Moscow, Russia – UPF-Moscow organized a two-day program, “Peace Road: Following the Footsteps of Lermontov” in Moscow on July 18-19, 2026, combining cultural discovery with a family-friendly cycling tour. On the first day, participants visited the Mikhail Lermontov House Museum, the only surviving memorial home of the famous Russian writer in Moscow. Mikhail Lermontov (1814–1841) is one of Russia’s greatest poets and novelists and a leading figure of Russian Romanticism. The

The United Nations has proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. On this day, UPF offers this reflection on the power of language. A word can open a door, or close one for many years. It can preserve the dignity of another person, or quietly make that person easier to ignore. Before violence enters institutions or homes, it passes through language. It learns to name a neighbor as a threat, a stranger as a burden, a believer as a danger, a nation

London, United Kingdom – A dynamic group of writers, readers and peacebuilders gathered for a stimulating evening program, “Literary Voices of Change,” on June 18, 2026, at UPF headquarters in London. Through book launches, poetry readings, personal testimony, panel discussions, and reflections on the media, the evening examined how creative expression can deepen understanding and encourage positive social change. The event, organized by Dr. Sangita Swechcha, chair of the Int

Copenhagen, Denmark – A Summer Festival at the UPF Peace Center in Copenhagen on June 13, 2026, drew around 100 participants for an afternoon of music, friendship and fellowship. Although the weather was far from summery, the atmosphere more than made up for the rain and wind. The festival, held in cooperation with FFWPU Denmark, was coordinated by Ms. Kamala Mais, a UPF ambassador for peace and music teacher, together with Mr. Kerim Elhan from the Denmark – Azerbaijan Associ

IAACP, United States – A webinar organized by the International Association for Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) on May 28, 2026, featured videos, poetry and song to underscore its theme, “The Transformative Power of the Arts: Building Bridges via Cultural Exchange.” The program began with the video “The Diplomacy of Beauty,” which chronicles the history of support for the performing arts by UPF's founders. Mr. David Eaton, global coordinator for IAACP, then introduced Mr

On May 21, 2026, the international community observes the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a United Nations observance led by UNESCO. It was declared by the UN General Assembly in 2002 following UNESCO’s adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The day draws attention not only to the richness of the world’s cultures, but also to the role of intercultural dialogue in peace and sustainable development. It recalls a central truth

Moscow, Russia – An evening program, “Time of Family Happiness,” was held at the Peace Embassy in Moscow on May 16, 2026, dedicated to the International Day of Families. The event opened with a formal address by Ms. Tatiana Kuznetsova, coordinator of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) in Russia. Ms. Kuznetsova shared her understanding that an ideal family requires the presence of God, and that God awaits an invitation to enter every home where

Europe & Middle East – UPF-Europe and Middle East (EUME) marked a historic milestone with the official inauguration of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP), one of the eight pillars under UPF, on April 20, 2026. This celebratory event, held online and hosted by aspiring young Slovenian filmmaker and MC of the evening Mr. Kristian Irgl, brought together a global community – from Nigeria to Korea – to honor the transformative power of creativity i