Tai Ji Men convenes global leaders in Toronto on conscience and peace

Tai Ji Men brought nearly 30 international leaders to Toronto on Oct. 3 for a summit focused on education, AI, justice and bridging divides. The gathering marked the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy and highlighted conscience-based approaches to global challenges.

Why it matters: - Tai Ji Men framed conscience and holistic education as practical tools for responding to climate disasters, fast-moving technology, inequality and conflict. - The summit centered on how education, justice and dialogue can shape leadership that is more resilient, inclusive and peace-oriented. - The event also marked the 60th anniversary of Tai Ji Men Qigong Academy, tying the summit to a longer-term cultural and educational mission.

What happened: - Tai Ji Men hosted the 2026 Global Leaders for Peace Summit, “Beyond 60: Key Guidance for Humanity’s Future,” on Oct. 3 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Toronto. - Nearly 30 international guests attended, including former heads of state, ambassadors, a co-founder of a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, former ministers and leaders of international organizations. - Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Grandmaster of Tai Ji Men, presented certificates of appreciation to the guests. - The summit focused on four themes: Holistic Education, Technology Guided by Conscience, Justice and Human Rights, and Bridging Divides. - The gathering was part of a broader series of cultural and educational events honoring Tai Ji Men’s 60th anniversary.

The details: - Dr. Hong said Tai Ji Men has spent 60 years putting its cultural traditions into practice and sharing the spirit of conscience, love and peace through international cultural exchanges. - Dr. Hong said conscience drives the will to act, and action turns aspirations into reality. - Dr. Hong said society needs holistic education that develops body, mind and spirit, strengthens empathy and social responsibility, and helps people navigate global change. - Former Prime Minister of Lesotho Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili said education should go beyond knowledge and skills to develop responsible citizens. - Former President of Ecuador Rosalía Arteaga Serrano said holistic education is a philosophy of life that can cultivate solidarity, compassion, respect, honesty and responsibility. - Former Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Yoser Thinley said conscience is one of humanity’s core needs and requires lifelong self-awareness and moral responsibility. - Dr. Patricia McDougall said holistic education means intentionally developing the whole person, including the mind, heart and spirit. - Tai Ji Men dizi Dr. Linda Chen said Dr. Hong encouraged her to see herself as a teacher to future doctors and helped her understand a broader model of education centered on self-care, collaboration and service. - Former President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona said stronger technology requires a firmer commitment to conscience. - Ann Marie Gopaul said education should develop intellect, heart, conscience and character. - Former Croatian President Ivo Josipović called for justice across all areas of human activity. - Jerry White, co-founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, said social exclusion causes harm and that dignity and rights are essential to an inclusive society. - Abdessattar Ben Moussa, speaking in a video message for the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, praised Dr. Hong’s work on conscience, peace, cultural heritage, human rights and global solidarity. - Ambassador Hugues Sanon called for a world without hunger, displacement or discrimination and said technology should benefit all humanity. - Johnny Ford warned about escalating conflicts and technology risks and called for greater awareness and global cooperation.

Between the lines: - The summit linked moral language with policy themes, suggesting Tai Ji Men wants conscience to function as a framework for public leadership, not just personal conduct. - The speaker lineup gave the event international and interfaith-style credibility, with references to Nobel Peace Prize-linked organizations and former national leaders. - The recurring focus on children, young people and future generations pointed to education as the main long-term lever for change.

What's next: - Tai Ji Men is likely to continue using anniversary programming and international cultural exchanges to promote its message on conscience, peace and holistic education. - The summit’s themes suggest more public-facing events may follow on AI, human rights and dialogue across divisions. - Dr. Hong’s remarks signaled an ongoing effort to connect personal cultivation with broader social and global change.

The bottom line: - Tai Ji Men used its Toronto summit to argue that conscience-based education is central to solving today’s biggest global problems.