IAPD – The first Global Interfaith Prayer for the Nation and the World: “Spirituality and the Principles of Happiness” was sponsored by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) on June 25, 2026. Participating in the virtual program were 65 people from different parts of the world. Three faith leaders shared their thoughts about the principles of happiness. Patriarch George A. Stallings, Jr., a board member of the World Clergy for Leadership Conference (

As June 2026 draws to a close, the calendars of several religious and spiritual traditions converge around themes of fasting, remembrance, purification, prayer, gratitude and responsibility. These observances do not diminish the distinct identities of the world's faiths. Rather, they reveal common moral concerns through which human beings are invited to cultivate self-discipline, deepen compassion, honor what others hold sacred, and strengthen the habits upon which peaceful s

UPF-EUME – A webinar titled “Bridges of Love” brought together Sikh and Muslim scholars on June 20, 2026, to highlight the shared values and vision of these two distinct faiths. The program was hosted by UPF-Europe and the Middle East (UPF-EUME) and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development. The starting point for this webinar was the publication of a book by the same name, the result of a pioneering collaboration between two visionaries, Dr. Surender Singh Kan

South and Central America – In the context of the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, designated as May 21, UPF-Latin America held an online forum with expert panelists from Latin America and the Caribbean on the theme “Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and the Promotion of Peace for All.” The event was held on May 29, 2026, organized in collaboration with UPF affiliates – the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), the Inte

In the closing days of “UPF’s Month of Family,” Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Bahá’í and Buddhist observances form an unusual sequence that points toward memory, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and care across generations. For several days at the end of May 2026, the calendar seems to slow down and listen. One religious tradition after another enters a sacred season. Jewish families gather for Shavuot. Christians celebrate Pentecost. Muslim communities prepare for Eid al-Adha. Bahá

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

Lima, Peru – UPF-Peru celebrated International Mother Earth Day on April 21, 2026, with a forum at the Congress of the Republic of Peru, attended by 120 guests. The event was sponsored by Congressman Dr. Raúl Huamán Coronado and the Peru chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), of which Congressman Coronado serves as secretary general. The president of UPF-Peru, Dr. Trevor Jones, delivered a welcoming address via video message from London

Helsinki, Finland – The Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) in Finland, in cooperation with CANIP-Finland, held an Interreligious Forum for Peace on April 18, 2026. Three speakers delivered keynote messages, each highlighting different dimensions of peace, faith and human dignity. Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Asghar, the first speaker, emphasized the universal values shared across cultures by linking religion and science. Drawing on his experiences in Japan,

Budapest, Hungary – UPF-Hungary and its primary associations held several activities from February to April, 2026, promoting peace through culture, faith, history and the environment. On the evening of February 23, 2026, an online working group meeting of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) addressed the question of how to create value through the arts. They stressed that, since artists communicate with their audiences through their work, the m

Washington, D.C., United States – As the arrival of spring brought pink and white cherry blossoms to adorn the streets, the Global IAPD Peace Initiative hosted a Japanese tea ceremony and Ambassadors for Peace appointment program in the nation’s capital on April 11, 2026. Friends and supporters of IAPD from the interfaith communities of Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland gathered in the Founders Room at The Washington Times building to participate in this annual progra

Washington, D.C., United States – As part of the observance of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims worldwide, UPF-USA hosted an interfaith iftar dinner on March 1, 2026, at the Washington Times Building in Washington, D.C. Ramadan this year runs from February 17 to March 19. For the past four years, UPF-USA has sponsored an iftar dinner, the meal held after sunset throughout the month of Ramadan, with other organizations. This year, under

Washington, D.C., United States – Two diaspora communities – Japanese and Pakistani – came together on February 7, 2026, for a shared experience at The Washington Times building in Washington, D.C. UPF’s Global IAPD Peace Initiative hosted a Japanese tea ceremony for the Pakistan diaspora in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, as an approach to fostering peace, harmony, and understanding between peoples of different faith and cultural traditions. Ms. Tomiko Dugga

Lima, Peru – Under the patronage of Congressman Dr. Raul Huaman Coronado, UPF-Peru and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week in the Sanchez Carrion Auditorium of the Peru Congress on February 6, 2026. Over 200 guests assembled to participate in the meeting, where former government ministers and invited experts and religious leaders shared their thoughts about the importance of understanding and cooperation b

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

Washington D.C., United States – UPF-IAPD held a one-day educational seminar “Act Now for Building Peace” at The Washington Times on...

Rome, Italy – “The Gift of Life – Birth” was the theme of a webinar organized by the Interreligious Association for Peace and...

Kathmandu, Nepal – To mark the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, UPF-Nepal organized an Interfaith Breakfast, in collaboration with the...

Rome, Italy – "Freedom of Faith, Belief and Conscience: Challenges and Achievements for a Culture of Peace" was the theme of...

Lusaka, Zambia – Christian leaders from various denominations took part in a seminar organized by UPF-Zambia and the World Clergy...

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Prayers and messages for “peace in Argentina, the region and the world” dominated the 2024 International Day...