IMAP, North America – To highlight World Environment Day, celebrated annually in June, the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) organized a webinar on June 23, 2026, with the support of the Hyo Jeong International Foundation for Environmental Peace (HJIFEP). The speakers explored the relationship between environmental stewardship, spirituality, ethics and sustainable development. Moderated by the IMAP-Canada coordinator, Mr. Pierre Beauregard, the discussion cente

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

UPF-EUME – A webinar titled “Bridges of Love” brought together Sikh and Muslim scholars on June 20, 2026, to highlight the shared values and vision of these two distinct faiths. The program was hosted by UPF-Europe and the Middle East (UPF-EUME) and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development. The starting point for this webinar was the publication of a book by the same name, the result of a pioneering collaboration between two visionaries, Dr. Surender Singh Kan

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – In commemoration of World Environment Day, UPF-Burkina Faso organized an event under the theme “Promoting Peace through Sanitation and Environmental Protection” on June 20, 2026. Although World Environment Day is officially observed on June 5, UPF-Burkina Faso chose June 20 to maximize local participation and public mobilization. The event emphasized the direct link between environmental degradation, community tensions, insecurity and social confli

Linz, Austria – UPF-Upper Austria hosted an interfaith breakfast in conjunction with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) on June 20, 2026, on the theme of “Courage – Humility,” to mark the 400th anniversary of the 1626 Peasants’ War in Upper Austria. The event was a direct part of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), which began as a religious war between Catholics and Protestants. The state of Upper Austria has had a Religious Advisory Council since 2

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

Bogota, Colombia – A group of twenty religious and social leaders representing different faiths – including Catholics, Unificationists and Taoists – participated in a forum entitled "Interreligious Views on Jesus Christ" on June 18, 2026, in Bogota. The event was a joint initiative between UPF-Colombia and ACRE (Colombian Assembly of Religions and Spiritualities), to promote universal values and profound theological reflections. Since 2025, the two groups have sponsored a ser

London, United Kingdom – A dynamic group of writers, readers and peacebuilders gathered for a stimulating evening program, “Literary Voices of Change,” on June 18, 2026, at UPF headquarters in London. Through book launches, poetry readings, personal testimony, panel discussions, and reflections on the media, the evening examined how creative expression can deepen understanding and encourage positive social change. The event, organized by Dr. Sangita Swechcha, chair of the Int

Copenhagen, Denmark – A Summer Festival at the UPF Peace Center in Copenhagen on June 13, 2026, drew around 100 participants for an afternoon of music, friendship and fellowship. Although the weather was far from summery, the atmosphere more than made up for the rain and wind. The festival, held in cooperation with FFWPU Denmark, was coordinated by Ms. Kamala Mais, a UPF ambassador for peace and music teacher, together with Mr. Kerim Elhan from the Denmark – Azerbaijan Associ

Bangkok, Thailand – UPF-Thailand, in partnership with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, organized a seminar on June 12, 2026, to commemorate the Global Day of Parents. The event, titled “Love Your Spouse Well, Raise Your Children for Success,” was held in the main hall at UPF’s headquarters in Bangkok, as well as online. The program aimed to promote love and mutual understanding between husband

Bratislava, Slovakia – In support of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, designated by the United Nations as June 26, UPF-Slovakia organized an event on “The Fight Against Drugs.” Due to scheduling constraints, the event took place on June 11, 2026. Three experienced speakers, Mr. Pavel Mudra, Ms. Erika Botlíková, and Mr. Lukáš Bechyňa, were welcomed for this two-hour event, during which participants gained a wealth of information and valuable in