The Universal Peace Federation expresses deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East. Each escalation places civilians at the center of the crisis causing loss of life, displacement, and severe disruption to essential services and daily life. UPF stands in solidarity with civilians across the region who are enduring the human cost of conflict. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize the protection of civilian populations, and ensure safe and

On International Women’s Day , observed in 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,”  the Universal Peace Federation honors women whose qualities and service strengthen families, communities, and nations. As the international community prepares for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women ( CSW70 ) – whose priority theme is ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and

On World Wildlife Day, March 5, the Universal Peace Federation joins the global community in striving to protect biodiversity. As part of UPF’s  100 Days of Serving Community campaign, from February 20 to June 1, 2026, the month of March is dedicated to strengthening partnerships for community service. The campaign culminates on June 1, the UN  Global Day of Parents . In the context of biodiversity, partnerships determine what can be achieved in the field, from preventing pol

Bangkok, Thailand  – In observance of Women’s History Month, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP) convened a global webinar on March 2, 2026, entitled “No Peace Without Women.” The program highlighted the critical role of women in peace processes, conflict prevention, and human security. Around 140 women from 22 countries joined the event. Opening the program, UPF-Asia Pacific President Ms. Ursula McLackland

Washington, D.C., United States  – As part of the observance of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims worldwide, UPF-USA hosted an interfaith iftar dinner on March 1, 2026, at the Washington Times Building in Washington, D.C. Ramadan this year runs from February 17 to March 19. For the past four years, UPF-USA has sponsored an iftar dinner, the meal held after sunset throughout the month of Ramadan, with other organizations. This year, under

As March 2026 begins, the  Universal Peace Federation launches the first full month of its  100 Days of Serving Community  campaign, running from February 20 to June 1, 2026, and culminating on the  Global Day of Parents . The purpose is intentionally practical: rebuilding community trust through visible cooperation, hands-on service, and concrete support for family life. UPF works internationally as an NGO in  general consultative status  with the  United Nations Economic a

Kathmandu, Nepal  – To commemorate the World Day of Social Justice, UPF-Nepal hosted an event at the Peace Embassy Building in Kathmandu on February 21, 2026. Under the theme, “Social Justice through Ideal Families,” the program was jointly organized with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification-Nepal. Mr. Prakash Babu Thapa , regional director of UPF-South Asia, served as MC and conducted the event with dignity and purpose. The program began with a musical perfo

Clifton, United States  – Two UPF-USA events in New Jersey celebrated interfaith harmony in the month of February; both were embellished by musical harmony provided by an enthusiastic youth choir.   Mr. Fortune Winter , the newly appointed secretary general of UPF-USA, was the keynote speaker at an event in Clifton, New Jersey on February 21, 2026, focused on interfaith cooperation and religious freedom. Mr. Barry Geller , the UPF regional director, presented six Ambassador f

From February 20 to June 1, 2026, UPF invites cross-sector partners to advance community trust through cooperation, volunteer service, and strengthened family life. This period marks UPF’s 100-day campaign entitled, “100 Days of Serving Community.” The campaign culminates on June 1, the  Global Day of Parents . As an organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council , UPF connects local peacebuilding with the United Nations agenda and th

Manila, Philippines  – A UPF delegation traveled to the Philippines to pay solemn tribute to Hon. Jose de Venecia Jr., five-time speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and ambassador for peace, who passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 89. Forty distinguished representatives from UPF, FFWPU, and the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) – including Dr. Charles Yang, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, and Ms. Ursula McLackland – par

Munich, Germany  – To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, UPF-Munich hosted a prayer breakfast under the theme, "The Goal of Religion in the 21st Century," on February 14, 2026. Speakers included a retired Roman Catholic priest, an African Evangelical pastor, a theologian, a university professor, and members of UPF and the Family Federation for World Peace Germany, an affiliated organization. Above all, the question that resonated was: What future do religions or religio

Beirut, Lebanon  – At the Palm Beach Hotel near the seafront in Beirut, UPF-Lebanon organized an interreligious gathering on February 11, 2026, to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week. Among those in attendance were eight distinguished clergy leaders from different backgrounds.   These included Sheikh Mohamad About Zeid, a judge of the Sunni court in Saida, and Sheikh Abou Al Kotaa, who is registered with Dar Al Fatwa, the central authority of Islamic law, and also ser