Auckland, New Zealand – Families and supporters gathered at Western Springs Garden Community Hall in Auckland for a UN International Day of Families Commemorative Event on May 16, 2026. The program brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the importance of family in Aotearoa New Zealand and to renew commitment to strengthening family life in our communities. More than 50 people attended on a bright autumn afternoon, creating a warm and family-centered a

UPF-Africa – To mark both the International Day of Families and the International Day of Living Together in Peace, UPF-Africa convened an international webinar on the theme “Strong Families, Peaceful Nations: Transformative Leadership and Values-Based Governance for a Global Culture of Peace” on May 16, 2026. The two-hour session was hosted via Zoom and simulcast across Facebook, X and Instagram, in English and French. Participants included high-level government officials, fa

Yaoundé, Cameroon – A conference at the Deputy Hotel in Yaoundé on May 16, 2026, brought together religious leaders, community representatives, couples, families and youth to honor the International Day of Families. The event, organized by UPF-Cameroon and FFWPU Cameroon, aimed to promote family values, strengthen social cohesion, raise awareness on inequalities affecting families and children, and encourage dialogue on child protection and family stability as foundations for

Montevideo, Uruguay – An ecumenical gathering for the family, held at the National Garden Hall in Montevideo on May 16, 2026, brought together a diverse group of people from different faith traditions to commemorate the International Day of Families. Organized by UPF-Uruguay, the program included dialogue, reflection and fellowship, highlighting different expressions of faith and values centered on the importance of the family as the foundation of society. Under the theme “On

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;

Tirana, Albania – To celebrate the UN International Day of Families, UPF-Albania, local ambassadors for peace, and the Tirana Peace Council held a roundtable discussion on the topic “Family in Transition: Economic and Social Challenges and Policies for Sustainability” on May 8, 2026. This roundtable brought attention to the reality faced by Albanian families today and the need for stronger supportive policies. The event gathered experts, professionals and representatives fr

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

Ticino, Switzerland – On May 1, 2026, UPF-Switzerland held the 13th Peace Cup tournament in Ticino, promoting fair play and inclusion among young athletes. The event brought together ten Swiss and two Italian teams of 10- to 11-year-old football players. In his opening remarks, regional UPF President Mr. Giuseppe Termine, a social educator, encouraged the participants to make the most out of their football experience. “Today we are not just opening a football tournament. We 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