Easter is a profoundly Christian celebration of the Resurrection, yet its spirit also has the power to open hearts to reconciliation, mutual respect, and a deeper awareness of our shared human calling. It is one of the most sacred and beloved seasons in the Christian world, a joyful proclamation that Jesus Christ is risen; that love is stronger than hatred, life stronger than death, and that no darkness is so deep that God cannot bring light into it. For Christians, Easter is

As April 2026 begins, the Universal Peace Federation enters the second full month of its 100 Days of Serving Community campaign, running from February 20 to June 1. March was the Month of Partnerships; April is the Month of Service. Partnerships build trust through practical action in society. Service reaches beyond charity: it reduces social isolation, renews shared public spaces, supports vulnerable families, assists those in need, and builds interpersonal trust. This focus

Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, has been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize in the category of Peace and Fraternity between Nations. The nomination was formally submitted by Dr. Jan Figel , former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and acting president of the Forum for Religious Freedom (FOREF) Europe. In his nomination, Dr. Figel pointed to Dr. Han’s decades of work in interreligious dialogue, humanitarian coope

As the United Nations marks the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, this observance closes March, dedicated to partnerships, and opens April as UPF’s month of service within its 100 Days of Serving Community campaign from February 20 to June 1, 2026. The International Day of Zero Waste  is a reminder that waste is not only a technical issue but a human one. In 2026 the day focuses on food waste, placing it squarely within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,

Each year, from March 21 to 27, the United Nations observes the Week of Solidarity with Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination, proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/34/24. The week begins with the  International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination , rooted in the memory of the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, when 69 peaceful protestors in South Africa were killed under apartheid. It also stands within the legal and moral frame

As Muslims around the world conclude the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al Fitr, the Universal Peace Federation extends its warm congratulations and sincere good wishes to Muslim individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month devoted to reflection, self-discipline, and care for others. In a world marked by war, mistrust, and social fragmentation, these practices carry meaning far beyond one religious community.  The Quran expr

The Universal Peace Federation expresses deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East. Each escalation places civilians at the center of the crisis causing loss of life, displacement, and severe disruption to essential services and daily life. UPF stands in solidarity with civilians across the region who are enduring the human cost of conflict. We call on all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize the protection of civilian populations, and ensure safe and

On International Women’s Day , observed in 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,”  the Universal Peace Federation honors women whose qualities and service strengthen families, communities, and nations. As the international community prepares for the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women ( CSW70 ) – whose priority theme is ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and

On World Wildlife Day, March 5, the Universal Peace Federation joins the global community in striving to protect biodiversity. As part of UPF’s  100 Days of Serving Community campaign, from February 20 to June 1, 2026, the month of March is dedicated to strengthening partnerships for community service. The campaign culminates on June 1, the UN  Global Day of Parents . In the context of biodiversity, partnerships determine what can be achieved in the field, from preventing pol

Bangkok, Thailand  – In observance of Women’s History Month, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the International Association of First Ladies for Peace (IAFLP) convened a global webinar on March 2, 2026, entitled “No Peace Without Women.” The program highlighted the critical role of women in peace processes, conflict prevention, and human security. Around 140 women from 22 countries joined the event. Opening the program, UPF-Asia Pacific President Ms. Ursula McLackland

Washington, D.C., United States  – As part of the observance of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims worldwide, UPF-USA hosted an interfaith iftar dinner on March 1, 2026, at the Washington Times Building in Washington, D.C. Ramadan this year runs from February 17 to March 19. For the past four years, UPF-USA has sponsored an iftar dinner, the meal held after sunset throughout the month of Ramadan, with other organizations. This year, under

As March 2026 begins, the  Universal Peace Federation launches the first full month of its  100 Days of Serving Community  campaign, running from February 20 to June 1, 2026, and culminating on the  Global Day of Parents . The purpose is intentionally practical: rebuilding community trust through visible cooperation, hands-on service, and concrete support for family life. UPF works internationally as an NGO in  general consultative status  with the  United Nations Economic a

From February 20 to June 1, 2026, UPF invites cross-sector partners to advance community trust through cooperation, volunteer service, and strengthened family life. This period marks UPF’s 100-day campaign entitled, “100 Days of Serving Community.” The campaign culminates on June 1, the  Global Day of Parents . As an organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council , UPF connects local peacebuilding with the United Nations agenda and th

Manila, Philippines  – A UPF delegation traveled to the Philippines to pay solemn tribute to Hon. Jose de Venecia Jr., five-time speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and ambassador for peace, who passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 89. Forty distinguished representatives from UPF, FFWPU, and the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) – including Dr. Charles Yang, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, Rev. Yutaka Yamada, and Ms. Ursula McLackland – par

On behalf of the founders of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han and her late husband, Dr. Sun Myung Moon, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Georgina de Venecia, Hon. Christopher de Venecia, and the entire De Venecia family on the passing of Hon. Speaker Jose C. de Venecia, Jr., an extraordinary statesman of the Republic of the Philippines, who passed away on February 10, 2026. Speaker de Venecia devoted decades of his life to distinguished pu

Washington, D.C.. United States  – The International Religious Freedom Summit 2026 gathered the world’s top advocates for religious liberty in Washington, D.C. from February 1-3, 2026. For the third year in a row, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and The Washington Times Foundation (TWTF) served as title partners for this event. The summit drew over 1600 participants from 87 countries, representing dozens of faiths and beliefs. Pastor Paula White-Cain, senior adviser at the

Building on international efforts within the United Nations agenda on a culture of peace and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, World Interfaith Harmony Week , observed annually during the first week of February, provides an international framework for dialogue and cooperation among religious communities. The week was established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 65/5 of October 20, 2010, following a proposal introduced at the General Assembly

On January 28, 2026, the Universal Peace Federation joins the United Nations in observing the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence , proclaimed by  General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/269 , adopted on March 4, 2025 under the agenda item “Culture of Peace.” The resolution presents peaceful coexistence as a positive and participatory process that encourages dialogue and addresses disputes through mutual understanding and cooperation. It is grounded in the  Charter of the

On January 27, the Universal Peace Federation ( UPF ) joins the United Nations in observing the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust . This date marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945, an event that exposed the scale of human cruelty and the devastating impact of hatred, antisemitism, and moral indifference. Established by Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly 60/7  of 1 November 2005, “Holocaust remembrance,” th

January 24 marks the International Day of Education , established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/25 in 2018. Each year, this observance invites the global community to reflect on education as a foundation for personal integrity, social cohesion, and sustainable peace. The Universal Peace Federation ( UPF ) understands education not merely as a technical system of instruction, but as a formative process that shapes character, values, and social responsibility