Bangkok, Thailand – More than 600 schools, educational institutions and government agencies nationwide took part in the annual commemoration of the International Day of Peace in the month of September, organized by UPF-Thailand. The event, "Reading of the Peace Messages and 1-Minute Silence for Peace," followed the theme given by the United Nations, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” and was supported by the Ministry of Education and the Royal Thai Gover

Düsseldorf, Germany – How can individuals help shape a culture of peace? UPF-Düsseldorf addressed this question at a special event on September 21, 2026, at its headquarters. “Peace Starts with Me – How a Global Culture of Peace Develops from Personal Action” was the theme of the event, timed to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace and connected with its motto: “Investing in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere and Every Day.” The focus was on active commitment to a sustai

Melbourne, Australia – UPF-Australia and the Australian Peace Council brought together 60 community leaders, educators, multicultural representatives and peacebuilders in Melbourne on September 19, 2026, for a special conference marking the United Nations International Day of Peace. Held under the UN theme “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the conference explored how peace can be strengthened through practical action in families, communities, schools an

London, United Kingdom – Young people explored paths to leadership, public speaking, confidence and peacebuilding during the September session of UPF-UK’s Youth Leadership and Peacebuilding Program, held on September 12, 2026, at UPF headquarters in London. Under the theme “Finding Your Voice, Strengthening Your Leadership,” the afternoon combined practical public-speaking training, mindfulness, leadership insights and presentations from participants on the change they hope t

Selangor, Malaysia – Providing students from low-income families with practical assistance – both material and educational – is the goal of an initiative developed by UPF-Malaysia called “Circle of Light.” On September 2, 2026, UPF-Malaysia, in partnership with Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Malaysia, brought this program to Pulau Carey High School in Selangor. The program featured multiple distributions of community and educational support under the Circle of Ligh

Voronezh, Russia – On August 29, 2026, an Environmental Education Day was held for children at a summer camp in Voronezh Region, Russia. The project was organized by Ms. Elena Knyazeva, coordinator of environmental programs for UPF-Russia. Around 150 children took part in the program, with teachers from the Palace of Children and Youth Creativity volunteering to support the activities. The children completed assignments on local history and the history of their native region,

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

When a child can study after sunset because reliable electricity has reached the home; when a school has access to safe drinking water; when neighbors work together to protect a public space, sustainable development becomes tangible. It may be measured through policies, systems and indicators, but it is ultimately experienced in families, schools, neighborhoods and local communities. As the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) convenes at United Nation

Parndorf, Austria – The Parndorf Memorial Site is a World War II and Holocaust memorial that commemorates local residents who were killed by the Nazi regime for their Jewish faith, political views or physical and mental disabilities. On May 17, 2026, UPF-Burgenland, in cooperation with the site’s creators and the Municipality of Parndorf, hosted the fourth Festival of Peace – a moving event honoring those victims. The well-attended ceremony was characterized by a dignified y

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;

Boston, United States – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) USA sponsored a webinar on April 28, 2026, titled “Restoring Excellence in Public Schools: Prioritizing Academics, Merit and Parental Rights." It addressed rising concerns about declining academic performance, increasing ideological content in classrooms, and the erosion of parental influence in education. It was moderated by Ms. Jennifer Trench, executive director of UPF-Western Massachusetts, with

London, United Kingdom – Couples, families, faith leaders and guests joined the annual Celebration of Marriage, Family and Faith hosted on April 18, 2026, by UPF-United Kingdom, together with the North of the Thames Community of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). The joyful and reflective gathering affirmed the importance of marriage, family values and spiritual life in building peaceful communities. Opening the event, Mr. Robin Marsh, secretary g

Voronezh, Russia – A series of engaging and inspiring lessons for high school students took place in Voronezh on April 8, 2026, as part of the environmental program “Caring for the Future.” The initiative was organized by Ms. Elena Knyazeva , head of UPF-Voronezh and coordinator of environmental programs in Russia. The purpose of the event was to spark young people’s interest in environmental issues, sustainable development, agriculture and social responsibility. During the

Sydney, Australia – UPF-Australia held a meaningful Ambassador for Peace meeting at its Peace Embassy in Sydney on March 30, 2026, bringing together leaders, guests and community members committed to building a more peaceful world. The program focused on practical approaches to peace through interfaith understanding, community wellbeing and youth service. The meeting began with participants offering prayers according to their own faith traditions, reflecting the spirit of un

Voronezh, Russia – In preparation for the upcoming Earth Day, a series of environmental education activities were held in Voronezh and across the Voronezh Region. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about ecological responsibility and inspire young people to take care of the environment in their daily lives. On March 16, an interactive eco-games session was organized at Secondary School No. 47 in Voronezh, bringing together around 60 students. The event was organized by

Rathnapura District, Sri Lanka – The Vevegananda School in Nopareil, Baladgod, perched high on a wooded mountainside, is known as the most beautiful, and one of the most remote, schools in Sri Lanka. UPF-Sri Lanka and the Religious Youth Service (RYS) chose this isolated location to carry out a youth leadership service project under the theme “Empowering Minds, Enriching Futures.” Under the leadership of the RYS national coordinator, Mr. Pulinda Prabath, the program took pl

Melbourne, Australia – An online book launch on February 11, 2026, marked the release of “Living with Purpose – 3 Pillars of Wellbeing, Positive Relationships, and a Sustainable and Peaceful Future,” published by UPF-Australia and the International Association of Academicians for Peace Oceania. The book aligns with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Academics, researchers, educators and community leaders from across Australia and beyond gathered to cel

London, United Kingdom – Surveys have shown that 1 in 4 people in England experience a mental health challenge each year. With this reality in mind, UPF-UK held its Second Mental Health Awareness Event on January 30, 2026, focusing on “Dealing with Depression: A Journey of Understanding and Hope.” The event aimed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and create a safe, supportive space for learning, dialogue, and community connection. The program opened with a UPF introduction

January 24 marks the International Day of Education , established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/25 in 2018. Each year, this observance invites the global community to reflect on education as a foundation for personal integrity, social cohesion, and sustainable peace. The Universal Peace Federation ( UPF ) understands education not merely as a technical system of instruction, but as a formative process that shapes character, values, and social responsibility

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