United Nations News

Khabarovsk, Russia - The 1^st-formers of gymnasium №8 of Khabarovsk continue with their education that helps these girls and boys become global citizens. Representatives of UPF-Far East Russia help them to hit the target.

Abuja, Nigeria - UPF-Nigeria organized a roundtable interactive discussion at the National Merit Award House in Abuja on March 27 to commemorate the United Nations Day of Remembrance of Slavery Victims. The event also commemorated International Women's Day, whose theme this year was "Time for action to end violence against women."

Khabarovsk, Russia - World Water Day was the theme of the lesson conducted by UPF activists at gymnasium №8 in Khabarovsk on March 22. The lesson focused on the importance of water for humans and nature,  listing the properties of water and the names of the largest natural fresh-water reservoirs. Finally, in order to draw attention to the necessity of a careful and responsible attitude towards water resources and living organisms in them, the children created designs of an octopus that dwells in the southern seas.

Tbilisi, Georgia -  UPF-Georgia conducted trainings on “Stop Racism – Take Action” and an Interracial Soccer Tournament in partnership with African Union, sponsored by United Nations office. The programs were organized to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21, and to facilitate the reduction of racism through education and dialogue.

Vienna, Austria - A conference on Leadership Challenges of the 21st Century: The Prevention of Violence against Women and Femicide took place at the Vienna International Center on March 28.

International Women's Day was observed around the world on March 8, honoring accomplishments and taking stock of challenges. The theme for 2013 is "Time for action to end violence against women." In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, "There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable."  UPF chapters in Afghanistan, Austria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Suriname, UK, and US organized events commemorating the occasion.

Vienna, Austria - UPF-Austria organized a World Interfaith Harmony Week event at the International Center in Vienna on February 8 on the theme of Cooperating among Religions for a Culture of Peace.

Abuja, Nigeria - For UPF-Nigeria to commemorate on February 3 the UN Day to Remember the Holocaust and Genocide Victims was viewed by Ambassadors for Peace and other guests as “a welcome and pertinent effort and activity by the Universal Peace Federation, not only to remember Auschwitz and the Rwandan, Sudanese, and Bosnian experiences but also to sound a clear warning to many other nations (notably in Africa) who are engaged in ethnic, tribal, racial, and religious strife and violence."

Lusaka, Zambia - The United Nations Information Centre in Lusaka organized a commemoration of  Holocaust Memorial Day on January 25 at their Hall. More than 100 guests attended, among them UPF representatives. The theme of this year was “Rescue during the Holocaust: The Courage to Care.”

London, UK - UPF-UK's annual Genocide Awareness and Holocaust Commemoration forum took place in the British House of Lords on January 23. The focus ranged from the ongoing atrocities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to the situation of Kurds, Jews, Armenians, and other people targeted for persecution.

Moscow, Russia - A meeting dedicated to the International Solidarity Day was held in Moscow on December 20. This issue of vital importance was discussed by the participants in UPF's final meeting of the year in Moscow.

Vienna, Austria - In advance of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Youth Forum in Vienna in February 2013, Youth UPF-Austria hosted a panel discussion on "The Role of the  Media in a Pluralistic World" on December 11.

UPF chapters in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Peru, and Russia organized events on UN Human Rights Day in response to the UN's appeal to "Make your voice count!" December 10 is the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

International Volunteer Day, December 5, offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Volunteer recognition programs were held in Argentina and Pakistan. Volunteer program coordinators in Russia organized an online roundtable forum that included participants from Austria and Israel.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan - A representative of UPF-Tajikistan, F. Beringov, together with the Children’s Public Center of Professional Orientation organized a series of lessons and an exhibition of children’s creative talents on November 20 at a center for homeless children in commemoration of Universal Children's Day.