On December 10 the international community marks Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the  Universal Declaration of Human Rights  by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris in 1948 as General Assembly Resolution 217 A. The declaration set out, for the first time, a common standard of fundamental rights and freedoms for all people, and has inspired a wide body of international human rights treaties and standards, becoming a foundation for contemporary internati

Every year on December 5, the international community marks International Volunteer Day , established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985 to recognize the contribution of volunteers to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2025 this observance takes place under the theme “ Every Contribution Matters ” and coincides with the global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development  in 2026 (Res. A/RES/78/127). In this context the Univ

Vladivostok, Russia  – UPF-Russia representatives took part in Mother's Day celebrations in different cities on the weekend of November 29-30, 2025. Traditionally, Mothers’ Day in Russia is celebrated on the last Sunday of November, as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the love, care, and selfless devotion of mothers. On November 30, a “Happy Mom” family festival took place in the welcoming House with Ice curling center in Vladivostok. Ms. Maria Sergienko , representing

On the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action , widely regarded by the United Nations as the most comprehensive global program of action for gender equality, the international community takes stock of progress and identifies the gaps that still require attention. The platform's twelve critical areas  of concern – spanning education, health, violence prevention, economic participation, and women's participation in power and decision-making –  

Geneva, Switzerland  – A webinar hosted by UPF-Switzerland on November 24, 2025, examined the United Nations' role in the Middle East, specifically addressing the question of how a UN peacekeeping mission could achieve sustainable peace in a conflict-torn region. Approximately 60 people followed on Zoom, with many others later watching the recording. Ms. Chantal Chételat Komagata , secretary general of UPF-Switzerland, served as MC. She oriented the discussion within the fram

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) congratulates the G20 leaders on the successful 2025 G20  Summit  in Johannesburg, South Africa, held on November 22–23, 2025. This first G20 summit on the African continent advanced priorities set by the host under the themes of solidarity, equality and sustainability.  The Johannesburg Summit produced several concrete results, including strengthened representation of Africa in global governance, steps toward reforming the international f

Budapest, Hungary  – UPF-Hungary celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Benczúr Hotel in Budapest on November 22, 2025, during its fall Peace Ambassador Forum, with the theme, "Twenty Years in the Service of Peace." The patron of the evening was Ms. Kamilla Dévai   Nagy , a Liszt Prize-winning performer, guitarist-singer, and ambassador for peace. She and her students from the Chronicle Music School opened the event, creating a special atmosphere in the hall with their music.

New York, United States  – The NGO Committee on the Family, NY – of which UPF is an executive member – held a virtual program on November 20, 2025, to review the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6. The summit aimed to address the largely poor progress in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The expert panel had a special interest in the degree to which the family could potentially accelerate the attainment of Ag

Brussels, Belgium  – In partnership with the office of Hon. Lukas Mandl , an Austrian member of the European Parliament, UPF-Europe and Middle East (UPF-EUME) organized a European Leadership Conference on November 19, 2025, under the theme “Balkan Stability and European Security.” The event took place at the European Parliament in Brussels and brought together more than 100 participants from across Europe and the Balkan region. The conference provided a constructive platform

From November 17 to 21, 2025, representatives of governments and international organizations will gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York for the Sixth Session  of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. This annual meeting reviews progress toward the objective of reducing the risks associated with weapons of mass destruction in the region and provides a forum for states to discuss prac

Lisbon, Portugal – A symposium on the theme "Bridges of Peace, Sustainability, and Global Solidarity," hosted by UPF-Portugal at the Embassy of Peace in Lisbon on November 15, 2025, drew over 70 participants, despite heavy rain and competing events in the same area. While commemorating the International Day of Peace and UPF’s 20th anniversary, the event aimed to strengthen interreligious dialogue, consolidate partnerships, and promote a vision of peace, sustainability, and g

Shkodër, Albania  – For the third consecutive year, UPF-Albania participated as a partner and active contributor in the 20th International and Interdisciplinary Conference entitled “Development in Troubled Times,” organized by several Albanian and foreign scientific institutions. The scientific conference was held at Luigj Gurakuqi University of Shkodër on November 14-15, 2025, and it brought together researchers, lecturers, professionals, and institutional representatives fr