Rathnapura District, Sri Lanka – The Vevegananda School in Nopareil, Baladgod, perched high on a wooded mountainside, is known as the most beautiful, and one of the most remote, schools in Sri Lanka. UPF-Sri Lanka and the Religious Youth Service (RYS) chose this isolated location to carry out a youth leadership service project under the theme “Empowering Minds, Enriching Futures.” Under the leadership of the RYS national coordinator, Mr. Pulinda Prabath, the program took pl

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

Madrid, Spain – UPF-Spain partnered with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification in organizing a two-day charity event in Madrid, raising funds to support education for impoverished children in Cameroon. The activity was inspired by Father Cyprien Melib i, a Catholic priest from Cameroon who now lives in Spain. He is the founder of the association EduCamerún, which provides scholarships to children from families with limited resources. On February 28 and Ma

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Derogatory language used in legal contexts and in the media is amplifying persecution of religious communities around the world. Religious freedom researcher Ms. María Vardé addressed this issue in a speech, “Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Argentina,” at the International Catholic Biblical Society (SOBICAIN) Alberione Hall in Buenos Aires on February 25, 2026. The meeting, organized by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Developme

Copenhagen, Denmark – As part of its 2026 activity plan, UPF-Denmark has launched a new monthly lecture and dialogue series on UPF’s peace principles. The initiative invites ambassadors for peace to deepen their understanding of UPF’s vision and values for peacebuilding, and to invite new participants – especially young people – to engage in meaningful dialogue about values, responsibility and peace. Dr. Thorkil Christensen volunteered to develop a short presentation for ea

Kathmandu, Nepal – To commemorate the World Day of Social Justice, UPF-Nepal hosted an event at the Peace Embassy Building in Kathmandu on February 21, 2026. Under the theme, “Social Justice through Ideal Families,” the program was jointly organized with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification-Nepal. Mr. Prakash Babu Thapa , regional director of UPF-South Asia, served as MC and conducted the event with dignity and purpose. The program began with a musical perfo

Clifton, United States – Two UPF-USA events in New Jersey celebrated interfaith harmony in the month of February; both were embellished by musical harmony provided by an enthusiastic youth choir. Mr. Fortune Winter , the newly appointed secretary general of UPF-USA, was the keynote speaker at an event in Clifton, New Jersey on February 21, 2026, focused on interfaith cooperation and religious freedom. Mr. Barry Geller , the UPF regional director, presented six Ambassador f

Vau i Dejës, Albania – To mark the World Day of Social Justice, UPF-Albania organized an event in the Municipality of Vau i Dejës on February 20, 2026, titled, “Peace Begins with Justice.” The program gathered around 30 participants, including representatives of local institutions, leaders of peace councils, and personalities actively engaged in community service. Among those present were Mr. Ervis Molla , deputy mayor of Vau i Dejës; Mr. Kole Shaben, chairman of the local

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

Munich, Germany – To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, UPF-Munich hosted a prayer breakfast under the theme, "The Goal of Religion in the 21st Century," on February 14, 2026. Speakers included a retired Roman Catholic priest, an African Evangelical pastor, a theologian, a university professor, and members of UPF and the Family Federation for World Peace Germany, an affiliated organization. Above all, the question that resonated was: What future do religions or religio