Prague, Czech Republic – The International Peace Cup project, organized by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP), took place in Prague from August 13 to 16, 2026. This event drew young people from many European countries to participate in sporting activities such as football and volleyball tournaments, relay races, frisbee and more. In addition, there was a broad range of other activities such as a fashion show, an intercultural music festival

Bamako, Mali – UPF-Mali organized a conference at the Complexe Scolaire Moderne Adiara school on August 15, 2026, in observance of International Youth Day and as part of UPF International’s Summer Activities program. The conference brought together 70 participants, including ambassadors for peace and youth leaders, around the theme “The Role of Youth and Families in Consolidating Sustainable Peace in Mali.” The program opened with the national anthem, followed by welcoming a

Sao Tome City, Sao Tome & Principe – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Sao Tome held a program to promote environmental awareness among young people on August 15, 2026. The program was organized together with the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP). To help young people understand the importance of preserving coastal areas and preventing the sea from encroaching on the islands, organizers decided to conduct a mangrove planting proj

Sydney, Australia – This year marks the 40th anniversary of Religious Youth Service (RYS), a project created to allow young people to experience practical peacebuilding through service projects and interfaith cooperation. To celebrate this anniversary, UPF-Australia held a program in the suburb of Minto on August 15, 2026, with around 70 people participating. The program began at Minto Mosque with an introduction to RYS activities. Ms. Patima Atithanakul served as MC for th

Melbourne, Australia – The International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) and UPF-Asia Pacific hosted a webinar on August 15, 2026, commemorating World Humanitarian Day, bringing together humanitarian leaders and peace advocates to reflect on the meaning of service and leadership. The program’s themes highlighted serving others, protecting human dignity, and empowering communities to build a more peaceful and resilient world. To open the program, Dr. John Bellavan

Kathmandu, Nepal – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Nepal organized a youth seminar at Bhagyodaya College in Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu, under the theme “The Role of Youth Leadership, Restoring Trust: What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” The seminar, attended by 138 college students, focused on the role of youth in peacebuilding, restoring trust, promoting social harmony and developing responsible leadership. Mr. Rushan Basi, principal of Bhagyodaya Col

South and Central America – Art and culture need no translation to communicate shared values, emotions and ideals across national borders. Speakers from Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru and the United States joined a webinar organized by UPF-Latin America and the Caribbean and the International Association of Art and Culture for Peace, on August 14, 2026, to share their views on the theme “From Barriers to Bridges; Art and Culture that Embrace Peace.” Welcoming remarks were given

Kalutara District, Sri Lanka – Religious Youth Service (RYS) Sri Lanka celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary with a project organized around the theme: "Restoring Trust: What Can be Done for Peace Now?" The project, supported by UPF-Asia Pacific and UPF-Sri Lanka, involved 34 participants and 10 staff, and took place in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka, from August 7-13, 2026. The program followed the official three-stage experiential model: orientation, work service and ref

Lima, Peru – In partnership with the Creerlo Vocational Training School, UPF-Peru organized the Second International Writers' Congress on the theme "Letters and Peace." The event took place on August 12, 2026, in the UPF auditorium in Miraflores District of Lima, attended by guests from six different countries. The event opened with a prayer by Monsignor Guillermo Cornejo Monzón, Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Lima and president of Caritas Peru. Dr. Trevor Jones, president of U

Conakry, Guinea – As part of UPF-Africa's 2026 Summer Activities initiative, and in support of a broader culture of peace, UPF-Guinea organized a Marathon for Social Cohesion and Living Together on August 12, 2026, in the urban commune of Ratoma. The marathon covered a distance of 800 meters, from the large Hamadallaye roundabout in Ratoma to the courtyard of the commune's Youth House. Mobilization of participants took place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, when the march set off under

Franceville, Gabon – As part of the celebration of International Youth Day, UPF-Gabon and the Mvéngué International Multisectoral Center for Training and Vocational Education (CIMFEPM) co-organized a special conference on August 12, 2026, on the theme “The Role of Youth and Students in Creating a Culture of Lasting Peace and Mutual Prosperity.” During a dynamic and inspiring two-hour session, students, mentors and speakers discussed issues related to ethics, entrepreneurship

Akural, Sri Lanka – In the beautiful coastal town of Akurala, in Galle district of Sri Lanka, UPF-Sri Lanka and Religious Youth Service (RYS) hosted a program to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, 2026. The program was graced by the participation of Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, the seventh president of Sri Lanka, who attended as the chief guest. The morning assembly opened with deep spiritual solemnity, as representative prayers were offered by youth from five dist