St. Georges, Canada – On a beautiful sunny day on August 29, 2026, Lions Club International unveiled a monument and eternal flame in the city of St. Georges, Quebec. UPF was invited to appoint the international president of the Lions Club, Mr. Mark S. Lyon, as an ambassador for peace. Our good friend, Mr. Antoine Nahas of Lions Club Montreal and Quebec coordinator for UPF, Mrs. Isabelle Laurin, facilitated and organized the occasion. Federal and provincial members of Parliam

IAPD, United States – The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) held its Third Global IAPD Prayer for the Nation and the World: “Prayer and World Peace” on August 27, 2026. The program featured five speakers, and was moderated by Ms. Tomiko Duggan, global coordinator of IAPD. Topics focused on interfaith harmony and advancement, with panelists highlighting the significance of personal peace, mutual respect and kindness. Speakers emphasized the necessity

IMAP-North America – Reducing political polarization, rebuilding trust, and promoting respectful dialogue as a pathway to peace – these goals were the focus of a webinar hosted by UPF-North America on August 25, 2026. The program, titled “Respectful Conversations as a Start to Building a Road to Peace,” was sponsored by the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP). It featured authors and Braver Angels leaders Mr. Doug Teschner and Ms. Beth Malow, who discussed their

Washington, D.C., United States – The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) held an event titled “Sisterhood for Peace: One Family Under God” on August 23, 2026, in the Founders’ Room at the Washington Times Building in Washington, D.C. The program featured five women presenters, representing different professions, racial backgrounds, religious and cultural traditions. The program began with an invocation by Ms. Adrienne Barnett from Greater Grace Family

Banfield, Argentina – Eight couples who have been married more than 40 years received awards at the 18th “Family and Common Good” program organized by UPF-Argentina on August 22, 2026. The event was held at El Nuevo Amanecer Senior Center in Banfield, in the province of Buenos Aires. This recognition is given annually to couples married for 25 years or more, in celebration of the International Day of Families. Introductory speeches were given by Mr. Miguel Werner, presiden

Düsseldorf, Germany – On August 23, 2026, UPF-Düsseldorf hosted a gathering to mark the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Established by the United Nations in 2019, the observance has been held annually on August 22 since 2020. Ms. Anja Brina, representative of UPF-Dusseldorf, hosted the program. She explained the background of the day, which honors individuals who have been persecuted, injured or killed on account of

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – On August 22, 2026, UPF-Ethiopia organized a conference at the Dashen Hall of Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa. The purpose was to introduce the vision of peace of UPF’s founders, and also the "Five Principles of Peace" to 20 special guests. The conference was held in support of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Forum launched by the Prime Minister’s Office to reconcile all Ethiopians and encourage unity for peace and prosperity. The government has invited

Kathmandu, Nepal – UPF-Nepal, in collaboration with Nirvana Academy, organized a program to mark UN Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2026 under the theme, “Celebrating Humanity, Inspiring Solidarity: Restoring Trust – What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” The approximately two-hour program brought together 127 participants from diverse sectors of society, including humanitarian and social workers, educators, artists, youth representatives, business professionals, women leaders, jour

Abuja, Nigeria – In support of World Humanitarian Day, UPF-Nigeria organized a conference on the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities: The Fundamental Role of Women and Family in Peacebuilding.” The event took place on August 19, 2026, at the UPF Secretariat in the Peace Embassy in Abuja. The purpose was to recognize and strengthen the often-overlooked contributions of women and families to sustainable peace at the grassroots level. The prog

Cotonou, Benin – UPF-Benin celebrated World Humanitarian Day with a conference on restoring trust in communities, and a humanitarian donation that enabled poor families to pay their overdue hospital bills. Both activities were met with deep appreciation. A conference featuring a panel discussion was held on August 19, 2026, in the renovated hall of the Bourse du Travail in Cotonou. The conference, organized jointly by UPF-Benin and UPF-Africa, addressed the theme “Restoring T

Lusaka, Zambia – The Electoral Commission of Zambia formally accredited UPF-Zambia to participate in the monitoring and observation of the 2026 General Elections, held on August 13. In preparation for the electoral process, UPF-Zambia conducted a one-day training workshop for 10 election monitors and observers on August 11, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka. Mr. Fabrice Djimadoum, a UPF staff member, served as MC and introduced the purpose of the training, which was to equ

Barogo, Burkina Faso – Due to high youth unemployment in Saaba commune, located east of the capital Ouagadougou, UPF-Burkina Faso decided to offer training in income-generating activities. The staff settled on fish farming, which was already practiced in the area, as an accessible, profitable skill that could immediately be put into practice. UPF-BF partnered with a local NGO, Fatawa, which had already developed fish ponds and experienced trainers. The training was designed o