Jerusalem, Israel – The Har-El Congregation in central Jerusalem hosted the fourth annual "Sukkat Shalom" (Tabernacle of Peace) interfaith gathering on September 29, 2026. Organized in close collaboration with UPF-Israel, the event brought together individuals from various faiths to share their visions for harmony and discuss ongoing projects aimed at promoting a culture of peace. This year's gathering was specially dedicated to marking the United Nations International Day of

London, United Kingdom – Young people explored paths to leadership, public speaking, confidence and peacebuilding during the September session of UPF-UK’s Youth Leadership and Peacebuilding Program, held on September 12, 2026, at UPF headquarters in London. Under the theme “Finding Your Voice, Strengthening Your Leadership,” the afternoon combined practical public-speaking training, mindfulness, leadership insights and presentations from participants on the change they hope t

Jerusalem, Israel – UPF-Israel and the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) hosted a landmark "Art for Peace" gathering at the gallery of the prestigious Jerusalem Theatre on September 28, 2026. This inaugural event marked a historic milestone as the first official IAACP program in Israel, launched under the leadership of renowned artist Dr. Miriam Jaskierowicz Arman, in her capacity as IAACP's official representative and a UPF ambassador for peace.

London, United Kingdom – Artists, poets, writers, filmmakers and cultural leaders came together at UPF headquarters in London on September 23, 2026, for an evening devoted to exploring how arts, culture and storytelling can help build a more peaceful and understanding world. Hosted by the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP-UK), the event commemorated the UN International Day of Peace and reflected its 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Eve

Bratislava, Slovakia – This year UPF-Slovakia’s commemoration of the International Day of Peace included a celebration to mark five years since the opening of its Peace Embassy in Bratislava in 2021. The hall was packed to capacity on September 21, 2026, with guests who came to mark the day and congratulate UPF on its anniversary. The event was moderated by Mr. Viktor Bujnovsky, secretary general of UPF-Slovakia, who welcomed the more than 100 guests. Member of Parliament Mr.

Reykjavik, Iceland – An interreligious gathering organized by UPF-Iceland marked the International Day of Peace in Reykjavík on September 20, 2026. Participants included representatives of the Lutheran and Catholic Churches, Buddhist and Muslim communities, the Humanists, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The varied contributions from the different communities, including musical performances, helped create a warm and open atmosphere. A representa

Paris, France – The United Nations’ theme for this year’s International Day of Peace – “Investing in Peace for All, Everywhere, Every Day” – brings the concept of peacebuilding very close to home. Reflecting this idea, UPF-France and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) organized a gathering on September 19, 2026, at UPF’s Paris headquarters on the theme “The Family as an Everyday Peacemaker.” The speakers offered thoughtful insights relevant to the complex realitie

Paris, France – A discussion meeting devoted to the mission and responsibility of UPF Ambassadors for Peace was held on September 5, 2026, at the Paris headquarters of UPF-France. The meeting marked the beginning of a new season of activities for the French network, with a renewed commitment to strengthening their engagement in promoting peace, dialogue and cooperation. Mr. Patrick Jouan, vice president of UPF-France, warmly welcomed the participants, including several new gu

UPF-EUME – UPF-Europe and Middle East (EUME), together with the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), convened an international webinar on September 3, 2026, titled “Peace in the Middle East: The Contribution of Religions.” The speakers addressed the urgent necessity of track-two diplomacy and religious peacebuilding in light of ongoing regional conflicts. Recognizing that formal political mechanisms often fail to address deep-seated human and social wo

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

Voronezh, Russia – On August 29, 2026, an Environmental Education Day was held for children at a summer camp in Voronezh Region, Russia. The project was organized by Ms. Elena Knyazeva, coordinator of environmental programs for UPF-Russia. Around 150 children took part in the program, with teachers from the Palace of Children and Youth Creativity volunteering to support the activities. The children completed assignments on local history and the history of their native region,

Düsseldorf, Germany – On August 23, 2026, UPF-Düsseldorf hosted a gathering to mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Established by the United Nations in 2019, the observance has been held annually on August 22 since 2020. Ms. Anja Brina, representative of UPF-Dusseldorf, hosted the program. She explained the background of the day, which honors individuals who have been persecuted, injured or killed on account of

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

Paris, France – UPF-France had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Augustin Senghor, mayor of Gorée Island in Senegal, to its headquarters in Paris on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The mayor was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Juliette Senghor, and their daughter. This meeting allowed Mr. Senghor to reflect on his experience at the African Summit in Dakar, hosted by UPF on January 18 and 19, 2018, and the visit of Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of UPF, to Gorée Island. The meeting was a contin

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

London, United Kingdom – Young people explored the challenges of ethical leadership in the age of artificial intelligence alongside practical approaches to peacebuilding, dialogue and conflict resolution during a UPF-UK youth leadership program on August 8, 2026. The online session included presentations from Dr. Lance Gardiner and Mr. David Fraser-Harris of UPF-UK, and Mr. Paul Gutteridge, founder of Track 2 Talks and an honorary fellow at the University of Birmingham's Edwa

IAPP, EUME – The International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) Europe and Middle East (EUME) hosted a webinar entitled "Re-imagining the United Nations for a New Era of Peace" on July 28, 2026. Ms. Jennifer Lambert, a research fellow for UPF-EUME, served as the moderator, welcoming participants from around the world. She noted that the event was taking place at a significant moment, as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, continues its 80th General Asse

Moscow, Russia – UPF-Moscow organized a two-day program, “Peace Road: Following the Footsteps of Lermontov” in Moscow on July 18-19, 2026, combining cultural discovery with a family-friendly cycling tour. On the first day, participants visited the Mikhail Lermontov House Museum, the only surviving memorial home of the famous Russian writer in Moscow. Mikhail Lermontov (1814–1841) is one of Russia’s greatest poets and novelists and a leading figure of Russian Romanticism. The

Reichraming, Austria – The Holzknecht Museum in the picturesque mountain village of Reichraming in Upper Austria hosted a special gathering organized by UPF-Upper Austria on July 5, 2026. The museum is dedicated to woodcutters who spent their nights there in the 19th and 20th centuries, after long days working in the surrounding forests. It is also the site of a unique peace project. Seventeen years ago, Mr. Bogdan Pammer and some of his Austrian friends invited a group of yo

Paris, France – Two professionals addressed the question, “Does the Democratic Dream Have a Future?” at an event held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. UPF-France organized the conference at its headquarters in Espace Barrault, Paris. The program featured two keynote presentations. Dr. Laurent Ladouce, head of research at UPF-France, and Mr. Jacques Marion, president of UPF-Europe and the Middle East, examined the contribution of t