Paris, France  – At UPF headquarters in Paris, UPF-France and the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) held a meeting on December, 13, 2025, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Human Rights Day, under the theme, "Human Rights and Our Responsibility." The two organizations, both holding general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also marked the close of a symbolic year, celebrating both the 80th anniversary of the United N

Prague, Czech Republic  – The history of human rights and their relationship to religious freedom were key topics addressed at a conference to mark Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, in Prague. Hosted by UPF-Czech Republic, the conference, titled “Human Rights as an Essential Part of Our Daily Lives,” was held at the premises of the Czech Association of Scientific and Technical Societies. Panel speakers addressed these two aspects of human rights. Dr. Roman Joch , directo

Copenhagen, Denmark  – Human rights activists and civil society representatives gathered to mark Human Rights Day on December 10, 2025, at the annual Spiritual Human Rights Conference, in Copenhagen and online. Soteria International, together with Human Rights Without Frontiers, the Gerard Noodt Foundation for Freedom of Religion and Belief, the European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion, and the Universal Peace Federation, co-hosted the event. Moderated by Mr. Jonathan S

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

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

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.

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

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

Paris, France  – To mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, a conference was held on November 7, 2025, at the headquarters of UPF-France at Espace Barrault in Paris. Under the theme “At 80 – What Future for the United Nations?” the event was dedicated to examining the organization’s founding principles, its evolving objectives, and its prospects in a rapidly transforming global context. Eighty years after the adoption of the San Francisco Charter, mul

Bratislava, Slovakia  – The Peace Embassy in Bratislava was filled to capacity on November 6, 2025, as friends and supporters of UPF-Slovakia gathered to celebrate the organization‘s 20th anniversary.   UPF-Slovakia was inaugurated at the prestigious Slovak National Theater on October 31, 2005, in the presence of its founders Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. From the very beginning, the development of the organization was steady, and was greatly enhanced by the op

Prague, Czech Republic  – A commemorative meeting to mark the 20-year anniversary of the founding of UPF-Czech Republic drew a capacity audience at the Embassy of Peace in Prague on November 5, 2025. Mr. Martin Slezák  served as MC, guiding the audience through the program, which was accompanied by musical performances by professional young artists. After the opening musical interlude for two violins performed by Mr. Kristian Strkula,  a student at the music high school, and

Meersburg, Germany  – More than fifty participants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein met in the small but internationally known town of Meersburg, on Lake Constance in Germany, for a discussion on the theme, “The World at a Turning Point – What Values Will Secure Our Future?” The conference took part from November 1-2, 2025.   The mayor of Meersburg, Mr. Robert Scherer , opened the conference with welcoming remarks, linking his motto, “Peace begins in the m

Tirana, Albania – The final week of October was a busy time for UPF-Albania, with four events in four different cities, honoring local peacemakers and celebrating the nation’s annual Month of Literature. Dimal – A Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Municipality of Dimal and UPF-Albania on October 27, marking a new chapter of collaboration toward a culture of peace and civic harmony. The meeting brought together UPF’s leadership, including Mr. Ymer Hoxha and Mr. Syrj

London, United Kingdom  – How can artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cyber security contribute to a more trustworthy and human-centered digital economy? This question was addressed at a thought-provoking program convened by the International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED-UK), an initiative of UPF-UK, on October 22, 2025 in London. The program, “Building Trust in a Digital Age: Blockchain, AI, and Cyber Security,” was moderated by Mr. Kostas K

Monza, Italy  – “Do not forget the Burmese people.” This was the appeal made by Mr. Kim   Aris  at a roundtable event in Monza on October 22, 2025. Mr. Aris is the son of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently imprisoned by the military regime in Myanmar.   A London resident engaged in advocating for the release of his mother and other political prisoners in his home country, Mr. Aris – after a lengthy meeting with Mayor Paolo Pilotto – shared his t

Copenhagen, Denmark  – On Sunday, October 19, 2025, UPF-Denmark celebrated the UN International Day of Peace 2025 under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” The event took place in the historic former Landsting Chamber of the Danish Parliament, now its largest meeting room. Originally planned earlier in the autumn, the event was postponed due to Denmark’s EU presidency meetings.  The 150 participants included ambassadors for peace, politicians, religious and community le

Geneva, Switzerland  – The conference “No Peace without Women: No More War – Can We?” featured two distinguished panels of UN officials, government representatives, journalists, and civil society leaders, who highlighted the indispensable role of women and faith-based actors in peacebuilding and the prevention of war. The program was co-organized by the Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and held in the Palais de

Beirut, Lebanon  – City officials, educators and community leaders joined UPF ambassadors for peace at a celebration to mark UPF’s 20 th anniversary on October 14, 2025, at the Palm Beach Hotel in Beirut.  UPF-Lebanon President Mr. Thomas Schellen gave the welcoming remarks, followed by a presentation by Secretary General Ms. Hermine Schellen, highlighting UPF activities over the past 20 years, starting from the early years. Ambassadors of Peace Sheikh Sohayb and Mrs. Patr

Moscow, Russia  – On October 13, 2025, a roundtable titled “Global Initiatives of BRICS+ Countries in the Fields of Economy, New Technologies, Culture, and Education” was held at the State Duma of the Russian Federation. The event was organized within the framework of the BRICS Cultural Media Forum in partnership with the Moscow branch of UPF. The session was moderated by Mr. Sergey Dvoryanov , president of the international club Amicability, who is an expert in international