IMAP, Canada  – This end-of-year webinar, in which UPF-Canada partnered with the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), featured Dr. Massimo Introvigne , Dr. Franco Famularo , and Mr. Isaac Jeong examining the politically motivated persecution of religions under democratic governments in Northeast Asia. The panel discussed recent raids on churches, arrests of pastors, and the implications of these actions. They also addressed the role of anti-cult campaigns, coordi

Dear Ambassadors for Peace, partners, and leaders of the Universal Peace Federation across the globe, At this sacred and joyful season of Christmas, I extend warm greetings to each of you. As members of a diverse global family committed to peace, human dignity, and mutual respect, we are united by a spiritual vision that transcends borders and differences. Our founders, Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, taught that true and lasting peace arises when humanity li

Struga, North Macedonia  – A three-day seminar for peace ambassadors on the theme “Love God, Love People, Love the Nation” took place in Struga, North Macedonia, on December 19-21, 2025. Held by UPF-Balkans, in partnership with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), the meeting brought together around seventy leaders of Peace Councils, members of the Peace Federation Steering Committee, and ambassadors for peace from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia

Paynesville, Liberia  – As part of its 100 Days of Harmony and Hope campaign, UPF-Liberia organized a character and peace education program on December 17, 2025, for students at the Calvary Chapel Mission School in Paynesville. Students in the 12 th  grade participated in interactive learning sessions facilitated by Mr. Jee Do Arko  and Pastor McCarthy Teayah, secretary general of UPF-Liberia. The lectures addressed key themes of character development and peace practices, en

Lusaka, Zambia  – An interfaith dialogue at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka on December 18, 2025, brought together religious leaders representing Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism. The event, organized by UPF-Zambia, drew more than 60 participants for talks on the theme “Interreligious Dialogue – Unity in Diversity.” The program aimed to promote peace, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence by creating a safe platform for interreligious exchange. Participants sha

Buenos Aires, Argentina  – To celebrate its 20 th anniversary and conclude its 2025 series of activities, UPF-Argentina held an event at Galicia House in Buenos Aires on December 18, 2025. Members of UPF’s governing board and Peace Council, as well as coordinators, representatives and members of various UPF-Argentina teams were present. A number of individuals were recognized for their service and support, and congratulatory messages were shared. Opening prayers were offered

On December 18, the United Nations observes International Migrants Day , proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/55/93 of December 4, 2000, coinciding with the date on which the General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families ( A/RES/45/158 ) in 1990. In his message  for International Migrants Day, the UN Secretary-General highlights that migrants contribute to economic

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 14 and concludes at nightfall on December 22, 2025. Rooted in Jewish history and faith, the festival commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and is marked by the lighting of the menorah with its nine candles, each flame a testament to perseverance, memory, and the enduring conviction that light can overcome darkness. While deeply particular in its origins, Hanukkah carries a universal resonance. Across cultures and tra

Nijmegen, Netherlands  – Adopting the UN theme for Human Rights Day – “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” – UPF-Netherlands held an evening program on December 14, 2025, at the parish house of the Antonius van Padua Church in the city of Nijmegen. MC Mr. Joseph Salaris  introduced the theme, which emphasizes that “human rights are positive, essential and attainable.” Then  Mr. Hans Noot , director of Human Rights Without Frontiers (HWRF) in the Netherlands and co-founder

Paris, France  – At UPF headquarters in Paris, UPF-France and the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) held a meeting on December, 13, 2025, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Human Rights Day, under the theme, "Human Rights and Our Responsibility." The two organizations, both holding general consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also marked the close of a symbolic year, celebrating both the 80th anniversary of the United N

Düsseldorf, Germany  – To mark Human Rights Day, UPF-Düsseldorf held an evening of shared information and discussion on December 8, 2025. After the welcome, a video of UN Secretary-General António Guterres' address from 2024 set the mood for the topic. H.E. Guterres warned that human rights are under massive pressure worldwide. He criticized the increase in armed conflicts, the strengthening of authoritarian governments and increasing discrimination and violence. He was parti

Rome, Italy  – UPF-Italy and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD-Italy) marked Human Rights Day on December 11, 2025, at the Europa Experience – David Sassoli exhibition space in Rome. The event highlighted freedom of faith, belief and conscience as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and European integration.     Moderated by Mrs. Gabriella Mieli , head of external relations for UPF-Italy, the conference brought together institutional, academic