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

On behalf of the founders of the Universal Peace Federation, Dr. Hak Ja Han and her late husband, Dr. Sun Myung Moon, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Georgina de Venecia, Hon. Christopher de Venecia, and the entire De Venecia family on the passing of Hon. Speaker Jose C. de Venecia, Jr., an extraordinary statesman of the Republic of the Philippines, who passed away on February 10, 2026. Speaker de Venecia devoted decades of his life to distinguished pu

Melbourne, Australia  – To commemorate the UN International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, a high-level dialogue convened in Melbourne on January 31, 2026, brought together a distinguished group of leaders – former Afghan government officials, academics, peace practitioners, faith-based leaders, and representatives of Afghan, African, Iranian, and interfaith communities – to explore the role of diaspora communities as agents of peacebuilding. They focused particularly on Austra

On January 28, 2026, the Universal Peace Federation joins the United Nations in observing the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence , proclaimed by  General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/269 , adopted on March 4, 2025 under the agenda item “Culture of Peace.” The resolution presents peaceful coexistence as a positive and participatory process that encourages dialogue and addresses disputes through mutual understanding and cooperation. It is grounded in the  Charter of the

Honiara, Solomon Islands  – In solidarity with UPF’s global campaign, ”100 Days of Harmony and Hope” which ended on February 1, 2026, a Hyojeong Character Education training program was held for school leaders and teachers of the New Hope Academy in Honiara, Solomon Islands, from January 12-16, 2026, with follow-up implementation discussions from January 19-22, 2026. In a country with a median age of 21.8 years, the New Hope Academy school community recognizes that efforts to

As we welcome the dawn of 2026, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt gratitude to all leaders of Universal Peace Federation worldwide, and to our dedicated Ambassadors for Peace. The year 2025 was highlighted by the successful culmination of World Summit 2025, which convened current and former heads of state, legislators, diplomats, scholars, religious leaders and civil society leaders from every continent. Under the theme “Contemporary Challenges to World Order: Estab

Pô, Burkina Faso –  In the city of Pô, the capital of Nahouri Province, UPF-Burkina Faso (UPF-BF) organized a peace conference on December 27, 2025, with the objectives of promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion, as well as expanding the national network of ambassadors for peace. The event brought together a wide cross-section of society, including administrative authorities, traditional leaders, religious figures, women leaders, youth representatives, and economic

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

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

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

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

Quezon City, Philippines – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) Philippines, in partnership with PEACE PRO Inc., marked its first anniversary with an inspiring celebration that brought together media professionals, chaplain state counselors, educators, tribal leaders, and partner organizations. The event served as a unified call for moral and spiritual values education across the nation. Held in Quezon City on December 10, 2025, the milestone gathering undersc

Bratislava, Slovakia  – To recognize Human Rights Day, UPF-Slovakia held a panel discussion on December 10, 2025, at the Bratislava Peace Embassy. The event was titled “Media and Religious Freedom: Do they protect, ignore, or endanger religious minorities and new religions?” After welcoming the audience, UPF-Slovakia president Mr. Miloš Klas  quoted the Italian journalist Mario Respinti: “Words, images, and headlines shape public opinion. Such framing can either uphold dignit

Sydney, Australia  – The Living for Others Award 2025 event was held on December 6, 2025, at the UPF Peace Embassy in Sydney, bringing together diplomats, community leaders, cultural representatives, families, and volunteers to honor eight extraordinary individuals whose lives embody the spirit of selfless service. Many people serve quietly, without expectation of recognition, yet their dedication leaves a deep and lasting impact. This annual event exists to acknowledge such

Abuja, Nigeria  – The solemn commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was held on December 4, 2025, at the International Conference Center in Abuja. A UPF delegation attended the celebration, including Dr. Paterne Zinsou, secretary general of UPF-Africa; Dr. George Ikpot, secretary general of UPF-Nigeria; and Hon. Ebenezer Samuel, an ambassador for peace. The ceremony brought together, am

El Trébol, Argentina  – Famous singer and songwriter Mr. León Gieco  graced the closing of the 11th Peace Road Argentina series of events on November 30, 2025, at the main venue in El Trébol, Santa Fe Province, more than 450 kilometers from the capital of Buenos Aires. Mr. Gieco performed his well-known song, “Sólo le Pido a Dios,” at the beautiful Cervantes Cultural Center. This song represents a plea to God, in times of war and social unrest, that the singer retain his huma

London, United Kingdom  – Members and supporters of UPF-UK came together on November 26, 2025, for a powerful evening dedicated to ending violence against women, as part of the UN’s 16 days of activism campaign, which runs from November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10. The event featured inspiring stories of resilience, insightful contributions from women leaders and male allies, and thoughtful discussions on community support and online protection. It was a meaningful

Budapest, Hungary  – UPF-Hungary celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Benczúr Hotel in Budapest on November 22, 2025, during its fall Peace Ambassador Forum, with the theme, "Twenty Years in the Service of Peace." The patron of the evening was Ms. Kamilla Dévai   Nagy , a Liszt Prize-winning performer, guitarist-singer, and ambassador for peace. She and her students from the Chronicle Music School opened the event, creating a special atmosphere in the hall with their music.