2025 World Religion Day: An Interfaith Dialogue on Faith and True Wealth

2025 World Religion Day Event

In an era of globalization and materialism, the concept of "wealth" has become a topic of growing significance. Do money and material possessions truly define wealth? And in a financial hub like Hong Kong, is it possible to cultivate spiritual wealth alongside material success?

On February 16, the 2025 World Religion Day event took place at EY Wavespace in CITIC Tower, Central, Hong Kong. Organized by the Baháʼí Community of Hong Kong in collaboration with the ASIAR research cluster of the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Network on Religion and Peace, this year’s theme, “Faith and True Wealth,” brought together diverse voices to explore how individuals and societies can maintain spiritual abundance in a world driven by material pursuits.

A Tradition of Interfaith Dialogue

World Religion Day was initiated by the Baháʼí community in the 1950s, and the Hong Kong Baha’i Community has been hosting annual gatherings since the 1980s. This year’s event drew 145 participants from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, including representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR, the Lao Chinese Taoist Association, the Zoroastrian Association, the Muslim Student Association of HKU, the Buddhist organization Pure Kindness Art, the Vine Church, and many others.

Through discussions, spiritual practices, and musical performances, attendees examined the interplay between material and spiritual wealth and how to cultivate a balanced and meaningful life in an increasingly materialistic world.

Opening Ceremony: A Celebration of Religious Diversity

The event began with a welcome address by Meena Datwani, Vice Chairperson of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Hong Kong. The opening ceremony featured a rich display of religious traditions: Daoist Master Li Hongyuan from the Lao Chinese Daoist Association performed a classical guqin (Chinese zither) piece, a student representative from the HKU Muslim Student Association led an Islamic prayer, and the Baha’i Children’s Class presented a choral performance of devotional songs. These moments highlighted the unique beauty of each tradition while setting the stage for deeper interfaith exchange.

Panel Discussions: Defining True Wealth

Participants then joined small group discussions on topics such as:

• What is True Wealth?

• The Relationship Between Spiritual and Material Wealth

• How Can Spirituality Thrive in a Financial Hub Like Hong Kong?

Drawing from sacred texts and wisdom across religious traditions, these discussions fostered meaningful dialogue and deep reflection.

Following the small group sessions, representatives from the Lao Chinese Daoist Association, Pure Kindness Art, the Vine Church, the HKU Muslim Student Association, and the Hong Kong Baha’i Community shared perspectives on wealth through the lens of their respective faiths. Their insights resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring further conversations.

Reflections on Faith and Spiritual Wealth

Dr. David A. Palmer, representing both the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences at HKU and the Baháʼí Office of Community Relations, reflected on the event’s significance:

"In just a few hours, participants from diverse backgrounds formed meaningful connections, embodying Hong Kong’s multicultural harmony. While Hong Kong is a global financial hub, more and more people are seeking spiritual wealth. This event reflected a cultural shift—one where different faiths come together to explore the deeper meaning of life beyond material success."

Daoist Master Li Hongyuan, who performed the guqin piece, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in the modern world: "Opportunities like World Religion Day, where representatives from different traditions engage in open and meaningful conversations, are rare. They are invaluable in fostering interfaith understanding and cultural harmony."

Meena Datwani, Vice Chairperson of the Hong Kong Baháʼí Community, noted that the event not only encouraged participants to rethink the true meaning of wealth but also deepened interfaith appreciation and resonance:

"The success of World Religion Day 2025 has laid a strong foundation for future interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Moving forward, the Hong Kong Baháʼí Community will continue to organize similar initiatives to promote spiritual growth and social harmony."

Looking Ahead

As the world continues to grapple with materialism and social fragmentation, events like World Religion Day serve as crucial spaces for reflection, dialogue, and connection. The 2025 gathering demonstrated a growing collective desire to bridge the gap between material success and spiritual fulfillment, fostering a more compassionate and spiritually enriched society.

Closing Ceremony: A Harmonious Conclusion

The event concluded with a series of spiritual performances and prayers, creating a harmonious and uplifting atmosphere. A Zoroastrian priest led a closing prayer, followed by young musicians from the Vine Church performing Christian hymns with acoustic guitar. Moono, a Baháʼí representative then offered a heartfelt recitation of a devotional song, while a Hindu group brought the ceremony to a vibrant close with a performance of traditional instrumental music and kirtan (devotional chanting).

After the formal proceedings, attendees shared snacks, engaging in informal conversations that strengthened interfaith understanding and fostered new friendships.