Melbourne, Australia – One hundred leading international scholars, policymakers and peace practitioners gathered online on April 18, 2026, to mark the UN International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, calling for a renewed global commitment to cooperation, shared values and ethical leadership in an increasingly uncertain world. Hosted by the International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) Asia Pacific, a primary association of UPF, the webinar brough

As the United Nations moves toward selecting its next Secretary-General for the term beginning January 1, 2027, member states face a decision of both moral and strategic consequence. The central question is not simply one of representation or managerial competence, but whether the chosen candidate can restore credibility, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and embody the moral authority required to serve the whole human family in a fractured age. Public discussion has in

Kathmandu, Nepal – To celebrate Nepalese New Year, UPF-Nepal joined with FFWPU Nepal in holding a Peace Literature Assembly on April 13, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Kathmandu. The event brought together writers, artists, peace leaders, and distinguished guests to promote cultural exchange. It served as a platform to recognize individuals who have contributed to peace and human development. The event was gracefully conducted by Ms. Ganga Khatiwada, secretary of the Peace Lit

From April 14-16, 2026, the United Nations will convene the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 at its headquarters in New York. Held in the context of the 2026 ECOSOC theme and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development , the forum will support transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. Among the goals under review, SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities, is

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – In conjunction with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the Cambodian Tong Il Moo Do Federation held its national championship from April 8-11, 2026, at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The event brought together athletes, coaches and supporters from across Cambodia, encouraging discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. Tong Il Moo Do is a comprehensive martial art system founded on principles of unifying body and mind, character

Washington, D.C., United States – As the arrival of spring brought pink and white cherry blossoms to adorn the streets, the Global IAPD Peace Initiative hosted a Japanese tea ceremony and Ambassadors for Peace appointment program in the nation’s capital on April 11, 2026. Friends and supporters of IAPD from the interfaith communities of Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland gathered in the Founders Room at The Washington Times building to participate in this annual progra

Pope Leo XIV called the faithful to Saint Peter’s Basilica on April 11 as the Middle East searches for a path from fragile ceasefire to durable dialogue. On Easter Sunday, Pope Leo XIV turned a liturgical appeal into a concrete public act. In his Urbi et Orbi message of April 5, 2026, he urged those with weapons to lay them down and invited the faithful to join him for a Prayer Vigil for Peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 11. On April 8 he renewed that invita

South and Central America – A panel of leaders from South America, Central America and the Caribbean gathered in a webinar on April 9, 2026, to commemorate the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, under the theme “Sport Builds Bridges and Breaks Down Barriers: Youth, Family and Future.” The event was organized by UPF and several organizations under the UPF umbrella. Mr. Jaime Fernandez, secretary general of UPF-Peru, served as moderator. He extended a war

Voronezh, Russia – A series of engaging and inspiring lessons for high school students took place in Voronezh on April 8, 2026, as part of the environmental program “Caring for the Future.” The initiative was organized by Ms. Elena Knyazeva , head of UPF-Voronezh and coordinator of environmental programs in Russia. The purpose of the event was to spark young people’s interest in environmental issues, sustainable development, agriculture and social responsibility. During the

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

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 cooper

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