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

Montréal, Canada – April 18, 2026 was a bright, sunny spring day in Montréal, where UPF-Canada held its annual Ambassadors for Peace Recognition Luncheon at Hotel Ruby Foo’s, under the theme “Interreligious Dialogue, Interculturality, and Secularity: A Contemporary Perspective.” More than 70 people attended, drawn by a theme that resonates both globally and within the Canadian and Quebec context, where such dialogue – and even more so intercultural and interreligious collabor

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,

Tel Aviv, Israel – The Center of Scientology Israel convened a timely webinar bringing together religious leaders from diverse faith traditions to address the theme “Faith and Overcoming Challenges During Times of Crisis.” Representatives of UPF-Israel participated in the program on March 30, 2026, alongside other faith leaders. The webinar took place against the backdrop of the ongoing stress and trauma affecting many people in the region due to the current conflict. The or

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Derogatory language used in legal contexts and in the media is amplifying persecution of religious communities around the world. Religious freedom researcher Ms. María Vardé addressed this issue in a speech, “Religious Freedom and Human Rights in Argentina,” at the International Catholic Biblical Society (SOBICAIN) Alberione Hall in Buenos Aires on February 25, 2026. The meeting, organized by the Interreligious Association for Peace and Developme

Clifton, United States – Two UPF-USA events in New Jersey celebrated interfaith harmony in the month of February; both were embellished by musical harmony provided by an enthusiastic youth choir. Mr. Fortune Winter , the newly appointed secretary general of UPF-USA, was the keynote speaker at an event in Clifton, New Jersey on February 21, 2026, focused on interfaith cooperation and religious freedom. Mr. Barry Geller , the UPF regional director, presented six Ambassador f

Munich, Germany – To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, UPF-Munich hosted a prayer breakfast under the theme, "The Goal of Religion in the 21st Century," on February 14, 2026. Speakers included a retired Roman Catholic priest, an African Evangelical pastor, a theologian, a university professor, and members of UPF and the Family Federation for World Peace Germany, an affiliated organization. Above all, the question that resonated was: What future do religions or religio

Beirut, Lebanon – At the Palm Beach Hotel near the seafront in Beirut, UPF-Lebanon organized an interreligious gathering on February 11, 2026, to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week. Among those in attendance were eight distinguished clergy leaders from different backgrounds. These included Sheikh Mohamad About Zeid, a judge of the Sunni court in Saida, and Sheikh Abou Al Kotaa, who is registered with Dar Al Fatwa, the central authority of Islamic law, and also ser

Montreal, Canada – To mark World Interfaith Harmony Week, on February 8, 2026 – a cold day typical of Quebec – 40 people gathered to reflect together on the challenges facing our societies in preserving freedom of belief, which is central to the harmony of any society. Those attending in person in Montreal were joined via Zoom by participants from across Canada – Nova Scotia, Toronto area, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Québec City and Vancouver. Among the participants were leaders fro

Quito, Ecuador – A group of 20 religious leaders from different faiths gathered in Quito on February 7, 2026, for an event organized by UPF-Ecuador to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week. Priests from the Anglican and Orthodox churches joined Catholic missionaries, Protestant pastors, and representatives of Hinduism, Islam and Family Federation for World Peace in sharing their messages of peace and harmony. Archbishop Luis Moreno of the South America Anglican Church, who

Dübendorf, Switzerland – The Zurich chapter of UPF-Switzerland, in cooperation with Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), marked World Interfaith Harmony Week in Dübendorf on February 7, 2026. Representatives of diverse religious traditions gathered to promote dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility for peace in an increasingly multicultural society. The program featured faith-based reflections, musical contributions, a symbolic interfaith ceremony, and the nom

New Delhi, India – In observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week, UPF-India organized an interfaith program at the YMCA in New Delhi on February 7, 2026, bringing together respected leaders, scholars, and practitioners from diverse religious and academic backgrounds. The program aimed to promote mutual understanding, harmony, and peaceful coexistence among faith traditions, in alignment with the spirit and vision of the United Nations. The program began with singing of the

Paris, France – Representatives of various religious traditions gathered in Paris on February 7, 2026, as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week. Their reflections on what unites humanity were portrayed in two powerful symbolic moments: a water ceremony to open the meeting and a light ceremony before its conclusion. Led by Mr. Patrick Jouan , vice president of UPF-France, the meeting took place in the small chapel of the Le Chantier Association. Participants were warmly welco

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

Bratislava, Slovakia – For 15 years UPF-Slovakia has held events in support of Interfaith Harmony Week. This year's theme, “Seach for God,” drew great interest from faith leaders and audience alike. On February 5, 2026, 50 persons gathered at the Peace Embassy in Bratislava. Guests were invited to reflect on where to search for the Creator. Each religion offers different answers and tools, and the invited faith leaders gave answers according to their scriptures and personal

Stockholm, Sweden – An interfaith gathering on February 4, 2026, in Stockholm – designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Human Fraternity – celebrated that day and World Interfaith Harmony Week. Participants represented the Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Scientology, and Family Federation traditions. Jointly arranged by UPF-Sweden and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), the evening program underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue f

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Representatives of various religious groups gathered at the Scientology Chapel in Amsterdam on February 3, 2026, to observe World Interfaith Harmony Week. Under the theme, “Creating Sacred Space: Awakening the Heart,” several speakers presented their perspectives on the topic. Representing Scientology as the host of the event, Mr. Robert Kruijt warmly welcomed the guests, and stressed the importance of such interfaith meetings in order to understan

Prague, Czech Republic – For the thirteenth time, representatives of various religions gathered in Prague to commemorate World Interfaith Harmony Week, on February 3, 2026. This year’s meeting was hosted by the Community of Christians, under the theme, “The World is One Family.” The opening two songs performed by guitarist Mr. Jakub Slezák and singer Ms. Erika Lajdová set an uplifting atmosphere at the beginning. There were two panels: the first focused on interfaith dialogu

Washington, D.C.. United States – The International Religious Freedom Summit 2026 gathered the world’s top advocates for religious liberty in Washington, D.C. from February 1-3, 2026. For the third year in a row, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and The Washington Times Foundation (TWTF) served as title partners for this event. The summit drew over 1600 participants from 87 countries, representing dozens of faiths and beliefs. Pastor Paula White-Cain, senior adviser at the