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

Düsseldorf, Germany  – To mark Human Rights Day, UPF-Düsseldorf held an evening of shared information and discussion on December 8, 2025. After the welcome, a video of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' address from 2024 set the mood for the topic. H.E. Guterres warned that human rights are under massive pressure worldwide. He criticized the increase in armed conflicts, the strengthening of authoritarian governments and increasing discrimination and violence. He was parti

Rome, Italy  – UPF-Italy and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD-Italy) marked Human Rights Day on December 11, 2025, at the Europa Experience – David Sassoli exhibition space in Rome. The event highlighted freedom of faith, belief and conscience as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and European integration.     Moderated by Mrs. Gabriella Mieli , head of external relations for UPF-Italy, the conference brought together institutional, academic

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

Bratislava, Slovakia  – To recognize Human Rights Day, UPF-Slovakia held a panel discussion on December 10, 2025, at the Bratislava Peace Embassy. The event was titled “Media and Religious Freedom: Do they protect, ignore, or endanger religious minorities and new religions?” After welcoming the audience, UPF-Slovakia president Mr. Miloš Klas  quoted the Italian journalist Mario Respinti: “Words, images, and headlines shape public opinion. Such framing can either uphold dignit

London, United Kingdom  – In support of the United Nations’ campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, UPF-UK screened the film “Unsilenced” at its headquarters in London on December 9, 2025.  The event was co-organized by the National Association of Women’s Organizations (NAWO) and the Justina Mutale Foundation, who advocate dignity, safety and human rights for women and girls. The two organizations held daily awareness-raising sessions throughout the campaign p

Athens, Greece  – Drizzly weather did not discourage a hardy group of Peace Road activists from marching through downtown Athens on Sunday, December 7th, 2025. UPF-Greece, in cooperation with members of the Scientology Association in Athens, organized the event, in which members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints were also invited to join. Posters and leaflets handed out earlier also encouraged members of the public to participate. A police escort accompanied the Peace Road m

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

London, United Kingdom  – Members and supporters of UPF-UK came together on November 26, 2025, for a powerful evening dedicated to ending violence against women, as part of the UN’s 16 days of activism campaign, which runs from November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10. The event featured inspiring stories of resilience, insightful contributions from women leaders and male allies, and thoughtful discussions on community support and online protection. It was a meaningful

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

Orsay, France  – An interfaith sharing session on the theme, “Family: The First School of Love and Peace” drew 35 participants at the Espace Hirondelle in Orsay on November 23, 2025. An additional 30 people from 10 different countries – Austria, Belgium, Cameroon, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Kingdom, Switzerland, United States – participated via videoconference. This was the 50th such program organized by the interfaith  Dialogue & Alli

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