New York, United States – The Geneva Consensus Declaration on Women’s Health and Protection of the Family (GCD) was launched in 2020 under U.S. leadership, with five co-sponsoring nations. The Geneva Consensus Declaration Coalition (GCDC) brings together nations and nongovernmental organizations committed to advancing women’s health, protecting the family, affirming the dignity of every human life, and upholding each country’s sovereign right to establish its own family-relat

IMAP, United States – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), a UPF project, held its monthly webinar on September 22, 2026, titled “Women’s Journey on the Road to Peace.” Following the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the program brought together three accomplished women to discuss how women's voices, leadership and service can contribute to peacebuilding in families, communities and nations. The first speaker was Ms. Cindy Pfeiffer, c

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Beltei International University in Phnom Penh served as the host and the venue for a seminar on "Character Education and International Day of Peace" on September 21, 2026, organized by UPF-Cambodia and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP). The event brought together over 600 distinguished guests, educators, youth representatives and peace advocates to commemorate the International Day of Peace. The seminar emphasized tha

Yaoundé, Cameroon – An event to mark the UN International Day of Peace was held in the legislative chamber of the National Assembly of Cameroon on September 21, 2026. The opening ceremony was conducted by Hon. Meboka Muyali Marie Boya, vice president of the National Assembly, an Ambassador for Peace who represented the president at the ceremony. Hon. Brigitte Emabot, president of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) Cameroon, delivered the welco

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.

Kathmandu, Nepal – In partnership with the Karmashil Women Society, UPF-Nepal organized a commemorative and educational program to mark the UN International Day of Peace on September 20, 2026, at Bajrabarahi Resort in Shankharapur Municipality of Kathmandu. The program brought together 62 participants, including the deputy mayor, former deputy mayor, educators, journalists, women leaders and activists, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, government representatives and community mem

On September 21, the United Nations marks the International Day of Peace under the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” The observance comes one day before the opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” Together, these two themes carry a timely and complementary message: Restoring trust at

Melbourne, Australia – UPF-Australia and the Australian Peace Council brought together 60 community leaders, educators, multicultural representatives and peacebuilders in Melbourne on September 19, 2026, for a special conference marking the United Nations International Day of Peace. Held under the UN theme “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the conference explored how peace can be strengthened through practical action in families, communities, schools an

Manila, Philippines – The Fusion Fest 2026 Youth Assembly, hosted by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace – Pilipinas (IAYSP-Pilipinas) in partnership with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification – Philippines (FFWPU), brought together more than a thousand participants onsite and online from the Philippines and various parts of the Asia-Pacific region. The event took place at the Philippine Christian University in Manila on September 19,

Lima, Peru – Songs and dances from the African diaspora enlivened an event in Lima on September 4, 2026, organized by UPF-Peru to commemorate the International Day for People of African Descent. The event, which featured local speakers of African descent, took place in the auditorium at UPF headquarters in Miraflores, Lima, and was attended by 80 guests. The program opened with a prayer by Pastor Orestes Sánchez Luis of the Assemblies of God. Pastor Sánchez is Peru coordinat

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – On September 15, 2026, a seminar on “Character Education and International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer” was held at the Cambodian University for Specialties (CUS) in Phnom Penh, with over 200 participants. The program brought together university leaders, educators, youth leaders, students and invited guests to discuss character development, youth leadership, peacebuilding and environmental responsibility. The program opened with welcome

Montreal, Canada – A sunny Saturday morning was the backdrop for the 8th annual Peace Road Montreal event, honoring the UPF founders’ 1981 initiative to build an international highway of peace across the globe from Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to Santiago, Chile. A visionary project of this magnitude must start somewhere, and it has to gradually garner support of the world’s population to the degree that governments agree to cooperate by building their portions of the ro

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

Banfield, Argentina – Eight couples who have been married more than 40 years received awards at the 18th “Family and Common Good” program organized by UPF-Argentina on August 22, 2026. The event was held at El Nuevo Amanecer Senior Center in Banfield, in the province of Buenos Aires. This recognition is given annually to couples married for 25 years or more, in celebration of the International Day of Families. Introductory speeches were given by Mr. Miguel Werner, presiden

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

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

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

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

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