Welcome
Abbot President Master Dao Yi (Dr. Yu Hsi)
President of XXXV WCP
The 35th World Congress of Poets will be held in Taiwan from the 5 to 10 November 2015. This is the third time I organize World Congress of Poets in Taiwan. In order to welcome distinguished poets and guests from all over the world, we’ve designed a special cultural feast for the body, mind and spirit. In addition to the sharing of poetry between poets, we have also selected Waisanding Sand Bar of the west coast of Taiwan as one of the venues for this year’s congress to reflect the innocence and purity of the poetical heart. We sincerely invite all of you to enjoy this poetical gathering on Formosa Island Taiwan.
WAAC Organizing Committee
Founder:Dr. Tin-wen Chung
Patron:
Abbot President Master Dao Yi(Dr. Yu Hsi)
President:
Dr. Maurus Young
Secretary General:
Dr. Eugenia Soberanis
Deputy Secretary General:
Dr. Bei Ta
Vice Presidents:
Dr. Ernesto Kahan
Dr. G. Mendooyo
Dr. Istvan Turczi
Members of the Executive Board:
Dr. Georges Chapouthier
Dr. Sunwoo Ho
Treasurer:
Mrs. Michelle Wang
Public Relations:
Mrs. Dorothy Young
Program
11/5（Thu） TAIPEI to HUALIENAirport pick up time at Taoyuan International Airport: 10:00 A.M./2:00 P.M. Tea party
Registration and welcome party & Auspicious Light Offering
11/6（Fri） HUALIEN
Painting & photography exhibition
Luncheon
Opening ceremony (1:30 P.M.)
Dinner and poetry recitation
11/7（Sat） HUALIEN
Tour in Hualien
Dinner and Poetry recitation
11/8（Sun）CHANGHUA
Tour in Changhua
Dinner and poetry recitation
11/9（Mon）CHANGHUA
Visit to Lukang and Taiwan Glass Gallery in the morning
Visit Changhua Coast Wetland: poetry recitation, lighthouse, oyster field, sunset beach in the afternoon
Closing ceremony in the evening
11/10（Tue）TAOYUAN
Check out in the morning
Visit museum
Farewell luncheon
Departure
World Congress of Poets
held under auspices of
World Academy of Arts and Culture
Maurus Young, President
Ma. Eugenia Soberanis Nogueda, Secretary General 19, Place de l'Iris 92400
Courbevoie – Paris France maurus.young@gmail.com eugenia_sn@hotmail.com.mx
Registered in U.S.A.
Datuk Bandar Ipoh
Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil
Greentown
30450 Ipoh
Perak Darul Ridzuan
Malaysia.
Of my high consideration:
It is my wish to express our sincere gratitude for your kind support for the “ One World Through Poetry” movement to promote world peace, as you know, this is our intention, to extend it with brotherhood through poetry.
Great things are not easy to reach, but this time our goal was fulfilled, many poets from all over the world were gathered in your country with your friendly people just to hear each other words and strengthen bonds that show us that poetry is an universal language without borders.
Next year we must go on with our work, and it is Peru, in South America, the new stage for poetry, we kindly invite you to join us next year in a so different culture.
Once more, thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maurus Young Dr. María Eugenia Soberanis
President General Secretary
“World Brotherhood and peace Through Poetry”
32th World Congress of Poets-WCP 2012, Israel. Prizes for the Poetry Contest
The following is a Closing Report provided by Dr. Graciela Nasif (WAAC life member
and Hon Lit Dr.).
REPORT OF THE XXXII WORLD CONGRESS
OF POETS – ISRAEL, 4TH – 7TH SEPTEMBER 2012
WORLD ACADEMY OF ARTS AND CULTURE – WAAC
The Congress took place in the City of Kfar Saba, under the auspices of the Honorable Board of the World Academy of Art and Culture, from 4th – 7th September, 2012, under the chairmanship of Prof. Emeritus Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Vice President and Secretary General of the World Academy of Art and Culture, and of the WAAC President, Dr. Maurus Young. The XXXII World Congress was inaugurated with the motto: “Poetry, aroma of peace for life”
XXXII WCP Authorities:Dr. Luis Alberto Ambroggio- Honorary President
Dr. Yu Liansheng / Susana Roberts / Bella Clara Ventura – Vice Presidents
Poet Herzel Hakak / Prof. Gad Kaynar / Dr. Ruben Pasino- Honorary Vice Presidents
Dr. Hedva Robinson Bachrach / Uzit Dagan / Pnina Frenkel / Susana Roberts / Victoria Romero / Iael Vered/ Mina Weil- Poets Relationship Directors.
Ernesto Kahan / Susana Roberts / Marga Mangione / Bei Ta- Anthology Committee
Dr. Maurus Young / Susana Roberts/ Graciela Nasif / Dr. Afaa Weaver / Dr. Luis Alberto Ambroggio - Juries Poetry Contest.
Edmundo Torrejón Jurado/ Marga Mangione / Monica Gomez / Victoria Romero / Guy Crequie-Ambassadors
Shoshana Vegh-Responsible Press
Graciela Nasif-Director of Final Report. Susan Roberts / Dr. Hedva Robinson Bachrach, Committee Final Report.
The Congress was opened by Dr. Maurus Young, WAAC President, and Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Congress President.
Welcoming greetings were given by Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Congress President, and by Academician Dr. Luis Alberto Ambroggio, Honorary President of the Congress.
Mr. Yehuda Ben Hamo, Mayor of Kfar Saba, presented greetings, as did Anita Mazor, Director of Scientific and Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel; poet Herzl Hakak President of the Association of Hebrew Writers in Israel; and Prof. Gad Kaynar, President of the General Union of Writers in Israel.
More than 200 poets participated in the Congress, including 110 well-known poets from 20 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Argentina, India, Mongolia, France, Taiwan, Korea, China, Hungary, Peru, Colombia, Romania, Nicaragua, Japan, Spain and, of course about 100 poets from all over Israel. In the opinion of several poets who have consistently participated in the World Congress of Poets of the WAAC, the quantity and quality of the literary representation of local poets and literary associations in this Congress was unique. Poets who were able to break language barriers had a unique opportunity to interact and plan future activities with local poets.
In the opening ceremony, Dr. Yu Hsi, Patron of WAAC, conferred the "Crane Summit Supreme Honor Crown Medallion" with diploma upon the Honorable Mr. Yitzhak Navon, fifth President of the State of Israel, in recognition of his brilliant achievements of promotion of peace and harmony between Israeli and Palestinian people in the past decades.
Very significant tributes were paid by the Mayor of Kfar Saba, Mr. Yehuda Ben Hamo and the Hispanic World Union of Writers to poet Dr. Yu Hsi from Taiwan. The tribute, in recognition of achievements in the field of poetry, literature and philosophy, were received by Dr. Teh-Yuan Cheng, President of the Tainan National University of Arts, on behalf of Dr. Yu Hsi. Dr. Teh-Yuan Cheng took this opportunity to recite a poem of Dr. Yu Hsi, --Ode to the Ocean, accompanied by a sublime flute solo performance by Miss Hsu Man-Ni from Taiwan and followed by a fantastic poetry dance performed by Thea Marie Robert.
Dr. Kahan thanked all the poets who, despite the existing world economic difficulties, had arrived from all corners of the earth, bringing much love, high quality poetry and brotherhood. Special thanks went to poets Susan Roberts, Graciela Nasif, Ruben Pasino and Hedva Bacharch for their substantial help. He expressed his regrets that, due to certain demands, the event had had to be advanced to the beginning of September, instead of the original programming for November. This had led to increased costs, forcing split hotels, in an attempt to find cheap alternatives, and thus complicating the organization. But above all, such a change in schedule had prevented the important collaboration of students of university language departments who were slated to be the interpreters and guides, because they are on holiday in September.
Much thought went into the planning of the program of activities. The Congress began with an exhibition of books in a literary exchange between participating authors and a rich Cultural Art Exchange Exhibition of Calligraphy of Hebrew, Chinese and Japanese. Then we visited a synagogue in order to participate in the opening of the Ark of the Torah (known in Hebrew as Aron HaKodesh), where an explanation of the Holy Bible (Torah) was given. The Congress continued with a presentation of the Chinese calligraphy works of Dr. Yu Liansheng, Vice President of the Congress, and the Japanese calligraphy works of Toshie Tai, artist, poet and president of the WAAC Calligraphy Institute of Japan.
Dr. Lit. Victor Velezmoro Nolberto Unyén, from Peru, wrote: Thanks, first for the invitation saying “We are proud to develop this conference under the theme ‘Poetry, aroma of peace for life’ with the participation of important poets like you.” Thanks, because, upon arriving in Tel Aviv, with my wife, Dany Noemi Alfaro Kuzma Unyén, after a long journey with a stop in Madrid, he (Dr. Kahan) received us on the morning of 4th September, 2012 at Ben Gurion Airport, and his first words were to ask about my health. His greetings to the Congress were words of affection and friendship:
“Dear authors, poets, intellectual friends of the world: Officially I give a warm welcome from my deep feelings. I anticipate days of placidity, surprises and happiness in this Congress. I want you to enjoy the freedom of each sense with the sound of your hearts. Peace and harmony! Ernesto Kahan”.
The Cultural Exchange Tours that visited various Israeli cities every day went smoothly and were enjoyable, making it possible to know and understand both ancient and contemporary cultures, as well as encouraging the participation of all foreign guests and local poets in numerous lecture sessions, where each poet absorbed the ambience of Israel in their native language. Thus, we could appreciate the poetic cadences of language in the expression of Chinese, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Romanian. All languages were twinned in a common desire to build world peace, promote environmental conservation and advocate for a better world, within the parameters of equality, freedom and fraternity.
Over the four days many ceremonies took place, such as the award of honorary doctorates and prizes, the inauguration of an outdoor public space for reading poetry and meditation in the park of the city of Raanana as a perennial testament to universal peace.
Culture was a luminous presence during these four days in the various cities of the Congress, with ceremonies or guided walks in Kfar Saba, Tel Aviv, the Old Port of Jaffa, Jerusalem, Nazareth and Netanya, as well as in sacred sites that we visited in an atmosphere of great mysticism and respect: the Garden of Gethsemane, the Dome of the Rock, the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, Mount Calvary, the Basilica of the Annunciation, the Domus Galilae, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River. Poets who came to Israel from all over the world felt an indelible sense of the promise of peace and were deeply grateful to the Congress organizers.
It is noteworthy that a large number of awards were made in the presence of the highest authorities of the XXXII Congress, Dr. Maurus Young, President of the WAAC, and Dr. Ernesto Kahan, who fulfilled their roles as host impeccably, solving all requests received by the poets. This was a World Congress that few will forget.
Poems of the participants in the Anthology of the World Academy of Arts and Culture present at the Congress were evaluated by two juries of international standing, one for the poems written in Spanish (jury composed of Susana Roberts, Luis Alberto Ambroggio and Graciela Nasif), and a second international jury for the works presented in English (names are not permitted to publish). For both, the awards were given during the course of the Congress.
First Prize, Poetry in Spanish: Irene Blanco poem, "Fuga".
Second Prize, Poetry in Spanish: Teresita Moran de Valcheff, poem "Jorge Luis
Borges"
Third Prize , Poetry in Spanish: Milagros Alonso, poem "Desde y para Wislawa
Szymborska".
First prize, Poetry in English: Yi Dian, poem "The river in darkness" and Yu
Liansheng, poem "The Heroic Pursuing"
Second Prize, Poetry in English: Ada Aharoni, poem "Peace is a Woman and a Mother"
Third Prize, Poetry in English: Naftali Primor, poem "Stars are making love"
• Presidential Gold Medal WAAC and diploma to Mme Thea Marie Robert
• Presidential Medals of Congress WCP 32 for literary excellence and major contribution to the congress to selected poets and the Committee of Anthology, especially Susan Roberts.
Special mention should be made of the visit to the Holocaust Museum and the Museum of the children who died in concentration camps. At this visit, which is a “must” for all visitors to Israel, emotionally and sometimes tearfully we confronted the horror and agony of innocent people. It was a very strong testimony.
The XXXII Congress was a fruitful one, and so it gave birth – to an anthology, which came into the world under the title “XXXII World Academy of Arts and Culture”, written in the language of each poet who appears in its pages, with her/his photo and biography.
In addition, the “Golden Book of the World Academy of Arts and Culture”, written in four languages – English, Spanish, French and Chinese – was presented and distributed. This book is an invaluable encyclopedia, which covers the activities and personalities who passed through the WAAC during the period 1969 to 2012. This great effort put the finishing touch to the invaluable XXXII Congress convened by the World Academy of Art and Culture.
Among the highlights of the Congress are the unforgettable receptions given by the Hebrew Writers Association in Israel on behalf of its president Herzl Hakak and the Association of Writers in Spanish, under the direction of Mina Weil and Yael Vered and the IFLAC workshop chaired by Prof. Dr. Ada Aharoni.
On 7th September, 2012, an impressive Gala Dinner and regional dance event, which took place in Kfar Saba, marked the closing ceremony of the XXXII World Congress. Poets who had come from all over the world returned to their homeland with the taste of the Middle East in their hearts and feelings of gratitude to the organizers and institutions that had made this Congress possible:
Municipality of Kfar Saba- Union of Hispano Mundial Writers -UHE-International Forum for the Literature and Culture of Peace-
The Hebrew Writers Association in Israel-
General Union Writers in Israel-
Israel Association of Writers in Spanish-
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs-
Hug Iozrim Kfar Saba-
Beit Ha-Sofer-Modiin Israel
Argentine Society of Letters, Arts and Sciences (SALAC)
International Encounters of Arts and Poetry: The of the Seven Hills-
Magazine PROBUS-Mexico-
Literary Group "Almafuerte" - Argentina-
Institution Manuel Leyva A.C. and
International Society of Poets, Writers and Artists,
(SIPEA) - Mexico-
And we are sure, looking forward to participate again in the Congress next year, in
Manila, when poetry and brotherhood for peace will bring together once more poets of
the world, from all corners of the planet, in Peace and Harmony.
Dr. Graciela Nasif
Director of the final report
Patron: Yu Hsi
Executive Board
President: Maurus Young
1st Vice President and Secretary-General: Ernesto Kahan
2nd Vice President: G. Mend-Ooyo
3rd Vice President: István Turczi
Treasurer: Michelle Wang
Public Relations: Dorothy Young
Member: Afaa Michael Weaver
Member: Maria Eugenia Soberanis
Member: Milan Richter (last months without contact)
Member: Bei Ta
Member: Georges Chapouthier
3. WAAC Prizes 2012
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature 2012二零一一年學院頒發榮譽文學博士名單
Luis Alberto Ambroggio
Member of the Royal Spanish Academy and PEN
Eduardo González Viaña
Professor at Western Oregon University and member of the Academy of Spanish Language
Marga Mangione
Fundadora y Coordinadora del Grupo Literario “Almafuerte”
Graciela Nasif
Vice President of the Argentine Society of Letters, Arts and Sciences (SALAC)
Rubén Pasino
President of the Argentine Society of Letters, Arts and Sciences (SALAC)
Victoria Romero – Founder and Editor of Magazine PROBUS – Mexico
Lucía Giaquinto - Founder and Director of International Encounters of Art and Poetry: "La de las Siete Colinas"
Milagros Hernandez Chiliberti– Director of WAAC Web Page
Hedva Robinson Bachrach – Acclaimed poet and translator.
Rachelly Abraham-Eitan - Editor and Producer of the Shvilim magazine
Back Bong-Soon <白 鳳順>
Poetess of Korea
You Ji-Tack <柳 志卓>
Poet of Korea
Bei Ta
Poet of China
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humanities 2012
二零一一年學院頒發榮譽人文科學博士學位名單
Yair Mashiach
Director Culture, Youth and Sport Department. City of Kfar Saba – Israel
Dr. William C. Ho
Benefactor for universal culture and literature. – Taiwan
Winners of WAAC Presidential Medals 2012
二零一一年 院長獎章得主名單
1) Ernesto Kahan
2) Théa Marie Robert
4. Next WCP
33rd World Congress of Poetry (WCP) in Ipoh, Perak, MALAYSIA. October 2013
On behalf of Dr. Maurus Young and the WCP Executive Committee, we are glad to confirm that the next WCP will be held in Ipoh, the capital city of the state of Perak in Malaysia, October 2013.
It will be the 33rd WCP and the first time that a WCP is held in Malaysia, a member country of the Commonwealth with a multi-racial population and a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
A tentative program with costing has already been drawn up and we would like to inform participants that the inscription fees of 650 US dollars will include the following:-
a) 6-night stay with breakfast at Syuen hotel *** and both lunch and dinner will also be providedb) participation to poetry reading sessions in your choice of language(English, Mandarin, French and Spanish )
c) meeting up with Malaysian poets who will read their poetry in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language of Malaysia
d) excursion trips to visit Ipoh and touristic sites in Perak
e) one-day return trip by train from Ipoh to KL to see the Twin Towers f) contribution to the WCP’s anthology
Please take note that Malaysia has a hot, humid climate and you are advised to travel light. You need only your sunglasses, cotton wear like t-shirts, bermuda shorts, loose blouses or shirts and for ladies, long cotton skirts will be suitable for the day and evenings.
Upon arrival at the air-conditioned KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), don’t forget to look at the trees that are encased in glass. They are as old as the limestone hills in Malaysia.
The airport was built on pristine jungle.
More importantly, to reach us at Syuen hotel in Ipoh, you get on to the Yoyo bus and buy a one-way ticket for Ipoh that costs about 12 US dollars. After a two and a half hour ride on the bus, you will arrive in Ipoh, close to Syuen hotel where hotel staff will lead you to the venue. To appreciate the scenery from KL to Ipoh, it is advisable to arrive in Kuala Lumpur during the day.
The Yoyo bus service is available every three hours. If you are in a hurry, you can travel by limousine from the airport to Ipoh and it will cost about 50 US dollars per person.
We welcome our poet friends to Malaysia and we sincerely hope that you will make a special effort to participate in the 33rd WCP in Ipoh.
Wan Hua
Organiser (assisted by Dr.Georges Chapouthier aka Friedenkraft)
33rd WCP
nyonya.wanhua@yahoo.com
georges.chapouthier@upmc.fr
With respect and brotherhood
Prof. Dr. Ernesto Kahan
WAAC 1st Vice President and Secretary-General
"The 31st World Congress of Poets in Kenosha, Wisconsin, under the presidency of Mary Ann Lackovich, hosted more than 100 poets and guests representing 21 nations including Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Ho-Chunk, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Occupied Assyria, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela and the United States of America".
Groupal photograph on the 31st World Congress of Poets in Kenosha, Wisconsin
The Congress in Kenosha was completed with a great Wisconsin tour.
"The Kenosha Congress gives special thanks for all the gifts given for the Kenosha International Noble Garden of Peace, Dr. Yu Liansheng for bringing the Gift from China; Dr. Ernesto Kahan for donating the Gift from Israel; and Pedro Serazzi for bringing the Gift from the miners of Chile.
The 31st World Congress of Poets held in Wisconsin from August 28-September 4 exhibited five unique highlights: Seven Pre-Congress Events. To prepare the City of Kenosha and the State of Wisconsin for the arrival of the Poets of the World, seven Pre-Congress events were planned and executed, featuring Professor Afaa Michael Weaver (USA), Dr. Maurus Young (Taiwan/France), Dr. William Marr (USA), Dr. Ernesto Kahan (Argentina/Israel), Ruth O’Callaghan (UK), Dr. Thea Marie Robert (France) and Kae Morii (Japan). The Natural Beauty of Wisconsin. The Kenosha Harbor and surrounding floral parks set the backdrop for poetry readings and major events. The Wisconsin State tour focused on travelling the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, discovering the culture and people of the Ho-Chunk Nation and exploring a verdant buffalo ranch in Watertown. Samantha Christian, reporter for the Watertown Daily Times, wrote, “The 31st World Congress of Poets passed through Watertown on Thursday for lunch in an idyllic setting on watercolor artist Lori Grabske’s buffalo farm. . .Guests relaxed in the shade while listening to poets . . . sing and share stories.” The Kenosha Congress ended with a great tour of Wisconsin. The Brotherhood of Nations: The Parade of Nations during the Opening Conference heralded the pride of the poets as each carried flags of their homelands and the unity of these participant nations as they gathered together to share their visions for peace. Miss Wisconsin 2011 Laura Kaeppeler said it best: “I am so glad I was able to participate in this event. I experienced pure love from these poets.” Kenosha International Noble Garden of Peace: A tree was planted symbolically for peace and union between all poets and nations. A groundbreaking and dedicatory ceremony included an invocation and blessing, poetry readings, musical performances and an Allegorical Poem dance presentation. An exchange of gifts for inclusion in the Garden of Peace was presented by the Nations of China, Israel and Chile to the City of Kenosha. Engraved bricks of the participating nations were placed around the Tree of Love. The Honorable Keith Bosman, Mayor of the City of Kenosha, summed the 31st World Congress of Poets like this: “An event of this stature we may never see again in Kenosha. . . I’m a fan of the poets, the people I have met here today. I have a better appreciation of the world and the world’s appreciation of poetry.” The Kenosha Congress thanks in particular: Dr. Yu Liansheng for bringing his gifts from China; Dr. Ernesto Kahan for donating his gift from Jerusalem; and Pedro Serrazi for bringing the gift from the miners of Chile. The Cultural Art Exchange: The first ever World Congress of Poets Art Exchange between the nations of China, Japan and the United States was highlighted by an exhibition at the Pollard Gallery and Rhode Opera House; presentations of representative artwork at the Opening Conference at Carthage College; and calligraphy demonstrations at the Kenosha Southwest Public Library. Participating artists included China’s Dr. Yu Liansheng and eight other Chinese calligraphers, Japan’s Madame Toshie Tai, and U.S.A.’s George and Nan Pollard and Loretta Grabske.
World Academy of Arts and Culture Awards 2011Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature 2011
Carlos Hugo Garrido Chalén
Poet of Peru
Bella Clara Ventura
Poet of Colombia
Yang Keum-seon
Poet of Korea, Professor, poet, writer and musician
Dariusz Pacak
Poet of Poland
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humanities 2011
1) Keith Bosman
Mayor of the City of Kenosha, U.S.A.
2) Leo Grillo
Founder of D.E.L.T.A. Rescue and Horse Rescue of America
3) Ron Robinson
President, Young America's Foundation
4) Eduardo Verastegui
Actor and Pro-Life Champion
Winners of Presidential Medals 2011
1) Stacey D.K. Mia
Poet, Artist of USA
2) Kae Morri
Poet of Japan
3) Patricia Garza Soberanis
Poet of Mexico
4) Rosalba de la Cruz
Poet of Mexico
5) Sunwoo Ho
Poet and Professor of Korea
The 30th WCP was held in Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. in the Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island) during the best period of the year, from the 1st till the 7th December.
The President of this World Congress of Poets, was Dr. Yu Hsi, the Founder of Taipei’ s Poem Culture Corp. and Crane Summit 21st Century International Forum, and the Patron of World Academy of Arts and Culture and World Congress of Poets since 2004.
The Congress was great, combining meetings, musical performances, exhibitions of books and calligraphy works and sightseeing's
Almost all the expenses of the Executive Committee members of WAAC/WCP and keynote speakers were paid by the host. Poets were very impressed by the hospitality of the organizers.
A luxurious 671-page World Poetry Anthology by the poets was distributed to the participants after the Congress, together with the book entitled "Poetic Encounter" in four languages: English, Chinese, Spanish and, French, written by poets Germain Droogenbroodt, Georges Friedenkraft, Ernesto Kahan, Justice Mohan, Milan Richter, Maurus Young and, Yu Hsi. The editor was Ernesto Kahan, the Assistant Editor was Wei Tsai-Yi and, the Chinese translator was Karen Kung.
A highlight of the Congress was the participation of Abdul Kalam, famous poet and the Eleven President of India.
A bi-lingual (Chinese and English) website was constructed ad-hoc:
There were several poetry readings with all participants as well as by famous guest poets, a poetry competition in English, Spanish and Chinese
There was a fascinating sightseeing and a guided visit to the National Museum the world’s most famous museum of ancient Chinese art and the forest with millenary trees.
WORLD ACADEMY OF ARTS AND CULTURE Awards 2010Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature 2010
1) Mr. Kok Chai Lu
Poet of Canada/China
2) Prof. Lee Jong-hwa
Poet, writer and professor of Korea
3) Yu Liang Sheng
Poet, writer, calligrapher of China
4) Hazara Singh
Poet of India
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humanities 2010
1) William Peter Schmitt, Jr.
Social Worker of U.S.A.
2) Liu Guosong
Painter of Taiwan
Winners of Presidential Medals 2010
1) Mr. Chi Wei-Kuo
Poet of Taiwan
2) Mr. Tsogdorj BAVUUDORJ
Poet of Mongolia
3) Ms. Noriko Mitzusaki
Poet of Japan
4) Bei Ta
Poet of China
5) Maria Eugenia Soberanis
Poet of Mexico
6) István Turczi
Poet of Hungary
The 29th WCP was held in Budapest, Hungary from 27th September to 1st October, 2009 at which István Turczi was President, Milan Richter was Vice President.
The Congress was held at Danubius Hotel Flamenco.
The Budapest Congress was attended by more than 100 poets from 25 countries, among them some well-known representatives: Juhász Ferenc (Hungary), Anise Koltz (Luxemburg), Alain Lance (France), Eva Ström, Peter Curman (Sweden), Marianne Larsen és Pia Tafdrup (Denmark) Knut Odegard (Norway), John F. Deane (Britain), Mila Haugová és Jozef Leikert (Slovakia),Yu Hsi (Taiwan), Israel Bar Kohav (Israel), José Maria Alvarez (Spain).
The opening ceremony of the congress was addressed by the Minister of Culture. The closing ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the Hungarian PEN Centre.
The topic of the congress was: “The Future is a Place on Earth”.
The brief program of the 29th Congress was the following:28. September – Monday
OPENING CEREMONY
Opening words by the Hungarian Minister of Culture
Opening address by the Honorary President of the XXIX WCP – President of Hungarian P.E.N. Centre
Honoring Dr Yu Hsi with the P.E.N. Memorial Award
Hungarian music program
WAAC/WCP President M. Young
XXIX WCP President I. Turczi
Parnassus International Poetry Award (3 pc) conferred by I. Turczi.
Announcement of the theme for the poetry contest (in English, Spanish and Chinese) by I. Turczi
Honorary doctorates awarded by M. Young and M. Richter
Musical presentation by Dr Yu Hsi
Afternoon: 1st poetry sessions (English, Spanish, French)
Evening:
Photo: Opening ceremony: István Turczi –President of the 29th Congress, István Hiller Minister of Culture, Dr. Yu Hsi, Maurus Young and János Benyhe General Secretar of PEN Hungary.
Photo: Poetry reading by invited international and Hungarian established poets at the Hungarian Literary Museum followed by dinner for all the members of WCP
29. September – Tuesday
Morning:
Visit to Hungarian Writers’ Association (here a short poetry reading by the members of WCP Board)
Lunch in Zugló hosted by the Mayor of the district – Stefánia Palota
Afternoon:
2st poetry sessions (English, Spanish, French)
In Műcsarnok (Hall of Arts) – Poetry reading by the members of the European Academy of Poetry
John F. Deane, Anise Koltz, Knut Odegard, Vlada Urosevic, Milan Richter & István Turczi
30. September – Wednesday
Morning: Visit to the House of Parliament, short reception by the President of the House of Parliament.
Photo: Reception at the Hungarian Parliament given by Katalin Szili (Chairwoman) (István Turczi, Dr Yu Hsi, Prof. Ernesto Kahan)
Afternoon: Readings of invited poets in various places: Cervantes Institute, French Institute, Holocaust Memorial Center, Mongolian Embassy, Scandinavian Faculty at the University
Evening: CLOSING CEREMONY
During the congress an anthology was published with photos, bios and poems of the part-taking poets.
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature (Litt. Dr) 2009
Jozef Leikert
Poet of Slovakia
Choi Laisheung
Poet of Hong Kong
Prof. Kim Jeong Ok
Writer, Professor, Poet of Korea
Susana Roberts
Poet of Argentina
M. Ines Grivarelo Ottado
Poet of Argentina
Marie Robert
Poet of France
The XXVIII World Congress of Poets under the presidency of Dr. Maria Eugenia Soberanis Nogueda, took place in 2008 in the city and port of Acapulco in Mexico. This was a pleased and festive event with many poetry reading sessions, book presentations and conferences
The readings were organized in a way that each poet knew at his arrival, date, time and the room where his reading or presentation of books were planed. These schedules were inserted into the respective personal packages together with the Anthology and a portfolio welcome gift.
Lectures were given by leading poets such as Celia Vazquez (Spain), Milan Richter (Slovakia), Germain Droogenbroodt (Netherlands, Spain), Isaiah Alanis (Mexico), Iván Portela (Cuba-Mexico) and Ernesto Kahan (Israel-Argentina), in both languages: English and Spanish.
The Congress had 230 attendants from 28 countries. At the Opening Ceremony every country representative lit a candle which was lit during the entire Congress as a symbol of the light of inspiration and good will of poets which all of us were seeking under the goal of the World Academy of Art and Culture, Inc.:"Brotherhood through poetry". Doctoral degrees were granted by WAAC / WCP and prizes to the winners of the contests of poetry in English and Spanish with 3 places in each category, were given. Those awards were rose flowers and silver buttons.
Before the Opening Ceremony an exhibition of visual arts (photography and painting) from various international artists organized by the Cove / Rincon Int. was presented. We enjoyed the Mexican Mariachi music and a magnificent full moon which illuminated the famous shore of Acapulco, encouraged the audience poets of the world, to dance and share happiness among themselves, beyond language, race or culture differences.
The last day of the Congress, at the Closure Ceremony, a beautiful concert was performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Acapulco and a gala dinner put a golden conclusion to this international event.
Parallel to the Congress, lectures and recitals of invited poets were given in different parts of the city.
The post congress tour went to the city of Taxco silversmith (Heritage), then to Mexico City to visit the magnificent Museum of Anthropology and History, the amazing pyramids of Teotihuacan, the National Palace with murals by Diego Rivera, the Cathedral (jewel of colonial architecture) and of course, the Basilica of "Our Lady of Guadalupe".
At the end, poet visitors left for their places of origin and in both sides, a great nostalgia remained.
It must remark that all that, could not have been possible without the invaluable assistance of Patricia Garza Soberanis, Marily Reyes and Ernesto Kahan, Vice-Presidents of the Congress, to whom the president Dr. Maria Eugenia Soberanis Nogueda, reiterate her thanks.
WORLD ACADEMY OF ARTS AND CULTURE Awards 2008Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature (Litt.D) 2008
Marily Reyes
Poetess , Editor and Publisher of Poetry Magazine of U.S.A.
Rosa Martha Munuzuri
Poetess, Writer of Mexico
Fernando Rios Granados
Poet, Writer of Mexico.
Ramon Sierra
Poet of Mexico.
Maria Eugenia Soberanis Nogueda
Poetess and Lawyer of Mexico, President of XXVIII WCP
Rea Zogari-Kapordeli
Poet of Greece..
Yang Siping
Poet, Editor and Professor of China.
Sun Jian-wu (Xue Fei)
Poet and Medical Doctor of Taiwan
István Turczi
Poet, Publisher and Vice-Chaiman of Hungarian PEN Club.
Nameliast of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humanities (L.H.D.) 2008
Mingboupha Sengchanh
Secretary General of Taiwanese Nationalist Party in France, Nationality of Laos
Presidential medal winners 2008
Maria Ines Grivarello and Teresa Palazzo
The XXVIII World Congress of Poets under the presidency of Dr. Justice S. Mohan, took place in the city Chennai, India, from August 31 to September 6, 2007.
It was a successful event held within the framework of the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of India and it was developed under the lofty motto of World Brotherhood and Peace through Poetry. More than 250 poets from 26 countries have been working at the convention for a whole week according to a rich and interesting program.
A great Music Concert was given by Dr. Yu Hsi, at 6:30 pm, on August 31, 2007, with the participation of Mr. Kazuo Minagawa, Consul General of Japan to India. In the Concert, five top Taiwanese musicians from Taiwan and New York played pi pa, piano and drums.
The Opening Ceremony was at Chettinadu Kalaiarangam on Sept. 1st, presided by poet Dr. Justice S. Mohan. The Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Congress; Shri Ajit Prakash Shah, Chief Justice of the High Court of Madras delivered the keynote address; Dr. Krishna Srinivas, Co-founder of the World Congress of Poets and famous world poet from Taiwan; Dr. Yu His, Patron of WAAC/WCP; and Dr. Maurus Young, Secretary General of WAAC/WCP delivered the opening speeches.
Poetry sessions in English, Tamil, Spanish, Chinese and Korean were developed at the Savera Hotel on September 2. The English Poetry Session was presided by Dr. Milan Richter; the Tamil Poetry Session by Dr. Mu. Metha; the Chinese Session by Dr. Maurus Young; the Spanish Session by Dr. Ernesto Kahan, and the Korean Poetry Session by Dr. Han Yi Baek.
Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, M.P. Pro Chancellor of the Annamalai University delivered a presidential address at the Poetry Sessions and was congratulated by Prof. S. Ramachandran, Vice Chancellor of University of Madras.
A Musical performance was given by Padmashri Kadri Gopalnath & Party and a gala dinner party was given by Dr. Yu Hsi at the Taj Coramandel Hotel in the evening.
The Closing Ceremony was held at Chettinadu Kalarangam on September 3. Shri Surjeet Sinhgh Barnala, Governor of Tamil Nadu, delivered the Valedictory Address. Kumara Rani Dr. Meena Muthiah, Chairperson of the Chettinad Group of Institutions; Dr. R. Kishore Kumar, Dean of St. John’s Group of Schools ; Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu, Poet of India; also delivered their speeches as guests of honors.
Dr. Yu Hsi, took the opportunity to announce the publishing of 3 new poetry books dedicated to the Former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, including 2 poetry books written by Dr. Kalam in English, translated into Chinese by Dr. Maurus Young, a well-known poet of Taiwan/France, and published by Taipei’s Poem Culture Copamny : «The Life Tree», «The Luminous Sparks» ; and «The Blue Bird’s Moonlight Sonata», written by Dr. Yu Hsi, translated into English and fabricated into a 24k gold disc.
According to the decision of the U.S. World Academy of Arts and Culture, poets who contributed a great deal to world poetry were given titles and awards. The award «Poet Laureate» to China’s famous poet and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Li Zhaoxing; and 16 poets including Dr. Shi Ying (Singapore), Ms. Lyn Coffin (U.S.A.), Ms. Joy Rainey King (U.S.A.), Ms. Zacharoula Gaitanaki (Greece), Dr. Dimitris P. Kraniotis (Greece), Ms. Efichia Kapardeli (Greece), Mr. Tsai Chi-lan (Taiwan), Mr. Fong Ming (Taiwan), Prof. Kim Seok-Keum (Korea), Mr. Do Chang-Hoi (Korea), Mr. Park Seong-Cheol (Korea), Mr. Lee Ju-Cheol (Korea), Mr. R. Chandrasekaran (India), Mr. K.B. Rai, (India), Ms. Aroon Reeih Singhani (India), Mr. Anantha Padmanathan (India) were given the Honorary Doctorate of Literature Degrees; A number of foreign poets including Dr. Dimitris P. Kraniotis from Greece, Ms. Janet Yeung from Hong Kong, Ms. Lucia De Garcia and Ms. Mary Ann Lackovich from U.S.A., were awarded President’s Gold Medal.
Secretary General of the World Academy of Arts and Culture and the World Congress of Poets Dr. Maurus Young pointed out that the WCP-XXVI held in Chennai was a great success. On behalf of WAAC/WCP, he highly appreciated his Indian counterpart Mr. V.K. Narendra, Secretary General of the XXVII WCP; Ms. Shanti Mohan, Co-ordinator of the XXVII WCP. At the Closing Ceremony, Dr. Young also announced that the next WCP will be held in Acapulco, Mexico on October 12 – 19, 2008, organized by Dr. Eugenia Soberanis.
Dr. Soberanis delivered welcome address inviting poets around the world to attend the XXVIII World Congress of Poets in her country in Mexico 2008. She stressed that all participants in the XXVIII WCP will be accommodated in a 5-star hotel in Acapulco with moderate price. She will also negotiate with Mexican Airlines and China Airlines to offer special rate for all participants. Mr. István Turczi, Poet and Vice President of the Hungarian PEN Club, also delivered a welcome speech to invite poets all over the world to attend the XXIX World Congress of Poets in his country Hungary in the first week of August in 2009.
The result of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Poetry Competition was: The first place was for the poem «The Hindu, the Atheist and Gandhi» by Lyn Coffin from U.S.A., the second place was the poem «Tu voz» by Laura Hernandez from Mexico.
In the Closing Ceremony, Dr. Yu Hsi presented a Golden Gavel to Dr. Mohan as souvenir for his presidency during his outstanding tenure of service of the XXVII WCP.
A 4-day Post-Congress Tour was organized for all Congress participants to Mahabalipuram- a costal marvel of Tamil Nadu and a prominent port with historic importance during 7th to 9th century. The Congress participants also visited Pondcherry, a French Colony during 18th century and the historic Big Temple at Thanjavur built 1200 years ago which was declared as a great heritage by UNESCO with marvels of architecture. A visit to the Golden Temple at Chidambaram where the Lord of the cosmic dance prides has thrilled most of visitors.
The Executive Board Meeting held on September 6, 2007 in Chennai presided over by Dr. Justice Mohan, attended by Dr. Maurus Young, Dr. Milan Richter, Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Dr. Eugenia Soberanis, Ms. Dorothy Young. In the Meeting, they have discussed and unanimously adopted a By Law proposed and drafted by Dr. Mohan. The By Law pointed out that the President Emeriti shall have no power concerning the affairs of the Congress. Such a President shall be treated with due dignity and honor. The Executive Board has been re-organized : President : Dr. Justice S. Mohan ; Secretary General : Dr. Maurus Young ; 3 Vice Presidents : Dr. Milan Richter, Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Dr. Eugenia Soberanis ; 4 Members of the Executive Board : Dr. Germain Droogenbroodt, Mr. G. Mend-Ooyo, Dr. Lyn Coffin, Mr. István Turczs ; Treasurer :
Michelle Wang ; Public Relations : Dorothy Young . Advisory Committee : Dr. Yan Yi,
Dr. Baek Han-Yi, Mr. Joseph Azar, Dr. Wangyu Jiga.
Report made by
Dr. Maurus Young
Secretary General
World Academy of Arts and Culture
World Congress of Poets
Name list of Poet Laureate 2007
Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi
Poet of India, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr. Li Zhaoxin
Poet of China, Retired Minister of Foreign Affairs, China.
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature (Litt.D) 2007
Prof. Kim Seok-Keun
Poet of Korea, Professor of Orient Medicine College in Seoul, Korea.
Mr. R. Chandrasekaran
Poet of India, Avocat of High Court in Chennai, India.
Miss Eftichia Kapardeli
Poetess, Writer, Journalist of Greece.
Dr. Shi Ying
Poet of Singapore, Medical Doctor.
Ms. Lyn Coffin
Poetess of U.S.A., Professor of English in University.
Ms. Joy Rainey King
Poetess of U.S.A.
Ms. Zacharoula Gaitanaki
Poetess and Translator of Greece
Dr. Dimitris P. Kraniotis
Poet and Medical Doctor of Greece.
Mr. Tsai Chi-Lan
Poet of Taiwan
Mr. Fong Ming
Poet of Taiwan
Mr. Do Chang-Hoi
Poet of Korea
Mr. Park Seong-Cheol
Poet of Korea
Mr. Lee Ju-Cheol
Poet of Korea
Mr. K.B. Rai
Poet of India
Mr. Aroon Reeih Singhani
Poet of India
Mr. Anantha Padmanathan
Poet of India
The 26th World Congress of Poets was successfully held as part of the Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of the Great Mongolian State under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, on September 03-09, 2006 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Under the motto "Poetry - Purifying Human Soul," 315 poets from about 50 countries worked at their convention for a whole week, following a rich and interesting program.
1. An exhibition, "The Mongolian script culture and Poetry," was opened on September 03, 2006. Famous Mongolian calligraphers presented their works, devoted to poems by famous Mongolian poets. Twenty-five photographs showing the natural history of Mongolia and its daily life were also displayed. The exhibition ran for two weeks.
2. The opening session of the WCP-XXVI, which was opened by the President of the WCP-XXVI and by the poet Dr. Gombojav MEND-OOYO, was held in the State Convention Hall. The President of Mongolia, N. Enkhbayar, attended the opening session with a speech of welcome. The President of WAAC, Justice C. Mohan, the Secretary General of WAAC, Maurus Young, the Chairman of the International Committee of the World Congress of Poets Dr. Yu Hsi, the Vice Minister for Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia S. Tumur-Ochir and the composer N. Jantsannorov, twice awarded Mongolia’s State Prize and delivered their speeches to the Congress. A message from the UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsura to the Congress was well-received. Also, messages from Mrs. Rosemary C. Wilkinson, former President of WAAC/WCP, from Shri Chinmoi, Meditator for Peace at the United Nations, poet and composer, from the Japanese poet Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International and from D. Dagvadorj, a champion in the Japanese Sumo tradition, were also welcomed.
At the opening session, the President of Mongolia N. Enkhbayar was given the title Litt.D of the World Academy for Arts and Culture, and the Preident's gold medal. The Horse Fiddle Ensemble of Mongolia and the famous Taiwanese musician Wan Shih Run gave a musical performance to welcome the WCP. Later that evening President of Mongolia N. Enkhbayar and WCP-XXVI President Dr. G. Mend-Ooyo held a welcoming reception to the Congress participants.
3. The WCP-XXVI sessions continued at the Opera House on September 04-05, 2006. Around 40 poets offered speeches to the Congress, under the motto "Poetry - Purifying Human Minds".
4. The "Chinggis Khaan World Poetry Festival" was held on September 05, 2006 at the Opera House. The Festival had been announced one year earlier with the theme "The World Man - Chinggis Khaan" and some 80 poems from across the globe took part over three rounds. The 16 selected poems were recited, and the poem "Chinggis Khaan- A Dragon at the city of blue sky, Tengri the eternal sky " by the Taiwanese poet Yu Hsi was given the first prize. Special prizes were given to the poets Thelma Homer from the USA and R. Tsetsentsogt from Inner Mongolia.
5. A trip was organized for all Congress participants to the Khugnu Khaan Mountain, to Sand Dunes, and to the Orkhon Valley and Khara Khorum in Bulgan and Uvurkhangai provinces, so as to continue the Congress’ work, the recital of poems and the introduction to the Congress participants Mongolian historical and cultural sites and the life of nomads.
At the Sand Dunes a festival of Mongolian customs was held, while at the Khoyor Zagal Camp there were shamanist rituals and a lecture on shamanist poetry. The Congress participants visited the Ancient Capital of Mongolia, Khara Khorum, and the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
6. The closing session of the WCP-XXVI was held at the Opera House. Secretary General of the World Academy for Arts and Culture and the World Congress of Poets, Maurus Young, stressed that the WCP-XXVI held in Mongolia had been a great success, and announced that the next WCP will be held in India. According to the decisions taken by the World Academy for Arts and Culture, certain poets who had contributed a great deal to world poetry were given titles and awards. The award "Poet Laureate" to Manuel Levya (Mexico). Sixteen poets - including D. Uriankhai (Mongolia), G. Akim (Mongolia), Juraj Kuniak (Slovak), Elma D.Photekarm (USA), Yuriya Kumagai (Jaan), Ninobe Ken (Japan), Christophe Philippe Charles (Haiti), Georges Botis (Greek), Taki Yuriko (Japan) - were gaven the Litt.D. degree of the World Academy for Arts and Culture. The WAAC President's gold medal for excellence in poetry was given to Milan Richter (Slovakia), Sh. Surenejav (Mongolia), B. Lhagvasuren (Mongolia), and J. Dashdondog (Mongolia). A number of foreign poets were awarded with Mongolian literary prizes. The Taiwanese poet Yu Hsi was given the honorary medal of the 800th Year Anniversary of the Great Mongolian State by Presidential decree. Some distinguished poets were granted Honorary Doctors from Mongolia’s leading Universities. On the same day, a Danzanravjaa "Golden Digvaranz" Poetry Festival was held.
7. Within the framework of the WCP-XXVI a number of books were published, both in Mongolian and in foreign languages, including a multilingual Anthology. A special issue of the Poetry and Culture magazine of the Mongolian Academy for Arts and Culture, "Gunu," was published and distributed to all Congress participants.
WORLD ACADEMY OF ARTS AND CULTURE Awards 2006
Name list of Poet Laureate 2006Manuel S. Leyva Martinez
Poet of Mexico. President of XIX WCP 1999, Mexico.
Name list of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Literature (Litt.D) 2006
1) Jose Carlos Gaspar
Poet and Doctorate of Theology of Brazil.
2) Zanneta Kalyva – Papaioannou
Poetess, Journalist of Greece.
3) NA Teng Choon
Poet, Journalist and Photographer of the Philippines.
4) Kim Hwa-in
Poet.Writer and Publisher of South Korea.
5) Elma Diel Photikarm
Poetess , Writer and Founder of Poems of the World Magazine in USA.
6) Dharam Vir Sahani
Poet and Writer of India.
7) Nambar Enkhbayar
Writer, Literary Translator and President of Mongolia.
8) Damdinsuren Uriankhai
Poet and Philosopher of Mongolia.
9) Gotov Akim
Writer and Literary Translator of Mongolia.
10) Ken Niinobe
Poet of Japan.
11) Yuriya J. Kumagai
Poetess of Japan, Professor of Sapporo University of Japan,
12) Juraj Kuniak
Poet of Slovakia.
13) Christophe Philippe Charles
Poet of Haiti.
14) Hsu, Chi-Cheng
Poet of Taiwan.
15) George J. Botis
Poet and Lawyer of Greece.
16) Taki Yuriko
Poetess of Japan.
Namelist of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humanities (L.H.D.) 2006
1)Wang Yu. Ji Ga
Born in Tibet. Founder of Tibetan Trade Center in Shenzhen, China.
2)Shelley Guan
Painter and Photographer of China. Specialist of Chinese Folk Arts
The 25 World Congress of Poets was held in Ayres Hotel, Los Angeles, U.S.A., on Aug. 7, 2005, with about 200 poets than more than twenty-five countries. The congress was presided by Dr. Lucy Cabieles, a Colombian resident in the United States of America; vice-presidents were Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Argentine resident of Israel; Dr. Dorin Popa, Rumanian; Yvan Nguyen, Vietnamese and Rev. Imre P. Szoldos, Hungarian resident in Taiwan. These poets presented with great success the new book of poetry "Five poets - Three continents
Rosemary Wilkinson awarded a Golden Plaque to express its deep gratitude for her distinguished services in the past 3 decades and was named President Eméritus by his work poetics and his life dedicated to the fraternity of the poets in WAAC.
Writers of India, Korea, Japan, Asirya, Taiwan, Rumania, Mongolia, United States of America, Israel, Hungary, Austria, France, Vietnam, emphasized their lyrical color, the globally prize-winning poet, photographer and musician Yu Hsi presented an emotional poetic DVD that captivated the audience. Maurus Young presented poetry in French that delighted the audience; Milan Richter touched emotionality the public, and the mongolés Dr. Mend-Ooyo won the first prize of poetry in English. Latin-american poetry was extensively represented by a delegation of more than 15 Mexican poets, the majority of the International Society of Poets, Writers and Artists – SIPEA headed by Poet Manuel Leyva Martínez as well as recognized poets from Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Spain, Ecuador, Peru and Honduras.
At the Opening Ceremony on Aug. 7, the U.S. World Academy of Arts & Culture, conferred upon Dr. Yu Hsi the honorary title of Poet Laureate for his poetic excellence.
At the closing Ceremony on Aug. 10, the U.S. World Academy of Arts & Culture conferred upon Li Dingjun (China), Karen Kung (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Eleanor Morris Wu (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Luis Nelson Goyes Ortega (Columbia), Dora Castellanos (Columbia), Agustina Ospina (Columbia), Potis Katrakis (Greece), Ram Metha (India), Yoshiya Ohnuki (Japan), Hwang Seony-EE (Korea), Seo Jeong-Nam (Korea), and Lim Kwon-Shin (Korea) Honorary Doctorate of Literature Degrees; also presented an Golden Gavel to Dr. Lucy Cabieles.
World Academy of Arts and Culture Awards 2005
Name list of Poet Laureate 2005Yu Hsi
Poet of Taiwan
Name list of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (Litt.D) 2005
Hwang Seony-Ee
Poetess of Korea,
Seo Jeong-Nam
Poet of Korea
Lim Kwon-Shin
Poet of Korea,
Potis Katrakis
Poet of Greece
Li Dingjun (Hai An)
Poet of China
Yoshiya Ohnuki
Poet of Japan
Dora Castellanos
Poetess of Colombia
Luis Goyes Ortega
Poetess of Colombia
Agustina Ospina
Poetess of Colombia
The 24 World Congress of Poets was held in Tower Hotel, Seoul, Korea, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, 2004, with about 300 poet participants. The congress was developed under the presidency of Dr. Baek Han Yi.
The Conference was honored by the presence of guests and noted poets including Dr. Justice S. Mohan – President of WAAC/WCP; Dr. Yu Hsi - Patron of WAAC/WCP; Dr. Maurus Young – Secretary General of WAAC/WCP; Dr. Lucy Cabieles (USA); Wang Chi-lung (Taiwan); Karen Kung (Taiwan); Lin Tsun-Yuan (Taiwan); Tsai Chi-lan (Taiwan); Lucy Zeng Queng (Taiwan); Eleanor B. Morris (USA); James T. C. Na (The Philippines); Germain Droogenbroodt (Belgium); Dorin Popa (Romania); Imre Prince Zsoldos (Hungary); Dariusz Pacak (Poland); Ihara Goro (Japan); Kae Morii (Japan); Ritsuko Kawabata (Japan); Takashi Arima (Japan); Aya Yuhki (Japan); T. Ashok Chakravarthy (India); J. Bapu Reddy (India); Marianne Larsen (Denmark); Mend-Ooyo Gombojav (Mongolia); and the following distinguished Korean Poets: Min Yong-tae; Sim Jae-eon; Inn So-ri; Yoon Byoung-ro; Jang Youn-woo; Yu Ja-Hyo; Rho Ik-sung; Sun Woo-ho; Hahm Yeon-jin; Kim Nyun-kyun; Heo Yoon-jung; Kang Seok-ho; Seo Jung-nam; Lee Hyo-nyung and other members.
The Congress was under the WAAC/WCP traditional premise 'World Brotherhood and Peace Through Poetry" and the participants recitative their poems and offered anthologies.
Dr. Baek took all participants to a tour to the Han River, the Hangjoo Mountain Castle, Central Historical Museum, Kyunbok Palace and, to watch the colorful performances of Korean traditional dance and music. During the three days Post Congress tour, Dr. Baek also led his guest to visit the Seongryu Cave, the Euiryung Chungik Shrine, the Haeinsa Temple and, the Korean Folk Village in Eastern and Southern coasts.
Source: M. Young. Newsletter 2004, Celebration World Poetry Day Every year: October 15; The Moon Light of Corea; 2004; 11,13 p 42
The 23rd WCP was held in Taipei, Taiwan, September 2003 at which Chi-lung Wang was President and Dr. Maurus Young was Secretary General. It was the third time that Taipei played host for the Congress of world poets since 1973.
The Taipei Congress was attended by about 350 poets, almost half of them were local poets, including Dr. Tin-wen Chung, one of the founders of the World Congress of Poets, and half came from some 26 countries all over of the world, including Dr. Justice Mohan, former President of WAAC/WCP from India; Dr. Milan Richter, former 1st Vice President of WAAC/WCP from Slovakia; Dr. G. Mendo-Ooyo, poet laureate from Mongolia; and Dr. Lucy Cabieles, poet laureate from U.S.A., etc…
The Congress was sponsored by Dr. Yu Hsi, Founder of Taipei’ s Poem Culture Corp. and Crane Summit 21st Century International Forum, who became the Patron of World Academy of Arts and Culture and World Congress of Poets since 2004.
The Congress proceeded vividly and colorfully in a manner of combination of meetings and sightseeing's.
One thing that needs to be mentioned is that almost all the expenses of the Executive Committee members of WAAC/WCP and keynote speakers were paid by the host. Poets were obliged to the hospitality by the organizers.
A 120-page World Poetry Anthology by the poets was distributed to the participants after the Congress.
Responding to the application from Korean delegation, a resolution was made that the 24th WCP would be held in Seoul, Korean in 2004.
The Taipei Congress ended in awarding ceremony and cheers in the deluxe 4-star Asian World Hotel.
The following is a commentary from Rosemary C. Wilkinson. Pres. 1994-2003, WCP/WAAC 1973-2003, about the 23th WCP:
"Once again, a Taipei WCP welcomes world poets, following their WCP II, 1973 with our Co-Founder and President Tin-wen Chung presiding back then, still attending now with Wang Chi-lung organizing, presiding at WCP XV, 1994 and WCP XXIII, 2003, proving how steeply-deep, is poetry in the Oriental tradition, heritage, and culture leading world nations to emulate same, hosting world poets to a WCP. When Dr. Amado Yuzon convened WCP I, in Manila, 1969, the seed was planted to further these symposiums by establishing the World Academy of Arts & Culture by Co-founder Tin-wen Chung (Taipei), Krishna Srinivas (India), Lou Lu-Tour (USA), and now viable for 34 years. The Academy, was founded in 1973, and approved by the Executive Board in 1982, Spain WCP. It was registered in 1985 by Secretary of State of California, the Federal Franchise Tax Board- USA as a non-profit 501©(3) literary organization (with no connection to any other organization) to receive tax-deductable donations, and yearly dues to sustain the operations totally run by all published poet volunteers. The objectives of the WCP are four publications in the WCP brochure, never changing the theme: World Brotherhood and Peace Through Poetry, under the auspices of the World Academy of Arts & Culture. The Executive Board consists of 13 members with 8 Vice presidents, Presidents, Secretary General, Treasurer, Chaplain, Advisor and with simple majority-present needed by the 13 to delete, add, change the Charter for the Secretary of State of California/Fed. Franchise Tax Board (we are a mini U.N.) Now we have four Membership Directors with a Translator for our Advisor: An International Committee working on WCP’s up to 2015, with substitutions. There are three Presidents Emeriti: Amado Yuzon 1969- 1979; Tin-wen Chung 1979-1994. Rosemary C. Wilkinson 1994-2003. The official languages are: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Greek, Hebrew and Spanish. The idea of the Founders was to convene east to west, west to east so that once in their lifetime poets could attend a WCP when near them. While during three times in Taipei extraordinary hospitality was simply so splendid; seeing Museum changing artifacts each week- never running out of art to display-truly astounded us. We enjoyed side trips to Toroko Gorge, Sun-Moon Lake, 5ooo year-old trees, and more to admire, and the feeling of never wanting to leave this enchanted oriental land.
Academy presents “Honoris Causa” awards (Honorary Literature) yearly honoring major and minor poets to give honor and encourage poets to bring forth their work; share, translate, filter it down in to educational systems worldwide, or announced in famous literary magazines, media, like two famous elderly poets: He Jingzhi (former Min. Culture- Beijing, China) and Zang Kejia, Tuvia Ruebner from Israel. THE POETRY ANTHOLOGY FOR WORLD PEACE compiled by Yan Yi, our Vice President, and myself printed in 2000 by Yan in Beijing (hard copy and never-before-used-white-silk-technology) not to be sold, was presented to the U.N. Library (1st they ever received they said) containing Heads of State ( poems and statements) from over 100 countries in color, pictured with their work translated into 5 other languages besides their own, as a gift, given to UC-Berkeley, CA Library, UCLA, USF, Stanford Libraries; it was a one-time printing only.
Having served my three year term, I now write a 40 yr literary career autobiography knowing our President Justice Mohan will carry on ad infinitum; feeling confident that poets will come forth, carry on: Rise Up Poets, Restore the Earth.
Congratulations Wang Chi-lung (since 1969) for all your hospitality over the years to welcome us.
With respect,
Rosemary C. Wilkinson
"The 22st World Congress of Poets was a remarkable achievement, held in Iasi, Romania, under the presidency of poet Dorin Popa between October 28th and November 1st, 2002, hosted more than 50 poets, from four continents- Asia, North America, South America and Europe at the Iasi's Traian Hotel. The vice-presidents of the Congress were, Liviu Antonesei, Lucian Vasiliu and Codrin Liviu Cutitaru.
Poets came in all ages, beginning with a 15 years old local girl (Isabela Stoicescu) and stretching all the way to the ripe old age of 83 (Goro Ihara and Ritsuto Kawabata). And despite their different nationalities and alien mother tongues, all these poets soon discovered for themselves that the best way to understand each other was to speak in the universal language of poetry.
The Congress was officially opened with a ceremony that took place in the Unirea Hotel's Conference Room. There were inspiring presentations by Dorin Popa, Rose Mary Wilkinson (USA), president of WAAC, Justice Mohan (India), vice-president of WAAC, and Professor Jascha Kessler (USA). It was during this service that poet Dorin Popa was awarded an "Honorary Doctor of Literature." During the Congress, poets got together at the Traian, for reading sessions. They spoke in the official languages of WAAC, meaning English, Chinese, Spanish and Hebrew.
The great aim of this event was that, through poetry, the world should live as one, in peace and love. In the words of Rose Mary Wilkinson, the retiring president; "With small steps, with this small event, the Congress has a big role for us all. All that happens here was meant to be, because people really need this!" Her message was clear: the final goal of literature is to maintain and advance spiritual civilization.
A key moment came at the closing ceremony, when the president of the XXII of the World Congress of Poets, Dorin Popa was showered with honors, awards and diplomas from the members of the World Academy of Arts and Culture and from some other participants. One guest of honor was the Poet - Professor Ernesto Kahan, Vice President of Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organization which was laureate with the Nobel Prize for Peace, in 1985. This poet, native of Argentina, represented Israel and IFLAC (The International Forum for the Literature and Culture of Peace) at the Congress. And, along with Joseph Azar (USA) and Maria Eugenia Soberanis Nogueda (Mexico), Kahan communicated to the audience the resolutions which he hopes to see realized by the next Congress. Above everything, all poets hope to contribute to world union and peace. They are eager to expand their communications into the Spanish and Portuguese languages, as well as in the English.
The 21th World Congress of Poets was successfully held in Sydney, Australia from 7th to 11th, October, 2001, under the presidency of poet Robyn Ianssen.
This was the first time that the congress was placed in Sydney. Professor Elizabeth Webby, the Congress patron, opened this event at the official reception hosted by the Mayor of South Sydney on Sunday 7th October. The theme of the Congress was: "Poetry for World Peace in the New Millennium."
Following is an abstract from: http://worldpoets.tripod.com/index.htm
The organizing committee of the XXI World Congress of Poets in Sydney, included Indigenous poets, and many Bilingual poets who write not only in English but also in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Polish, Spanish and Turkish. It was exciting and wide ranging week of readings, workshops and literary events.
Photo of Robyn Iannsen, the Chair of the Organizing Committee of the Congress. The
Full Committee (in alphabetical order) wsa as follow:
Ludwika Amber (Editor),
John Bennett (Webmaster),
Ferit Berk (Deputy Chair),
Assad Cina,
Bill Collis (Editor),
Beatriz Copello (Secretary),
Ann Davis (Deputy Chair),
Anne Fairbairn,
Gailan,
Leonor Gouldthorpe,
Penelope Grace (Asst. Secretary),
Willing Hwang,
Robyn Ianssen (Chair),
Trevar Langlands,
Marjana Majic (Treasurer),
Lizz Murphy,
Luo Ning,
Edilia Porcu-Vidal,
Ron Pretty (Editor),
Kerry Reed-Gilbert,
Christine Shannon,
Jeanette Wang,
Andy Yang,
Phillip Yoon (Sponsorship).
Program of the 21 WCP
Sunday7th October
2-3.30pm Government House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Visiting the Vision. Visit Government House of New South Wales
for a poetry reading in conjunction with Carnivale
Listen to the poetry of Australian poet Ann Davis (Chair)
Cocktails and Light Buffet
Welcome to Country - Allen Madden
Welcome to Congress - Robyn Ianssen
Overview: World Congress of Poets - Rosemary Wilkinson
Welcome to overseas visitors
Mayor of South Sydney - Councillor John Fowler
Launch of Anthology: The Opening of Borders by Professor Elizabeth Webby.
Presentation
of artist Michael Kefaloukas - surrealist art works on display and performance poet
Robert Balas for the accompanying ten metaphysical poems.
Monday8th October Monday8th October
Introduction and welcome to Congress - Robyn Ianssen
Keynote Address - Professor Elizabeth Webby
Readings
Influence of Poetic Language on Prose/Fiction
Chair - Prof. Elizabeth Webby
Indigenous Readings - Multilingual Readings - Poetry Workshop - Brook Emery -
Papers: of Poetry of Peace - Music - Violinist Stan Kornel
Tuesday9th October
Poetry Rules - Chair John Bennett
Brief Encounters – Workshops - Readings – Spanish, Portuguese, Italian - Writing
Poetry for Children - Poetry for Young People - Translating Poetry Seminar -
Australian Bush Poetry - Poets and Publishers Head to Head - Multicultural
Readings
Wednesday10th October
Walk & picnic-outdoor poetry readings - City Tour Bus around City – Opera House, Art
Gallery - lunch Botanic Gardens, walk around The Rocks - Readings at the Charles
Billich Gallery -
Thursday11th October
Australian Poetry Anthology in Polish, Edited by Ludwika Amber – Readings – Tapestry - Blossom Season – Love Poems - Refugee Poetry - Plenary Session - Farewell to Congress - Chilean Musicians – Renaciminto Andino
The anthology launched contained brief descriptions of poetic traditions from over thirty countries and the prize poems from the Poetry Competition. John Bennett – Judge commented: …" that three finalists let alone order them, as a result, i have avoided choosing a first, second, third by nominating three joint winners. They are (in the order I read them):
Five Pai verses by Bing Fu - A confession! Having written similar poems about Suzhou I felt immediately drawn to this short suite of poems. However, what makes these poems work so well was their use of new and exciting imagery within traditional modes and themes.
Here I am, Pablo by Ramon Cuelho - This ambitious poem gives a rock solid sense of the passion of poetry and its gravitas situated within a world of poetry and politics but always returning to the poetry again.
Perils of Translation by Danny Gardner - I thought the poem moving and apposite given the themes and intent of the World congress of Poets. Translation takes many forms, and, at various levels, communication is translation, to steal a phrase from the poem, 'dips 'an oar [ear] into literature's ocean'.
Congratulations not only to the winners but to everyone who participated. To quote the last line of Ramon's poem, 'It matters that we sing."The Committee at the Farewell Dinner,
Paddington Town Hall
The 20th WCP was held in the beautiful city of Thesaloniki, Greece, 2000 at which Dr. Nikolaos Moshovos was President.
This was the second time that the World Congress of Poets held its Congress in Greece. They held the 8th WCP in Corfu in 1985.
The Thesaloniki Congress was attended by about 150 poets including Dr. Rosemary C. Wilkinson (U.S.A.), President of the World Academy of Arts and Culture (WAAC) and World Congress of Poets (WCP); Dr. Maurus Young (France/Taiwan), Secretary General of WAAC/WCP; Dr. Justice Mohan (India), Vice President of WAAC/WCP; and Dr. Milan Richter, poet from Slovakia and Dr. Germain Droogenbroodt, poet from Spain/Belgian; Dr. Ada Aharoni. poet from Israel; Dr. Chi-lung Wang, poet from Taiwan; Dr. Karen Kung, poets from Taiwan, Dr. Y. Van Nguyen, poet from Vietnam/U.S.A., etc….and many local poets.
Moshovos organized a cruise on the Aegean Sea inviting poets to drink and read poems on the boat in the evening. Poets enjoyed warm hospitality of the host, beautiful scene in Greece and nice weather in the Mediterranean Sea.
The president was Dr. Litt. Manuel S. Leyva Martinez.
The celebration of World Poetry XIX Congress of the WAAC was developed in the port city of Acapulco; the event was attended by poets and writers from Asia, Europe and America.
This WCP was relevant for the celebration of the bicentennial of the founding of the Port of Acapulco and the 150 anniversary of the erection of the State of Guerrero. The Congress gave homage to writer Octavio Paz, Nobel Laureate in Literature, The Floral Games were dedicated to him and his photo mural was placed in the auditorium during the week of this great literary event.
The main authorities of the State Government dignitaries and representatives of cultural institutions of the State of Guerrero and the Mexican nation attended the opening and closing gala ceremonies - To raise awareness of the folklore and tourist sites internationally renowned, all writers, poets and special guests made tours in the city and at the end of the Congress a choice of tours to Acapulco, Guadalajara, Mexico and the State of Yucatan, were offered.
Organizing Committee of the XIX World Congress of Arts and Culture
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Manuel S. Leyva Martinez
Secretary. - Rosa Martha Muñúzuri
Treasurer. - Miguel Angel Vela Lepez
Public Relations. - Elizabeth Rivera Leyva
Members. - White Queen Aguirre
Members. - Nancy Maldonado Uzcanga
Members. - Alberto Diaz Bello
Voice of Peace and Severe Huerta
Members. - Hugo Zuniga
Members. - Linnett Bergeret Muñoz
HONORARY COMMITTEE.
President. Lic Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León.
President Constl. Mexico.
SECRETARY.
Mr. René Juárez Cisneros.
Governor Constl. State of Guerrero.
Vocal. Ana Maria Castilleja.
CULTURAL CONSULTING EXECUTIVE.
Rosemary C. Wilkinson, President W.A.A.C.
Karl Bernard, Advisor for Life.
The Congress was chaired by poet and writer Milan Richter
18th World Congress of Poets took place from the 19th until 23rd August 1998 in Bratislava, Slovakia, honoring the centenary of birth of Jan Smrek, the most beloved poet of Slovakia.
The main theme of the congress was "A New World of Peace and poetry with the Closing Millennium“ and 6 more themes had been suggested to the participants to write their papers or poems about, including "Poetry and Taboo“, "Translating Poetry – the Art of the Impossible?“ or "The Poet as a Mediator between Universes“. Among the 160 poets from 45 countries some 40 prominent or well-known writers participated, such as Tomas Tranströmer from Sweden (who was to receive the Nobel Prize 13 years later), Klaus Rifbjerg and Pia Tafdrup from Denmark, Ludvik Kundera, Jana Stroblova and Jiri Zacek from the Czech Republic, Knut Odegard from Norway, Richard Pietrass from Germany, Dannie Abse from Great Britain, Lubomir Levcev from Bulgaria, Milan Rufus and Stefan Zary from Slovakia, etc.
Besides readings of papers and poems in language groups (groups: English, German, French/ Spanish, Slovak/Slavic, Chinese) there were 14 readings for the audience of Bratislava and nearby towns, presenting international and domestic leading poets or poetry of one country (Chinese, i.e. Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese poetry or "Italian Poets in Bratislava“ mostly in ancient palaces of the Slovak capital (Palffy Palace, Old Town Hall courtyard, Primate´s Palace) and in the culture centers of Austria, Bulgaria and Poland.
In the period shortly before parliamentary elections and without a serving president only lower positioned officials, such as mayors of towns and directors of institutions took part in the opening and closing ceremony. Still they offered cocktails and the farewell reception.
There was a day-long trip to the town of Modra where lord mayor and WAAC/WCP President R. Wilkinson unveiled the plaque in honour of Jan Smrek and to the Home of Slovak Writers in Budmerice where translators of Slovak literature spoke about their work and where a real garden party in the park in front of the mansion took place. The participants had also opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to the Devin Castle.
Awards in the Jan Smrek Prize competition were conferred upon T. Tranströmer, L. Kundera and others during the closing ceremony while at the opening of the congress the diplomas of honorary doctorates of literature were awarded to international and Slovak poets.
One additional day of poetry and sight-seeing followed: a trip to Vienna, Austria´s capital which is only 55 km far from Bratislava. A brief sight-seeing was planned for the historical centre of Vienna, as well as three readings for international and Austrian poets. Unfortunately, 1998 was still a year/an epoch of borders, passports and visas in Central Europe and several poets from Turkey, Romania, Israel, etc. didn´t have visas for both entering and leaving Austria. So the trip remained a nightmare in the memory of the organizers: we spent 3 hours at the border, lost the chance for a sight-seeing and instead of evening hours we returned home late in the night while 2-3 poets had to stay with the border police waiting for their consuls to receive visas.
The post-congress tour went to the medieval towns of Nitra and Trnava, as well as to the city of Kosice in the eastern part of Slovakia where a reading of foreign poets was given to the local audience. The participants enjoyed Slovakia´s beautiful country-side with ancient castles and hospitality of Slovak people.
Several books and brochures were published for the WCP 1998:
- anthology with 1 poem in a world language, with 1 photo, a short CV + documents (speeches) for the 18th WCP
- anthology A Violin Before the Open Window with texts of the Jan Smrek Prize competitors + Jan Smrek´s poems in English
- 5 booklets with poems in several languages – volumes by Slovak poets Milan Rufus, Stefan Zary, Albert Marencin, Jan Zambor, Dana Podracka, Milan Richter of whom the honorary presidency and the active presidency of the 18th WCP consisted
- 1 booklet with poems of Jan Ondrus (one of leading Slovak poets) in English translation
The 18th WCP in Bratislava was prepared and arranged by an organizing committee lead by Milan Richter.
The following is the Opening speech at the XVIII World Congress of Poets, Bratislava
by Rosemary C Wilkinson, WCP/WAAC President
On behalf of our World Congress of Poets held under the auspices of the World Academy of Arts and Culture, and all of our international members, we thank your Excellencies, the Lord Mayor, Slovak Ministry of Culture, National Centre for Slovak Literature, Municipality of Bratislava, and Honorary President Milan Rúfus, and his Vice-Presidents Štefan Žáry and Albert Marenčin, the Organizing and Executive Committee headed by the President Milan Richter, his Steering Committee and Associations with Special Supporters and Sponsors, we the world poets given your title of ”the saints beyond the Village”, are honored to be invited to your precious soil. Here we can cherish and embrace your traditions, noble literary endeavors in the gathering of nations in a special brotherhood, through their poets, to witness an esteemed culture by all of us globally plus and especially the European countries.
The present 18th WCP comes on the eve of our thirty years of existence in 1999. In 1973 when I was given ‘Special Merit’ grant to publish my first book of poetry: A GIRL’S WILL by the Illinois State Poetry Society, Lou Lu Tour of New York, one of the Founders of our Academy, asked our President of the 2nd WCP, Dr. Tin-wen Chung, to invite me to Taipei, 1973. He did but I buried it in my desk drawer thinking it was not for me to be among such prestigious gathering of well-recognized world poets and critics. Months later and reading Dr. Chung’s ‘for shy and unknown poets too’, my neighbor said I should attend – I did. While there Dr. Amado Yuzon, also Founder of our Academy, presented me with a medal (this one) but I refused stating that I had not merited it yet. He insisted by placing it over my head with ”spend the rest of your life earning it” – it seems I have obeyed now bringing forth my twentieth book of poetry, twenty-five years later, and two Epic Biographies, presently my thirty-five year literary career autobiography.
Service to the world poets during that interim was liaison for sixteen WCP’s and working with nine more until the year 2007. All of this occurred after ten years in hospital administration, and in between rearing four children. I stretched time out for it all.
From the years derived serving the past and upcoming Presidents of a WCP I learned of their contagious enthusiasm opening the arms of their beloved nations to embrace us world poets as brothers and sisters, no matter our color, religion, ideologies, for we are only into poetry. Attending a WCP is like the oasis of water we rush to, and from, our havens of poetry solitude. In other words we need each other, we are just one big family. Why?
For 1) we all suffer the silence of the publishers refusing our poetry stating that the public never reads poetry so they cannot risk financial loss through us.
2) it really does not matter for a born poet was born to write, so we continue to struggle for the upcoming generation who will come to demand it to fulfill their spiritual vacuum that they suffer from ‘soul hunger’ and becoming more painful the further we delve into more modern technology advances. Meantime we go to the public via the Internet/On Line etc.
I studied John Donne 200 years after he died, so there is hope for us all, I am confident. Meanwhile we listen to Thomas Edison who said: ”We must hustle, while we wait.”
Thank you from our hearts for welcoming us, all of us, to your beloved Slovakia.
Rosemary C Wilkinson, President
(18th World Congress of Poets, August 19-23, 1998, Bratislava, Slovakia)
The 17th WCP was held in Seoul, Korea, 1997 at which Dr. Han-yi Baek was President.
This was the second time the World Congress of Poets to hold its meeting in Seoul; they held the 4th WCP in Seoul in 1979
The Seoul Congress was attended by about 200 poets almost half of them were local poets and half came from some 20 countries of the world, including Dr. Rosemary C. Wilkinson (U.S.A.), President of the World Academy of Arts and Culture (WAAC) and World Congress of Poets (WCP); Dr. Maurus Young (France/Taiwan), Secretary General of WAAC/WCP; Dr. Justice Mohan (India), Vice President of WAAC/WCP; and Dr. Milan Richter, poet from Slovakia and Dr. Germain Droogenbroodt, poet from Spain/Belgian.
The Congress proceeded in a manner of combination of meetings, poetry readings and tours of historical royal palace and museums around the old city.
The 16th WCP was held in Maebashi City, Japan from August 22 to August 26, 1996. The Congress was chaired by poet and writer Yutaka Akiya.
This report was prepared by Poet Kae Morii from Japan, because at the moment in which this book was written, poet Yutaka Akiya, the President of the 16th WCP, passed away. We are very grateful to Poet Kae Morii for her wonderful contribution.
It was the first WCP developed in Japan and was attended by more than eight hundred poets including about 250 foreign poets from all over the world. All of them gathered to create the new vision and the world peace.
The president of the Congress, Yutaka Akiya was also the president of the largest poetry group in Japan called “Chikyu” that means "the Earth", and of the various other associations as, the Japan Poet Association and of Saitama Poet Association. His neo –romantic poetry is known for his humanism and high quality and made a well known contribution to peace through poetry. He awarded the Prize of the Greek Writers Association.
Maebashi was selected for this congress because is a beautiful green place full of water and the birth place of Sakutarou Hagiwara, the poet who made a transcendent work in modernist poetry and Japanese history of poetry. The President of the Japan Poet Association during the Congress, Kazue Shinkawa, the known poet of reverence of water for life and love on earth, as well as many Japanese poets celebrated the 16th WCP and exchanged their poetry with poets from abroad.
This was a successful event under the theme- "The nature and the human being, let’s tell the future of the human being for 21 century".
The 15th WCP was held in Taipei, Taiwan on August 27-31, 1994 at which Dr. Chi-lung Wang (Lu Ti) was President and Dr. Maurus Young was Secretary General. The Congress was sponsored by Chinese Poetry Society. The site of the Congress was Asia world plaza Hotel.
The Taipei Congress was attended be about 535 poets from 48 nations. The topics was the Development of World Poetry in the 20th Century. Each of them was guided by a keynote speech before discussions. The keynote speaker was Prof Yu KWANG-CHUNG on Is The Muse Dead?〞
The topics discussed in the Congress were: (1) Poetry and Nature, (2) Poetry and Society, with keynote speeches given by Prof. Yu Kwang-chung and Prof. Hu Ping-ching.
The Congress ended with a highlight by awarding plaques and prizes to the deserved poets. Followed by loud cheers, a two-day post-congress tour took poets to Taiwan’ s eastern port city of Hualien and southern port city of Kaohsiung.
The resolutions were passed by the Congress. One was to accept the invitation from Prof. Yutaka Akiya to have the 16th WCP held in Maebashi, Japan in 1996.
The 14th WCP was held in city of Monterrey Nuevo Leon State, Mexico. August 19 – 23, 1993.
It was chaired by poet, artist, singer, and writer Sonya Garza Rapport, aided by a large group of Monterrey intellectuals, arts and cultural agencies and the support of the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey.
This Congress of the XIV World Congress of Poets, under the sponsorship of the World Academy of Arts and Culture recognized by UNESCO was wonderful. In a great brotherhood, poets, writers and artists from Asia, Europe, Oceania and America, enjoyed together this poetry festival.
The remarkable presence of the authorities of WAAC, Rosemary C. Wilkinson, (President) Lucy Cabieles (Secretary) and Carl Bernard (Advisor for Life), inserted a touch of quality and sympathy.
Plenary sessions were attended in a wide majority, by Spanish-speaking authors, mainly from Mexico and Latin American countries, representatives from China, India and Japan, a group of poets from Europe, most of them from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Greece.
The participation of translators into English, French, Chinese and Portuguese, facilitated the creation of an atmosphere of brotherhood and universal unity.
Representatives of Federal and State Government gave welcome addresses at the Palace of Art and Culture "Alfonso Reyes" whose main hall was insufficient to accommodate the important intellectual audience of Monterrey, which for the first time in Latin America, was witness to a solemn World Congress of Poetry.
This report was provided by Dr. Litt. Manuel S. Leyva Martinez. (Universal Poet Laureate)
The 13th WCP was held in Haifa, Israel, September 7 – 11, 1992. It was chaired by poet and writer Dr. Ada Aharoni, President of the 13th WCP and Head of the Hebrew Writers Association in Haifa and the North of Israel.
It was attended and opened by the Mayor of Haifa, Mr. Arye Gurel and the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Shulamit Aloni, who both gave their warm greetings and blessings to the WCP Congress. It was also attended by Member of Israeli Parliament and Poet Gad Yacobi, and Member of Parliament Yael Dayan, daughter of the celebrated hero, Moshe Dayan. Poet Mike Scheideman and Poet and actor John Dicks, were Vice Presidents. Dr. Rosemary C, Wilkinson, WCP World President, greeted the audience in the name of the Poets of the World.
The Congress was sponsored by Haifa Municipality, by the Israeli Writers and Poets Association, and by VOICES: the Israeli Poetry Society in English. The site of the Congress was Dan Carmel Hotel, the most elegant Hotel in Haifa and the North, with a marvelous view on the Haifa Bay and the North of the country.
The 13th WCP was dedicated to the memory of the great poet Shin Shalom, who was the Head of the Israeli and Writers and Poetry Association for more than forty years. Dr. Ada Aharoni translated his beautiful and moving poetry into English, and she read some of his poems and analyzed their profound meaning and impact on the yearning for peace in the Middle East and the aspiration for World Peace.
The theme of the Congress was: THE CREATION OF A WORLD BEYOND WAR THROUGH POETRY. All the various panels throughout the Congress was on a high and very inspiring level, as well as all the beautiful poems read by more than 450 poets, from 40 different countries, approximately half of them from abroad and half of them from Israel. The last day of the Congress was held in the Bedouin IFLAC Tent of Peace, where Jews, Christians, Moslem and Druze Poets read, sang and danced their poetry. It was a most elevating experience which deeply moved all the hundreds of people in the audience.
The themes which were discussed throughout the Congress were: (1) The Influence of Poetry on Peace, (2) Poetry, Science and Education (3) Israeli Poetry and its Search for Peace (4) Poetry East and West (5) The PCTV: The Need for A Global Peace Culture Television Network. (6). Bridges of Understanding and Communication through Poetry. Each Panel was opened and guided by a Keynote Lecturer before the discussions.
The Congress organized a very successful and exciting “Shin Shalom Peace Poetry Contest” throughout the four eventful days, and the three final winners were announced at the closing ceremony of the Congress held at the Haifa Municipality, under the auspices of the Mayor of Haifa Arye Gurel. After the presentation of the well-merited awards to Dr. Ada Aharoni her two Vice Presidents, and major Poets, Mr. Gurel explained that in the Jewish Tradition, 13 is a very special number, as it is the “Bar Mitzva” ceremony, when a young boy becomes a man. He blessed the WCP Congress as having arrived to its own 13 years maturity and said he was very proud they had chosen Haifa for this special ceremony.
President Ada Aharoni concluded that the 13th WCP, has indeed proven it is an important part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of humankind for the betterment of the world. “The 13th WCP” she said, “with the help of all of you conscientious world poets, has solidly helped to pave a peaceful and harmonious global village through Poetry. She warmly thanked all the Poets who had helped in creating such a wonderful congress in Haifa, and invited them to taste of the beauty of Israel in the sightseeing week that started the next day.
The Congress was ended in a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause by all and the beautiful singing of the 13th WCP Peace Hymn.
Under the high patronage and at the invitation of Hon. Namik Kemal Zeybek, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Turkiye, and proceeded by his successor Hon. Gokhan Maras, the 12th WCP was held in Istanbul, Turkiye from September 16-20, 1991 at which the Minister Gokhan Maras was Honorary President and poet Dr. Osman Turkay was President.
Paying homage to Yunus Emer, the greatest Turkish poet of the 13th-14th century, UNESCO declared 1991 the Yunus Emre Year of Love – Love of Man, Love of God, and Love of Universe. More than 200 international poets and 100 local poets attended the Congress. A great number of papers written about Yunus Emre by the participants had been read and discussed in the Congress.
One of the highlights of the Congress was Dr. Talat Sait Halman, Former Minister of Culture and Ambassador for Cultural Affairs of Turkish Republic and now Professor of New York University, gave a lecture and poetry reading on “Yunus Emre: A Miracle of Poetry” with presentation of “Yunus Emre- Selected Poems” translated by the Professor and printed by chromolithograph into a deluxe edition.
The WAAC donated 30 middle-size and 10 big-size golden plaques as Awards in Memory of Yunus Emre. The Istanbul Congress was ended with the highlight of presenting these awards to the deserved and adding loud cheers: “Haifa, Israel! 1992!”
Under the high patronage of the Ministry of Culture of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the 11th WCP was held in Cairo, Egypt from December 1-6, 1990 at which Dr. Mahmoud Khalifa Ghanem was President. Dr. Samir Sarhan, Deputy Minister of Culture signed the invitation to the Congress and also chaired the Congress.
The Congress was attended by 300 eminent poets, among them about one-third were local and two-thirds from other countries, including almost all the Arabic nations. The inauguration ceremony of the Congress was held in the International Conference Centre. Accompanied by the Prime Minister and the other Ministers, First Lady Hosni Mubarak inaugurated the Congress on President Mubarak’s behalf. Her gracious presence excited all the participants.
The topics for discussions were: (1) Modernity or Modernities, (2) The Poet and Contemporary and Human Problems and (3) Problems of Poetry Translation and Other Issues. A great number of papers were presented by the poets and the conclusions of the discussions were fruitful.
Poetry Recital highlighted the Congress activities. In the Cairo Opera House and in the General Egyptian Book Organization’s Headquarters, poets of the world read their poems in different languages but with one ideal: PEACE.
In memory of the late President Sadat, the World Academy of Arts and Culture donated five large-sized golden plaques as Sadat Award of Peace to award the deserved at the closing ceremony.
“We poets of the world gather here for peace, and not far from our meeting site we see troops gathered there for war. Let us pray that God may bless the world with peace at the final minute, and bless the one who can stop the war.” Dr. Tin-wen Chung sketched the scenes of the 11th WCP in his speech.
The 10th WCP was held in Bangkok, Thailand from November 14-18, 1988, with the presidency of H.R.H.Prince Chand Chirayu Rejani who was absent due to illness
The Bangkok Congress was held with a special significance, paying tribute to the Longest Reign of H.M.King Bhumibol Adulyadej and to show respect to poet Sunthorn Phu (1786-1855). The former Prime Minister M.R. Seni Pramoj graciously accepted the vice-presidency of the Congress and inaugurated the Congress with a keynote speech entitled “Music in Thai Poetry”. The organizing Committee for the Congress was chaired by Prof. Sutharm Areekul Rector of Kasetsart University and his colleague Prof. Montri Umavijani who chaired the International Committee for the Congress. In fact, Prof. Umavijani was the acting president of the Congress.
More than 300 renowned poets attended the Congress. Among them about one-third were from local and two-thirds from abroad. The topics of the Congress were: (1) Poetry as a Vision of Humanity, (2) the Play and Place of Poetry in the Modern World, (3) Poetry and Song, and (4) The Poetry of Journey. The discussions and conclusions on the topics were fruitful. 43papers from the participants were printed in book form.
In all the past Congresses, from the 1st to the 9th, the delegation from the Republic of China on Taiwan had always been one of the biggest. In the 10th WCP, we were happy to see another delegation from the Chinese mainland to join us. The Mainland delegation was composed of ten selected from ten areas, including talents from the north of Harbin to the south of Guangzhou. Thus, Chinese poets from both sides of the Taiwan Straits met at the 10th WCP which was later called “The Bridge of Bangkok”.
The Congress passed a significant resolution which reads: “Every university graduate should know his/her national poet and/or a world poet. We request UNESCO to have every nation name its five poets, old and new, and make them available in official UN languages within two years time.” The resolution was presented to UNESCO by Prof. Umavijani personally in Paris in 1989.
H.R.H. Prince Chand Chirayu Rajani, President of 10th WCP died on November 29, 1991 shortly after the publication of “Thai Faces”, a thick book in royal edition, collecting a great number of poems in Thai Kloang form with English translation by the Prince. It also has one hundred and thirty-five renowned photographers of the world.
Through the efforts of Dr. S. Mohan and Dr. Krishna Srinivas, Founder/President of World Poetry Society Intercontinental, Founder of WCP and Vice President of WAAC and by the sponsorship of Dr. M.G. Ramachandran and Dr. A Padmanaban, Chief Ministerand Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, the 9th WCP was held in Madras, India, from December 28-31, 1986 at which Dr. S. Mohan was President.
Madras is the Capital of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is deemed as the window of the modern South and the museum of time-honored ancient legacies. Regardless of the far distance from New Delhi, His Excellency R. Venkatataman, the Vice President then and now the President of India, flew to Madras, graciously inaugurated the Congress and thrilled the audience with his beautiful keynote speech “Fight Injustice”.
The Madras Congress was attended by more than 150 prominent poets from six Continents. Among them, about one half were local poets and one half from abroad. With high spirit they discussed the following two topics: (1) Greatness of Poetry in English and (2) March of Poetry to the 21st Century. Discussions and conclusions were fruitful.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Kalaivanar Arangaam, the city Hall of Madras. The general sessions were conducted in Rajali Hall, a beautiful venue for conference. After the end of the Congress, a three-day post congress tour followed. With high interest and great pleasure, poets visited cultural centers in the South India.
Not long after the Congress, a 140-page “Report & Anthology of 9th World Congress of Poets, Madras, 1986” was published.
Under the high patronage of Mrs. Melia Mercouri, Culture and Science Minister of the Greek Republic, the 8th WCP was held in Corfu (Kerkyra), Greece, September 28- October, 1985. Once again the Congress was presided over by the former President of the Republic of Senegal, the great poet Dr. Leopold Sedar Senghor. This was requested by the host country as well as by the poets of the world.
The topics of the Corfu Congress were: (1) Mediterranean Poetry and Civilization, (2) The Poet in Contemporary Society-Living Condition and Social Position, and (3) The Poet vis-à-vis Book Industry and the Mass Media. The three topics for discussion interested the participants greatly.
More than 300 eminent poets took part in the Corfu Congress. All of them were in high spirit to discuss the topics and to chant their own poems. They visited the beautiful scenic spots around the island. Among them about one-third were local poets and two-thirds coming from other countries.
The touch of the WCP movement was passed on one after another throughout the world and now it arrived in Greece, the home of the Muses.
Under the high patronage of H.M. King Hassan II of Morocco, the 7th WCP was held in Marrakech, a timed-honored cultural city of the Kingdom, from October 14-20, 1984, It was the first time that an international convention on poetry/literature was convened in Africa. It was indeed a great occasion in history
The President of the Congress was Dr. Leopold Sedar Senghor, who is a leading poet in Africa and was the President of the Republic of Senegal. His presiding over the Congress honored the occasion greatly with extra luster.
The topics of the Congress were: (1) Aesthetics in the 20th century: the Analogical Image, Melody and Rhythm, (2) Dialogue between Culture and Artistic Creation as a Factor of Development, and (3) Mediterranean Poetry. Discussions on the topics were lively and the conclusions were fruitful
Poets were treated by traditional Arabic hospitality and courtesy, like the royal guests of a king. Visits to the historic monuments, excursions to the scenic spots , tea parties in the tents, state feasts in the palace, etc., pleased the poets greatly, and in return, the poets entertained the people of the country with recitation of their poems at the Fna Djemaa Square in a starry night. The wonderful evening was called the “African Evening of Poetry”.
One of the highlights of the Congress was paying respect to the President Leopold Sedar Senghor by the poets from the five continents. One of the masterpieces of the President “Black Woman” was chanted by poets with various languages.
It shows that the WCP is a big family of poets in which the ideal of “no specific color nor race but all colors and races” has been realized as it was proposed in the WCP Objectives.
Under the high patronage of H.M. King Juan Carlos I, the 6th WCP was held in Madrid, Spain, July 19-24, 1982 at which Dr. Justo Jorge Padron was the President and His Majesty himself was the Honorary President of the Congress. It was the first time the WCP convened in Europe. The 1st, 2nd and 4th Congresses were held in Asia and the 3rd and 5th Congresses in North America.
The Madrid Congress was attended by about 200 well-known poets from 37 countries including one-third local poets. The topics of the Congress were as follows: (1) Poetry as an Universal Language, (2) The Hispanic Contribution to World Poetry, (3) The Poet and Poetic Creation, (4) Poetry from Five Continents: America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceanic, and (5) The Function of Poetry in the Technological Age. The Congress was held at the Hotel Los Galgos, but mostly the sessions took place at Ateneo De Madrid, a beautiful convention house.
An amendment to the WCP Charter was made by the International Committee and accented by the Congress. We call it the New Charter or the Madrid Charter to be distinguished from the original Charter or Taipei Charter.
The Madrid Congress not only paved the way for WCP movement towards Europe but also Africa. The 7th WCP 1984 held in Morocco was at hand. It seemed that WCP was moving ahead step by step from Asia to America, from America to Europe, and then from Europe to Africa, crossing from one continent to another in its courageous advancement for the promotion of worldwide brotherhood and peace.
The 5th WCP was held in San Francisco, California, USA July 6-10, 1981 at which Dr. Rosemary C, Wilkinson was President, Dr. Hoy Quon and Dr. Clarence A. Miller were Vice Presidents. The Congress was sponsored by Ina Coolbrith Circlt and Sino-American Culture Research Institute Inc, The site of the Congress was Hotel St. Francis where the Charter of the United Nations was delivered in 1945.
The San Francisco Congress was attended by about 400 well-known poets from 36 nations and 25 states of the host country. The topics were: (1) Poetry and Education, (2) Poetry and Medicine, (3) Poetry and Religious Truth, (4) Poetry and Science, and (5) Poetry and USA/California. Each of them was guided by a keynote speech before discussions.
Discussions were conducted separately in different languages as follows: (1) Spanish Workshop, (2) French Workshop, (3) Chinese Workshop, and (4) English Workshop. All the poetesses/poets present voiced their hearts in their native language either in discussion or in chanting their poems.
The Congress cordially accepted the gracious invitation from King Juan Carlos I of Spain. The invitation was brought up by Dr. Justo Jorge Padron who express the wish on behalf of Spain to be the host of the 6thWCP in Madrid in 1982, This exciting news was announced at the closing ceremony of the Congress after the presentation of awards. The San Francisco Congress was ended in roaring applause: “Madrid, 1982!”
Shortly after the Congress the “Report of the 5th World Congress of Poets-USA” was published.
The 4th WCP was held in Seoul, Korea, July 2-6, 1979 at which Dr. Cho, Byung-Hwa was President. The Seoul Congress was sponsored by the International Cultural Society of Korea to which Dr. Kim, Myong-Whai was President and also one of three Honorary Presidents if the Congress. The other two were Mme. Moh, Youn-Sook, Vice President of International P.E.N. and President of Korean P.E.N., and Prof. Suh, Jung-Jou, a leading poet of Korea.
The Seoul Congress was attended by about 400 poets, almost half of them were local poets and half came from other parts of the world. They discussed the theme “East and West in Modern Poetry” with six topics as follows: (1) Poetic Affinities: East and West, (2)Modern Western Poetry in the East, (3) Tradition and Foreign Influence in Modern Poetry, (4) International Aspects of Poetry Today (5) Function of a Poet in Our Time and (6) How to Regain Audience for Poetry. Each topic was guided by a keynote speech of an elected speaker. The conclusion of discussions was very fruitful.
It was regrettable for us to learn that our beloved Founder Dr. Amado M. Yuzon passed away in January 1979. It was indeed a great loss of the WCP movement. The Seoul Congress offered a silent prayer at the opening ceremony to pay homage to the late founder.
The Congress proceeded vividly in a manner of combination of meetings and sightseeing. The sessions through July 2-3 was held in Hotel Lotte, the best and newest one of its kind in Seoul at that time. Started from July 4, the whole congress was moved to Hotel Sheraton on Walker Hill, a famous complex resort area. After that, a tour to Kyungju began, the poets visited the historical sites around the old city on July 5. The Congress was closed with a farewell reception at Suwon Country Club, and then returned to Seoul on July 6. The beauty of Korea, traditional phases as well the modern ones impressed the poets of the world deeply.
One thing that needs to be mentioned here is that almost all the expenses of participants were borne by the host. Poets were all much obliged by the hospitality and generosity shown by the Korean people.
A 60-page handbook in deluxe binding was distributed to the participants and a 148-page report was published shortly after the Congress. These two publications are indeed the embodiment of the success of the 4th WCP.
At the invitation of Governor Marvin Mandel of Maryland and Mayor William Donald Schaefer on Baltimore, the 3rd WCP was held in Baltimore, Maryland from June 23-27, 1976 at which Dr. Jeno Platthy was President. Two poets on the States, Richard Eberhard and Robert Penn Warren, were Honorary President and Honorary Vic President. The Congress took p lace in the year of the auspicious USA Bicentennial.
The topics of the Congress were (1) Honour and Glory in Poetry and (2) Poetry and Society. The discussion around the two topics was fruitful.
More than 300 preeminent poets participated in the Congress. . Most of the leading poets from the states attended. Two delegations arrived from ROC and Korea. The Chinese delegations of 40, was headed by Dr. Tin-wen Chung and the Korean delegation of 30, headed by Dr. Byung-hwa Cho.
Sponsors of the Congress from the other countries were Dr. Amado M. Yuzon, Dr.Tin-wen Chung, Presidents of 1st WCP and 2nd WCP; Dr. Arthur Haulot, Founder/Secretary General of International Biennial of Poetry; Sr. Ernest Kay, Director General of International Who’s Who in Poetry; Dr. Krishna Srinivas, Founder/President of World Poetry International and Dr. Mimmo Morina, Director of New Europe.
The highlights of the Baltimore Congress were (1) the world premiere of Dr. Jeno Platthy’s lyric opera “Bamboo”, staged at Queen Anne Fine Arts Auditorium, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland with great success; (2) the Alaska State Legislature presented a special show “Totem Echoes”, Alaskan Tlingit Indians dramatized song and dance performance, celebration the Congress and USA Bicentennial; and (3) Prof. Richard Eberhard delivered a keynote speech :poetry as Spirit” which deeply impressed the participants of the Congress.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-40), the great American poet was “the most miserable and alienated of man” lived and homage to his grave at the suburb of Baltimore. The picture of the poet appeared in the cover of the 3rd WCP handbook. Most sessions of the Congress held at the “Edgar Allan Poe Room” of the Baltimore Hilton.
Followed the application from Korean delegation, a resolution was made that the next 4th WCP would be held in Seoul, Korea in 1979. The Baltimore Congress ended in awarding ceremony and cheers.
Under the sponsorship of Chinese Poets Association and the co-sponsorship of United Poets Laureate International, World Poetry Society International World Poetry Society Intercontinental, Board of Editors on International Who’s Who in Poetry and world Poets’ Resource Center, the 2nd WCP was held in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China November 11-17, 1973, at which Dr. Tin-wen Chung was the President. The Congress was attended by over 300 eminent poets from 43 countries and supported by poets and poetry societies from all over the world.
Preceded by a grand opening ceremony in Taipei City Hall with about 1,000 participants and guests the Congress was inaugurated on November 12, the birth date of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, founding father of the Republic. Most sessions of the Congress took place at the Grand Hotel.
Messages from most parts of the world showered upon the Congress. On behalf of the host country, President Chiang Kai-shek graciously encouraged poets to do their best to live up to “the aims of this Congress”. Two religious leaders Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Leronymos sent the Congress their best wishes. President Joaquin Balaquer of Dominica issued a proclamation to back the WCP objectives be announcing that October 21, the birthday of the poetess Salome Urena shall be Poets’ Day of his country. Prince Abdullah Al Faisel Al Saud of Saudi Arabia donated 6 precious gifts to be served as prizes of the Congress.
The topics discussed in the Congress were (1) Poetry and Music, (2) Poetry and Painting, (3) Poetry and Life. Each on them commented with a keynote speech given by an eminent scholar in his field.
In response to the requests from the poets all over the world, the Taipei Congress set up the Charter of World Congress of Poets, making the WCP an independent organization. Since the charter was approved by Dr. Tin-wen Chung, Dr. Amado M. Yuzon, Dr. Krishna Srinivas and Dr. Lou LuTour by virtue of the po9wer vested in them from the Congress, the four were recognized as the Founders of WCP.
Two resolutions were passed by the Congress. One was to accept the invitation from Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore to have the 3rd WCP held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA in 1976in the auspicious year of USA Bicentennial. The other was a strong advocacy of worldwide brotherhood and peace by opposing military aggression anywhere in the world. po9wer vested in them from the Congress, the four were recognized as the Founders of WCP.
The Congress ended with a highlight by awarding plaques, prizes and laureate wreaths to the deserved. It was followed loud cheers “Baltimore! 1976!.” a two-day post-congress tour began and a 206-page proceedings was published shortly afterward.
The goal of the WCP movement is:”World Brotherhood and Peace Through Poetry”. The 1st WCP was held in Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippines August 25-30, 1969 as a convention of United Poets Laureate International (UPLI) to which Dr. Amado M. Yuzon (1906-79) was the Founder/President.
He was also President of the WCP who presided over the Congress with Co-chairman Dr. Benito F. Reyes, Pres. of Manila University. Former President and also Honorary Poet Laureate of the country Carlos P. Garcia inaugurated the Congress with a keynote speech in which he urged poets of the world to promote Brotherhood and Peace Through Poetry since poetry is the power of love that holds humanity together to make the lasting peace possible.
Over 300 eminent poetesses/poets attended the Manila Congress. Half of them were local poets, the other half coming from different countries, including a 12-poet delegation from the Republic of China on Taiwan, a 5-poet delegation from USSR and a number of poets from the USA who attended individually.
The Manila Congress passed the Objectives of WCP as the guide of the WCP movement. A resolution was also reached by the Congress that the next WCP would be held in Manila in 1971. Due to some difficulties it was later suspended.
The program went on smoothly as scheduled, and the next six-day Congress was considered a great success and ended with a highlight by awarding the distinguished poets with laureate wreaths, medals and medallions as well as coronation of International Muse of Poetry for Miss Jocelyn Sy, a Philipino-Chinese young lady. “Well begun is half done”. The success of the 1st WCP gave us a strong confidence and guaranteed it to enjoy a promising future.