’s 5th anniversary, with the support by China Foundation for Peace and Development and Beijing Jintai Art museum, used music and art to celebrate Asian and African women’s solidarity and built a “Art + Philanthropy” international exchange platform.
Nearly 100 Chinese and international guests attended, including the Pakistani Ambassador to China and his spouse, the President of GAAS in China, the spouse of the Gabonese Ambassador, and spouses of Ambassadors from Indonesia, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
WEDS.AA President Zhao Meiling opened the ceremony, reviewing the society’s achievements in advancing women’s development and fostering international philanthropic cooperation over five years, emphasizing we will remain true to our founding aspirations, forge ahead diligently, committed to initiating more “small yet impactful” projects benefiting wider populations across more countries.
Pakistani Ambassador to China, H. E. Khalil Hashimi praised WEDS.AA’s contribution: “The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship, built on mutual respect and trust, our bond is like a great painting gains vibrant new strokes of care, compassion, and cooperation from WEDS.AA. Pakistan remains dedicated to collaborating with China and regional partners for shared cultural prosperity and people-centered development.”
During his address, Mr. Xu Jianguo, Secretary-General of the China Foundation for Peace and Development, stated, “It is precisely due to the substantial assistance and compassionate contributions from the WEDS.AA, the Jintai Art Museum, and various sectors of society that our international philanthropic endeavors have flourished with vitality. We are living in an era of profound global transformation, and maintaining harmonious coexistence and mutual development with people from all nations remains our steadfast mission and original aspiration.”
At the anthem launch segment, Mr. Shi Yuewen, Director of Culture and Tourism’s Cultural Center in Mexico and the lyricist of the association’s anthem, shared insights into the creative process with the distinguished guests. By considering the empowerment for women and the big love concerning whole humankind, thriving through hard times, Director Shi got the heartfelt lyrics finally.
The highlight of the event was the inaugural public performance of the anthem “Love in Asia and Africa.” Renowned singer Ulan Tuya delivered a heartfelt rendition of the Chinese version, her voice embodying the resilience and magnanimity of Asian and African women.
Following this, Ambassador Lin Lin performed the English version, showcasing a cultural resonance that transcends language, praising the spirit of international philanthropy with “Boundless Love.” The melody was both stirring and graceful, with lyrics that were concise yet profound.
Finally, the pure and moving voice of young Rachel Zhao brought a warm, healing energy, allowing all present to experience the genuine sincerity and beauty flowing from the hearts of children.
As a significant strategic partner in the philanthropic endeavors of the WEDS.AA , the FOHERB Group has collaborated closely for many years. Co-founder Qu Junsheng expressed, “In the future, FOHERB is committed to continuing our global philanthropic responsibilities alongside our compassionate partners, striving to create a harmonious world where all can thrive together.”
Concluding the event, Mr. Yuan Xikun, Director of the Beijing Jintai Art Museum, delivered the closing remarks. Yuan Xikun, a renowned Chinese artist, sculptor, Curator of Beijing Jintai Art Museum is also a social activist and environmental advocate. In his speech, he reflected on his creative journey, emphasizing his desire to showcase the profound heritage of Chinese culture through his art, whether in painting, sculpture, or public art projects, while fostering understanding and respect among different civilizations. He aims to build bridges of charitable friendship through art.
The event also featured a traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting experience with artworks presentation. Diplomats and artists from Asian and African countries participated in the brush meeting, expressing their support for women’s causes through traditional ink and brush techniques. The artworks showcased blended the essence of Chinese traditional culture with Asian and African artistic features, embodying the concept of “Art + Philanthropy.” Attendees unanimously agreed that this cultural interaction “not only enhanced friendships but also opened new ways for international cooperation.”
After five years of relentless effort, the WEDS.AA has continuously improved its initiatives. Looking forward, WEDS.AA will further deepen cultural exchanges within the “Belt and Road” countries, promoting the integration of women’s causes and artistic exchanges through music, calligraphy, and other art forms, thereby making greater contributions to the peaceful development and enhanced well-being of the people in Asia and Africa.
As the event was coming to an end, the spouse of Indonesian ambassador was deeply moved by the enthusiastic atmosphere of the conference, voluntarily sang the traditional Chinese song “ Jasmine Flower” in Chinese. The attendees joined the joyful singing enthusiastically together. The conference concluded in an atmosphere filled with hope and vitality.
