New York, USA—The Ambassador of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ufuk Gokcen, co-hosted a Japanese Tea Ceremony with UPF International on April 28, 2015 at the OIC’s office in New York. A total of 14 diplomats, including eight ambassadors, attended the event.
A year before, Amb. Gokcen participated in a Tea Ceremony at the Malaysia Mission. Inspired by the experience he had, he decided to host a ceremony at the OIC’s office to promote a “culture of peace.”
Days before the event, an earthquake struck Nepal. The Tea Master offered the first bowl of tea to all those who suffered from the disaster.
Amb. Gokcen has invested a lot in increasing educational opportunities for youth. His son also attended the ceremony and was moved by the spirit of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility that was reflected in it.
Many of the participants enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the Tea Ceremony and the peaceful music, which relieved any stresses.
Afterwards, everyone went to the OIC garden to enjoy lunch (Turkish cuisine and sushi). The beauty of nature could be seen in the weather, which was perfect for spring, and the cherry blossoms (the national flower of Japan) that were blooming in the garden