By the time the United Nations Global Day of Parents arrives on June 1, UPF’s 100-day campaign has already passed through many rooms: an iftar table in Washington, D.C., a charity market in Madrid, a remote school in Sri Lanka, a public hall in Lima, a family gathering in Paris, youth service in Asia, celebration of Africa Day in Benin, and community conversations in Latin America and Nepal. In each place, people tried to serve someone beyond their own circle. This is a fitti

On Africa Day, the Universal Peace Federation joins people across Africa and around the world in honoring the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. This day recalls the long journey toward African unity, freedom and dignity. It also invites a renewed look toward the future. Africa is a continent of spirit, memory, family, youth, courage and promise. In 2026, Africa Day stands within a strong continental and international focus. The African Union 2026

In the closing days of “UPF’s Month of Family,” Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bahá’í and Buddhist observances form an unusual sequence that points toward memory, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and care across generations. For several days at the end of May 2026, the calendar seems to slow down and listen. One religious tradition after another enters a sacred season. Jewish families gather for Shavuot. Christians celebrate Pentecost. Muslim communities prepare for Eid al-Adha. Bahá

On May 21, 2026, the international community observes the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a United Nations observance led by UNESCO. It was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2002 following UNESCO’s adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The day draws attention not only to the richness of the world’s cultures, but also to the role of intercultural dialogue in peace and sustainable development. It recalls a central truth

Bangkok, Thailand – The International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), a UPF initiative, organized an international webinar on May 20, 2026, under the theme “The Role of Parliamentarians in Reducing Polarization: Advancing Unity Beyond National, Religious, Ethnic and Political Divides.” The event brought together distinguished parliamentarians, peace leaders, diplomats and participants from diverse regions to address the growing challenges of polarization and

Bratislava, Slovakia – As in past years, UPF-Slovakia held an event to commemorate the UN International Day of Families. This year Mr. Patrik Daniška, a lawyer and prominent figure from the Catholic movement, was the guest speaker at the event on May 18, 2026. His talk was entitled “The Struggle for Life and Family – How to Succeed in It?” Mr. Daniška is chairman of the Institute for Human Rights and Family Policy, and is best known as the main organizer of the National March

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland – Ambassadors for peace and friends gathered on May 11, 2026, to mark the International Day of Families in Biel/Bienne and on Zoom. The program focused on the spiritual dimension of individual and family life. Texts featuring major religions on “separation from the world” were read and explained by the ambassadors for Peace onsite and online, from Europe and Africa. The texts in World Scripture, A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts – an interfaith

Moscow, Russia – An evening program, “Time of Family Happiness,” was held at the Peace Embassy in Moscow on May 16, 2026, dedicated to the International Day of Families. The event opened with a formal address by Ms. Tatiana Kuznetsova, coordinator of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) in Russia. Ms. Kuznetsova shared her understanding that an ideal family requires the presence of God, and that God awaits an invitation to enter every home where

Ticino, Switzerland – On May 1, 2026, UPF-Switzerland held the 13th Peace Cup tournament in Ticino, promoting fair play and inclusion among young athletes. The event brought together ten Swiss and two Italian teams of 10- to 11-year-old football players. In his opening remarks, regional UPF President Mr. Giuseppe Termine, a social educator, encouraged the participants to make the most out of their football experience. “Today we are not just opening a football tournament. We a

Paris, France – In conjunction with the International Day of Families and the International Day of Living Together in Peace, celebrated by the United Nations on May 15 and 16, respectively, the UPF-France and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) France organized a gathering on the theme, “Living Together in the Family and in Society” at the Espace Barrault in Paris on May 16, 2026. In front of a full audience representing a particularly diverse public, three speakers

South and Central America – On May 15, 2026, a group of professionals from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean joined a webinar to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Families, under the theme “The Family as a School of Love and Peace: Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The event was organized by UPF and three of its associations – the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), International Association of Academicians for

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Families, the Universal Peace Federation reaffirms the enduring truth that the family is the first school of peace. It is within the home that human beings first learn dignity, conscience, compassion, responsibility, cooperation, and care for others. Strong and healthy families cultivate the moral and social foundations upon which peaceful societies and nations are built. The United Nations has long recognized the fam