Internationally acclaimed humanitarian and artist Professor Lin Xiang Xiong has been awarded the Gold Medal of Honor by the Ligue Universelle Du Bien Public at a distinguished ceremony held at the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, France. The award, one of the organisation’s highest distinctions, recognises Professor Lin’s lifelong contributions to the global arts, humanitarian work, and intercultural dialogue.
Held at the historic French National Assembly, the ceremony honoured Professor Lin for his decades of commitment to peacebuilding and social impact through art. Widely regarded as a “messenger of art and peace,” Professor Lin’s work has consistently championed compassion, cultural unity, and the transformative power of creativity.
“This award is an important academic and practical benchmark in the global arts and cultural world, and I am humbled to receive such high acknowledgement,” said Professor Lin.
“This honour is not mine alone. It is a tribute to the enduring power of art to transcend borders, unite cultures, and heal humanity. In a world facing deep divisions and unrest, I believe that art can serve as a bridge of understanding and a voice for the voiceless. I accept this award in the name of all who strive to use creativity for peace, dignity, and human progress.”
The Ligue Universelle Du Bien Public, founded in 1464 and recognised by the United Nations and UNESCO since 1947, honours individuals who have made significant contributions to public welfare and global society. Past laureates include Sir Winston Churchill, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and former U.S. President Gerald Ford.
A Life of Art in Service of Humanity
Professor Lin’s recognition marks a lifetime of artistic innovation anchored in service to humanity. His work and ethos will soon be enshrined in the upcoming Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery in Penang—a landmark 8,000-square-meter cultural space dedicated to advancing the philosophy of “Art for Peace.” Slated to become a regional hub for artistic and humanitarian dialogue, the gallery will host exhibitions, events, and educational programs that promote intercultural understanding and creative expression.
As part of this mission, Professor Lin also announced the launch of the Lin Xiang Xiong Art for Peace Prize 2025. This inaugural award invites submissions from artists around the world—regardless of age, nationality, or medium—who seek to create art that inspires peace and unity. Full application details are available on the official Art for Peace Prize website.
Bridging Cultures in Paris
During his visit to France, Professor Lin engaged with prominent cultural and political leaders, including former French President François Hollande, former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, and former Minister of Culture Jack Lang.
He was also the keynote speaker at the “Art Season” forum hosted at the historic Café de Flore, a legendary Parisian salon of the arts and intellectualism. Organised by Saisons de Culture, the event brought together distinguished European scholars and artists to explore the theme “Art as a Conduit for Peace and Global Understanding.” Professor Lin’s address centred on the capacity of art to foster healing in times of division and conflict—a principle that has guided his decades of creative and humanitarian work.
“We live in a world where empathy is more essential than ever,” Professor Lin stated. “Art is not a luxury—it is a necessity for fostering dialogue, dignity, and a shared sense of humanity.”
Professor Lin’s receipt of the Gold Medal of Honor further solidifies his legacy as one of the most influential contemporary voices in the realm of artistic diplomacy and humanitarian engagement.