In his welcoming speech, the President of Rumi Forum, Ali Yurtsever underlined the importance of togetherness and dialogue and said that his organization has been actively involved in several activities to promote global peace.

Lawmakers, Ambassadors, religious leaders, academics and other prominent guests took part in the fast-breaking dinner following Adhan.

After the dinner, the speakers took the stage and delivered their messages on the significance of love, solidarity, tolerance and interfaith dialog.

Among the speakers at the event was Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr from George Washington University. In his speech he offered some insight into understanding Ramadan and its role in bridging the dialogue gap among different cultures as well as the members of the society we live in.

Delivering a speech on the significance of Mawlana Jalaladdin Rumi's message to the modern world, Father Thomas Michel, Secretary of Interrelations Dialogue, praised the success of Fethullah Gulen's movement around the world.

Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman from Washington Hebrew Congregation joined in  for the same call for peace and intercultural dialogue and praised the activities of Rumi Forum.

Guests enjoyed a beautiful performance of Sufi music along with a calligraphy show after which they were offered a paper with their names inscribed in a traditional calligraphic style.

Dinner has gathered community leaders, academicians and students who had the opportunity to enjoy the keynote speeches delivered by Dr.Mark Christie, the Commissioner at State Corporate Commission, Dr.Ali Yurtsever, the President of Rumi Forum, Dr.Alan Towne, the Chair at Department of Neurology at VCU, and Isabelle Kinnard, the VP of Education at Council for America's First Freedom. Keynote speeches and addresses of the event have emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue towards building an harmonious society.

The evening included a dinner, awards ceremony for the founders of the Forum, speeches and testimonials, a visual media presentation of the Rumi Forum and a gift presentation honoring the work of Dr. Yurtsever. The Rumi Forum would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all who were in attendance to celebrate this momentous occasion.