Paris, France – In conjunction with the International Day of Families and the International Day of Living Together in Peace, celebrated by the United Nations on May 15 and 16, respectively, the UPF-France and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) France organized a gathering on the theme, “Living Together in the Family and in Society” at the Espace Barrault in Paris on May 16, 2026. In front of a full audience representing a particularly diverse public, three speakers

South and Central America – On May 15, 2026, a group of professionals from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean joined a webinar to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Families, under the theme “The Family as a School of Love and Peace: Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The event was organized by UPF and three of its associations – the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), International Association of Academicians for

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

Lalitpur, Nepal – To commemorate the UN International Day of Families, UPF-Nepal organized a program at Ekta Academy in Lalitpur, on the theme "Families as the First School of Peace," on May 15, 2026. More than 45 participants attended, including distinguished educators and professionals such as Mr. Nirajan Adhikari, principal of the Nirvana Academy in Kathmandu; Mr. Subarna KC, vice principal of St. Xavier’s School in Godavari; Mrs. Indira Sharma, principal of Ekta Academy;

Montreal, Canada – At a large community center in Montreal, on May 2, 2026 the Lions Club District U-1 of Québec hosted UPF-Canada as a collaborating organization in the service of the larger community in Québec and beyond. Since April 29 the Lions had been convening the annual district meeting of their members in the region, with the presence of prominent international visitors. The partnership between the Lions Club and UPF dates back to August 26, 2023, when a friendship a

As May 2026 begins, the Universal Peace Federation enters the third and final full month of its 100 Days of Serving Community campaign, running from February 20 to June 1, 2026. March emphasized partnerships to strengthen local impact. April emphasized volunteer service that communities could recognize and welcome. May brings this public work to its center: the family and values-based education. This leads directly to the Global Day of Parents, and raises a practical question

Florianópolis, Brazil – A peace forum held on April 29, 2026, at the Legislative Assembly of the State of Santa Catarina brought together approximately 120 participants, including government officials, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society, with the aim of promoting peace as a collective asset. UPF Peace Ambassador Ms. Silvana Sousa, president of Eleva Mulher Brasil, hosted the event. In her opening remarks she offered a thoughtful reflection on how peace

Boston, United States – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) USA sponsored a webinar on April 28, 2026, titled “Restoring Excellence in Public Schools: Prioritizing Academics, Merit and Parental Rights." It addressed rising concerns about declining academic performance, increasing ideological content in classrooms, and the erosion of parental influence in education. It was moderated by Ms. Jennifer Trench, executive director of UPF-Western Massachusetts, with

South and Central America – A panel of leaders from South America, Central America and the Caribbean gathered in a webinar on April 24, 2026, to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, under the theme “Inclusion and Solidarity in Diplomacy: Peace and Development for All.” Organized by UPF in collaboration with the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) – a project under the UPF umbrella – Mr. Mario S

New York, United States – UPF-USA and the NGO Committee on the Family, NY (NGOCF NY) at the United Nations convened a virtual program on April 23, 2026, titled "The Demographic Turning Point: Family, Fertility, and What Comes Next." With three-quarters of the world now experiencing fertility rates below replacement level, concern over the economic and social consequences of an increasingly aged population has intensified globally. Three research policy experts addressed the c

Each year on April 22, the United Nations marks International Mother Earth Day. The message is direct: human life and the natural world cannot be separated. When the land is degraded, forests are lost, water is polluted, and climate pressure grows; the consequences do not stay in nature alone. They reach homes, food systems, health, livelihoods, migration and social stability. That is why this day belongs naturally within UPF’s Month of Service. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainabl

Europe & Middle East – UPF-Europe and Middle East (EUME) marked a historic milestone with the official inauguration of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP), one of the eight pillars under UPF, on April 20, 2026. This celebratory event, held online and hosted by aspiring young Slovenian filmmaker and MC of the evening Mr. Kristian Irgl, brought together a global community – from Nigeria to Korea – to honor the transformative power of creativity i