IMAP-North America – Reducing political polarization, rebuilding trust, and promoting respectful dialogue as a pathway to peace – these goals were the focus of a webinar hosted by UPF-North America on August 25, 2026. The program, titled “Respectful Conversations as a Start to Building a Road to Peace,” was sponsored by the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP). It featured authors and Braver Angels leaders Mr. Doug Teschner and Ms. Beth Malow, who discussed their

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) notes with deep concern the first-instance ruling issued today by the Seoul Central District Court in the proceedings concerning Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of UPF. UPF is an international non-governmental organization holding General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Founded in 2005, it convenes thousands of Ambassadors for Peace—women and men of diverse national, cultural and religious backgrounds—wh

City of San Marino, Republic of San Marino – Jewish and Palestinian children traveled together from Israel to San Marino to take part in a Soccer for Peace tournament from August 23-29, 2026, reviving the tradition after a six-year hiatus. The 22-person delegation comprised equal numbers of Jewish and Arab participants: nine Jewish children and nine Muslim children aged 12–13, along with two adult mentors from each community. The leadership team supporting the youth inclu

Kathmandu, Nepal – UPF-Nepal, in collaboration with Nirvana Academy, organized a program to mark UN Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2026 under the theme, “Celebrating Humanity, Inspiring Solidarity: Restoring Trust – What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” The approximately two-hour program brought together 127 participants from diverse sectors of society, including humanitarian and social workers, educators, artists, youth representatives, business professionals, women leaders, jour

Cotonou, Benin – UPF-Benin celebrated World Humanitarian Day with a conference on restoring trust in communities, and a humanitarian donation that enabled poor families to pay their overdue hospital bills. Both activities were met with deep appreciation. A conference featuring a panel discussion was held on August 19, 2026, in the renovated hall of the Bourse du Travail in Cotonou. The conference, organized jointly by UPF-Benin and UPF-Africa, addressed the theme “Restoring T

Prague, Czech Republic – The International Peace Cup project, organized by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), took place in Prague from August 13 to 16, 2026. This event drew young people from many European countries to participate in sporting activities such as football and volleyball tournaments, relay races, frisbee and more. In addition, there was a broad range of other activities such as a fashion show, an intercultural music festival

Melbourne, Australia – The International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) and UPF-Asia Pacific hosted a webinar on August 15, 2026, commemorating World Humanitarian Day, bringing together humanitarian leaders and peace advocates to reflect on the meaning of service and leadership. The program’s themes highlighted serving others, protecting human dignity, and empowering communities to build a more peaceful and resilient world. To open the program, Dr. John Bellavan

Kathmandu, Nepal – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Nepal organized a youth seminar at Bhagyodaya College in Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu, under the theme “The Role of Youth Leadership, Restoring Trust: What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” The seminar, attended by 138 college students, focused on the role of youth in peacebuilding, restoring trust, promoting social harmony and developing responsible leadership. Mr. Rushan Basi, principal of Bhagyodaya Col

South and Central America – Art and culture need no translation to communicate shared values, emotions and ideals across national borders. Speakers from Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru and the United States joined a webinar organized by UPF-Latin America and the Caribbean and the International Association of Art and Culture for Peace, on August 14, 2026, to share their views on the theme “From Barriers to Bridges; Art and Culture that Embrace Peace.” Welcoming remarks were given

Kalutara District, Sri Lanka – Religious Youth Service (RYS) Sri Lanka celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary with a project organized around the theme: "Restoring Trust: What Can be Done for Peace Now?" The project, supported by UPF-Asia Pacific and UPF-Sri Lanka, involved 34 participants and 10 staff, and took place in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, from August 7-13, 2026. The program followed the official three-stage experiential model: orientation, work service and ref

Schwarzenberg, Austria – The annual Peace Road event at the Austria-Germany-Czech Republic tri-border area took place on August 8, 2026, beginning with a typical Bavarian “Weißwurst” breakfast at the mountain guesthouse, Berggasthaus Dreisessel, in Neureichenau. Ms. Maria Pammer, secretary general of UPF-Upper Austria, welcomed the guests from Austria and Germany. Mr. Michael Leitner, mayor of Schwarzenberg, recounted his own experience of the time when the Iron Curtain still

Bogota, Colombia – To commemorate the UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, UPF-Colombia held an event at the Botanical Garden in Bogotá on August 8, 2026. This was the sixth such event under a joint project between UPF-Colombia and the Colombian Assembly of Religions and Spiritualities (ACRE). The gathering of indigenous, religious and spiritual communities included the Huitoto from the Amazon; the Nasa or Páez from Cauca, Muisca, Embera and Yanacona; Chris