IAED, United States – In the United States, voices from all sides of the political and economic spectrum are raising concerns with the direction of the economy and its effect on social cohesion. From the concentration of economic wealth and power of global corporations, the unaccountability of large bureaucratic institutions to the feelings of many that the system is rigged against them, there is a need to find clarity on central issues and consensus on an upward path toward

Global IAPD – The 2nd Global Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World, “Prayer and World Peace,” sponsored by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), was held on July 30, 2026. Participating in the virtual program were 52 people on Zoom from different parts of the world. Three faith leaders – from Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom – shared their thoughts about the power of prayer and world peace. Patriarch George A. Stallings, Jr.,

IAACP USA – Due to music's profound effect on people, young and old, the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) webinar on July 30, 2026, featured three young artists who are active in their communities in bringing a positive message to young people through their music. These young artists have embraced the ideals that IAACP advocates and they have created music videos that promote the creation of a culture of peace. To open the program, titled "Youn

From February 20 to June 1, 2026, UPF invited its chapters, associations, Ambassadors for Peace and partner organizations to take part in the 100 Days of Serving Community campaign. March focused on partnerships, April on service and May on families. The campaign concluded on the United Nations Global Day of Parents. The campaign began with a question: How can an international peace organization become more useful in the communities where its members and partners live? Peace

New York, United States – Following the July 10, 2026, final hearing before the Seoul Central District Court in the judicial proceedings concerning Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, UPF issued the following statement: The Universal Peace Federation affirms its profound respect for the judicial process and its confidence that the principles of due process, judicial independence, impartiality, the presumption of innocence, and the rule of law will gu

UPF Summer Events 2026 invite practical contributions from regions, associations, and national chapters ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Universal Peace Federation has launched UPF Summer Events 2026, a series of programs under the public theme “Restoring Trust: What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” ahead of the opening of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in September 2026. The series invites UPF regions, associations, national chapt

When a child can study after sunset because reliable electricity has reached the home; when a school has access to safe drinking water; when neighbors work together to protect a public space, sustainable development becomes tangible. It may be measured through policies, systems and indicators, but it is ultimately experienced in families, schools, neighborhoods and local communities. As the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convenes at United Nation

A United Nations High-Level Meeting in New York on June 23, 2026, adopted a Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, “United to End AIDS by 2030.” It underscores that addressing HIV/AIDS extends beyond clinical services to include family stability and international solidarity. The declaration reaffirms the commitment contained in Sustainable Development Goal 3, including the objective of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Significant progress has been achieved in recent

IAPD – The first Global Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World: “Spirituality and the Principles of Happiness” was sponsored by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) on June 25, 2026. Participating in the virtual program were 65 people from different parts of the world. Three faith leaders shared their thoughts about the principles of happiness. Patriarch George A. Stallings, Jr., a board member of the World Clergy for Leadership Conference (

As June 2026 draws to a close, the calendars of several religious and spiritual traditions converge around themes of fasting, remembrance, purification, prayer, gratitude and responsibility. These observances do not diminish the distinct identities of the world's faiths. Rather, they reveal common moral concerns through which human beings are invited to cultivate self-discipline, deepen compassion, honor what others hold sacred, and strengthen the habits upon which peaceful s

When the United Nations Peacebuilding Week 2026 opens in New York from June 22 to 26, much attention will naturally turn to institutions, financing, inclusion and impact. These attentions are necessary. Peacebuilding requires structures that can survive political pressure, respond to local realities and support communities before violence returns. Yet one part of peacebuilding is often less visible because it does not begin with a signed accord. It begins earlier, in the peri

ISCP – The International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) hosted a global webinar on June 18, 2026, on the theme “The Future of the Rules-based World Order," addressing the fracturing post-World War II international system. Moderated by Dr. Franco Famularo, ISCP global coordinator, the event convened four former heads of state or government and a global leadership expert, broadcasting to over 360 participants across more than 80 countries. The panel provided a highly detailed

The United Nations has proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. On this day, UPF offers this reflection on the power of language. A word can open a door, or close one for many years. It can preserve the dignity of another person, or quietly make that person easier to ignore. Before violence enters institutions or homes, it passes through language. It learns to name a neighbor as a threat, a stranger as a burden, a believer as a danger, a nation

On June 5, the world observes World Environment Day 2026, led by the United Nations Environment Programme. This year, the global observance is hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan, with a focus on climate change and on the signals the Earth is sending to humanity. The language of World Environment Day 2026 is direct. The planet sends signals through rising seas, wildfires, heatwaves, melting glaciers, damaged ecosystems and changing seasons. Yet another signal is also rising.

By the time the United Nations Global Day of Parents arrives on June 1, UPF’s 100-day campaign has already passed through many rooms: an iftar table in Washington, D.C., a charity market in Madrid, a remote school in Sri Lanka, a public hall in Lima, a family gathering in Paris, youth service in Asia, celebration of Africa Day in Benin, and community conversations in Latin America and Nepal. In each place, people tried to serve someone beyond their own circle. This is a fitti

IAACP, United States – A webinar organized by the International Association for Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) on May 28, 2026, featured videos, poetry and song to underscore its theme, “The Transformative Power of the Arts: Building Bridges via Cultural Exchange.” The program began with the video “The Diplomacy of Beauty,” which chronicles the history of support for the performing arts by UPF's founders. Mr. David Eaton, global coordinator for IAACP, then introduced Mr

On Africa Day, the Universal Peace Federation joins people across Africa and around the world in honoring the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. This day recalls the long journey toward African unity, freedom and dignity. It also invites a renewed look toward the future. Africa is a continent of spirit, memory, family, youth, courage and promise. In 2026, Africa Day stands within a strong continental and international focus. The African Union 2026

In the closing days of “UPF’s Month of Family,” Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bahá’í and Buddhist observances form an unusual sequence that points toward memory, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and care across generations. For several days at the end of May 2026, the calendar seems to slow down and listen. One religious tradition after another enters a sacred season. Jewish families gather for Shavuot. Christians celebrate Pentecost. Muslim communities prepare for Eid al-Adha. Bahá

On May 21, 2026, the international community observes the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a United Nations observance led by UNESCO. It was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2002 following UNESCO’s adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The day draws attention not only to the richness of the world’s cultures, but also to the role of intercultural dialogue in peace and sustainable development. It recalls a central truth

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Families, the Universal Peace Federation reaffirms the enduring truth that the family is the first school of peace. It is within the home that human beings first learn dignity, conscience, compassion, responsibility, cooperation, and care for others. Strong and healthy families cultivate the moral and social foundations upon which peaceful societies and nations are built. The United Nations has long recognized the fam