On November 16 I was invited to address the leaders of Shanghai-based Yinuo Art Exchange (YinuoVIP.com) and the Yinuo Art Foundation and guests for the launch of both its global art trading platform and its traveling One-Belt-One-Road New York City Exhibition and 'Art for Peace' initiative in developing countries.
There were representatives of various non-government organizations, UNESCO, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the United Nations Department of Public Information, The China Press and Xinhua News Agency, and others.
After the ceremonies and a tour and the exhibition we visited the UN Bookstore and ended the day with a special celebration at UN Plaza Grill located in the Trump World Tower across the street.
The food, friendships and smiles made for a memorable day -and for future partnerships.
Here is the text of my speech:
Hello! Ni Hao! I’m Jeffrey Bingham Mead, an educator, historian, adventurer and host of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on 1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.
Congratulations to Yinuo Art Exchange on your global launch today. Aiming to be the largest guaranteed artwork trading platform in the world is very ambitious and bold. I wish you success and prosperity. May your dreams come true.
For centuries China seemed to people around the world a place that was remote, ancient, mysterious and inward looking.
Not anymore!
Now, we are witnessing a cultural and business renaissance like the world has never seen before. China demands increasing attention and respect -and deservedly so.
China is rapidly opening up at the speed of light -and the world has found itself in a rush to get in on the action.
China is shaking the world like no one has ever before. Your cultural revival is inspiring people to appreciate your 5000-plus years of history and technological inventiveness. People are paying attention. That’s worthy of celebration.
On a personal note, some of you may be aware that my own father fought against a militarized, imperialistic Japan, and that he was stationed in Beijing and Tianjin after witnessing the surrender in 1945.
As I was growing up I was treated to fantastic stories about China, its splendors and especially its people. Out of that catastrophic time look at where you are now!
Always remember: you are second-to-none.
With one foot in your ancient history and the other running fast towards the future, China continues to dazzle the world -and I think your best days lay ahead.
I sincerely express my appreciation to Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd and WGCH Radio for having the foresight and wisdom to make this show happen. I am also appreciative to the Chinese Consulate General’s Cultural Affairs Office with Cultural Consul Li Liyan, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
A few of you know that I have another home, that being the U.S. State of Hawaii. We have a saying: E Komo Mai, which means “Welcome to my house,” where all people are welcomed in the Sprit of Aloha we are world-known for. We have another expression: E Pili Mai, which means “Coming together as one.”
Together, we are blazing new relationships, taking our worldwide listeners on a journey of discovery about all-things Chinese. As we say, “Everything Chinese is all the rage these days!” So true!
I saw that for myself two years ago when, as a guest of the Chinese government, I visited China for the first time to commemorate the 70th year celebrations of the end of World War II. Every place I went -the Forbidden City or Palace Museum, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the streets of Beijing -everywhere- I felt nothing but affection from all the Chinese.
Today, Greenwich, Connecticut and Hangzhou, China have embarked on a sister city relationship. New ties of friendship are being started and nurtured daily. The possibilities are endless!
I hope you will listen to my radio show and, together as one, we march forward into a bold, new future. Please join with me on this journey. It’s for everyone, everywhere!
Xiexie! Thank you!
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