Barogo, Burkina Faso – Due to high youth unemployment in Saaba commune, located east of the capital Ouagadougou, UPF-Burkina Faso decided to offer training in income-generating activities. The staff settled on fish farming, which was already practiced in the area, as an accessible, profitable skill that could immediately be put into practice. UPF-BF partnered with a local NGO, Fatawa, which had already developed fish ponds and experienced trainers. The training was designed o

Sao Tome City, Sao Tome & Principe – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Sao Tome held a program to promote environmental awareness among young people on August 15, 2026. The program was organized together with the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP). To help young people understand the importance of preserving coastal areas and preventing the sea from encroaching on the islands, organizers decided to conduct a mangrove planting proj

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – On August 22, 2026, UPF-Ethiopia organized a conference at the Dashen Hall of Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa. The purpose was to introduce the vision of peace of UPF’s founders, and also the "Five Principles of Peace" to 20 special guests. The conference was held in support of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Forum launched by the Prime Minister’s Office to reconcile all Ethiopians and encourage unity for peace and prosperity. The government has invited

Abuja, Nigeria – In support of World Humanitarian Day, UPF-Nigeria organized a conference on the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities: The Fundamental Role of Women and Family in Peacebuilding.” The event took place on August 19, 2026, at the UPF Secretariat in the Peace Embassy in Abuja. The purpose was to recognize and strengthen the often-overlooked contributions of women and families to sustainable peace at the grassroots level. The prog

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

Lusaka, Zambia – The Electoral Commission of Zambia formally accredited UPF-Zambia to participate in the monitoring and observation of the 2026 General Elections, held on August 13. In preparation for the electoral process, UPF-Zambia conducted a one-day training workshop for 10 election monitors and observers on August 11, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka. Mr. Fabrice Djimadoum, a UPF staff member, served as MC and introduced the purpose of the training, which was to equ

Bamako, Mali – UPF-Mali organized a conference at the Complexe Scolaire Moderne Adiara school on August 15, 2026, in observance of International Youth Day and as part of UPF International’s Summer Activities program. The conference brought together 70 participants, including ambassadors for peace and youth leaders, around the theme “The Role of Youth and Families in Consolidating Sustainable Peace in Mali.” The program opened with the national anthem, followed by welcoming a

Conakry, Guinea – As part of UPF-Africa's 2026 Summer Activities initiative, and in support of a broader culture of peace, UPF-Guinea organized a Marathon for Social Cohesion and Living Together on August 12, 2026, in the urban commune of Ratoma. The marathon covered a distance of 800 meters, from the large Hamadallaye roundabout in Ratoma to the courtyard of the commune's Youth House. Mobilization of participants took place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, when the march set off under

Franceville, Gabon – As part of the celebration of International Youth Day, UPF-Gabon and the Mvéngué International Multisectoral Center for Training and Vocational Education (CIMFEPM) co-organized a special conference on August 12, 2026, on the theme “The Role of Youth and Students in Creating a Culture of Lasting Peace and Mutual Prosperity.” During a dynamic and inspiring two-hour session, students, mentors and speakers discussed issues related to ethics, entrepreneurship

Manzini, Eswatini – To address key challenges facing families and society in the country, UPF-Eswatini held a conference in Manzini on August 8, 2026. Representatives of civil society groups and local community members listened to presentations and took part in interactive games and discussions. Following an opening prayer, participants intermingled in a game called “What is Your Preference?” in which they would choose what they preferred in a certain category, and identify o

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – UPF’s work in the DRC took an important step forward with the official launch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace on July 4, 2026. The inaugural conference, organized by UPF-Africa, UPF-DRC and the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was held at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa, with approximately 200 participants, including senior parliamentary leaders, members of Parliament, UPF re

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – In commemoration of World Environment Day, UPF-Burkina Faso organized an event under the theme “Promoting Peace through Sanitation and Environmental Protection” on June 20, 2026. Although World Environment Day is officially observed on June 5, UPF-Burkina Faso chose June 20 to maximize local participation and public mobilization. The event emphasized the direct link between environmental degradation, community tensions, insecurity and social confli

Maputo, Mozambique – On May 31, 2026, the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD-Africa) convened the 6th Africa Spiritual Day in Maputo, Mozambique, under the theme “Family Values: A Blueprint for Interfaith Cooperation.” The event commemorated both the International Day of Families and Africa Day, bringing together approximately 2,000 onsite participants, including religious leaders, members of parliament, peace advocates, families, and community represe

Abuja, Nigeria – To celebrate the International Day of Families, UPF-Nigeria held a commemorative event in Abuja on May 28, 2026, focused on the United Nations’ designated theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The program also formed part of UPF’s third 100 Days Campaign of Hope and Peace, focused on “100 Days of Community Service.” The event opened with introductory remarks by Dr. George Charles Ikpot, secretary general of UPF-Nigeria, followed by a presentati

Godomey, Benin – A joint commemoration of World Football Day and Africa Day brought together more than 100 participants on May 24, 2026, in a lively and fraternal atmosphere marked by unity and celebration. The event was organized by UPF-Africa, UPF-Benin, and the Youth Department of FFWPU-Benin. The program included a celebratory segment in support of the ten African nations that qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026; the official launch of the Play Soccer, Make Peace initiative

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – A two-day Peace Leadership Seminar, organized by UPF-Tanzania at the Tulivu Centre in Dar es Salaam from May 23-24, 2026, focused on the theme “Building One Family Under God: Principles of Peace and Service.” The seminar brought together 65 participants from faith communities, youth groups and civil society organizations. Facilitated by Prof. Benezer David Mwang’ombe, secretary general of UPF-Tanzania, the training covered the UPF founders’ vision an

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire –The Federation of Tourism Industry of Côte d’Ivoire (FENITOURCI) and UPF-Côte d’Ivoire signed a partnership agreement on May 16, 2026, at the headquarters of the National Tourism Council, aimed at training 16,080 young people in tourism-related professions, while simultaneously promoting values of peace and social cohesion. The initiative, which will be deployed across all 201 communes of Côte d’Ivoire, seeks to train and support the professional integ

UPF-Africa – To mark both the International Day of Families and the International Day of Living Together in Peace, UPF-Africa convened an international webinar on the theme “Strong Families, Peaceful Nations: Transformative Leadership and Values-Based Governance for a Global Culture of Peace” on May 16, 2026. The two-hour session was hosted via Zoom and simulcast across Facebook, X and Instagram, in English and French. Participants included high-level government officials, fa

Yaoundé, Cameroon – A conference at the Deputy Hotel in Yaoundé on May 16, 2026, brought together religious leaders, community representatives, couples, families and youth to honor the International Day of Families. The event, organized by UPF-Cameroon and FFWPU Cameroon, aimed to promote family values, strengthen social cohesion, raise awareness on inequalities affecting families and children, and encourage dialogue on child protection and family stability as foundations for

Abuja, Nigeria – To commemorate International Women’s Day, UPF-Nigeria held a seminar on the dual themes of "Give to Gain" and "Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls" on March 28, 2026. The event was organized by UPF Peace Ambassador Ms. Joy G. Fan. A keynote address by UPF Secretary General Dr. George Charles Ikpot focussed on the essential status and value of women within the family and broader society. He emphasized that justice for women is not merely a legal r