Paris, France – The United Nations’ theme for this year’s International Day of Peace – “Investing in Peace for All, Everywhere, Every Day” – brings the concept of peacebuilding very close to home. Reflecting this idea, UPF-France and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) organized a gathering on September 19, 2026, at UPF’s Paris headquarters on the theme “The Family as an Everyday Peacemaker.” The speakers offered thoughtful insights relevant to the complex realitie

Birmingham, United Kingdom – A melting pot of people – of all races, cultures, faiths, social backgrounds and different generations – joined a Family Festival and Peace Blessing in Birmingham on September 19, 2026, to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace. The event was co-sponsored by UPF-Birmingham and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). All 150 participants shared a belief in the value of the family and the home as the starting point for he

Banfield, Argentina – Eight couples who have been married more than 40 years received awards at the 18th “Family and Common Good” program organized by UPF-Argentina on August 22, 2026. The event was held at El Nuevo Amanecer Senior Center in Banfield, in the province of Buenos Aires. This recognition is given annually to couples married for 25 years or more, in celebration of the International Day of Families. Introductory speeches were given by Mr. Miguel Werner, presiden

Abuja, Nigeria – In support of World Humanitarian Day, UPF-Nigeria organized a conference on the theme “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities: The Fundamental Role of Women and Family in Peacebuilding.” The event took place on August 19, 2026, at the UPF Secretariat in the Peace Embassy in Abuja. The purpose was to recognize and strengthen the often-overlooked contributions of women and families to sustainable peace at the grassroots level. The prog

Manzini, Eswatini – To address key challenges facing families and society in the country, UPF-Eswatini held a conference in Manzini on August 8, 2026. Representatives of civil society groups and local community members listened to presentations and took part in interactive games and discussions. Following an opening prayer, participants intermingled in a game called “What is Your Preference?” in which they would choose what they preferred in a certain category, and identify o

United States – Across the United States, UPF chapters celebrated National Parents’ Day in July, with programs honoring exemplary parents, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting the family as the cornerstone of peaceful societies. Twenty-one local chapters held events from July 18 to 26, 2026, recognizing outstanding families and community leaders. Many celebrations featured proclamations from elected officials, musical performances, family tributes, interfaith p

Washington, D.C., United States – To mark National Parents' Day – designated as the fourth Sunday in July in the United States – UPF-USA hosted a celebration in the Arbor Ballroom of the Washington Times building in Washington, D.C. on July 25, 2026. The event brought together 170 guests and supporters of UPF to honor exemplary families and promote the importance of strong family values as the foundation of society. Ms. Kaeleigh Moffitt, president of UPF-USA, served as master

A United Nations High-Level Meeting in New York on June 23, 2026, adopted a Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, “United to End AIDS by 2030.” It underscores that addressing HIV/AIDS extends beyond clinical services to include family stability and international solidarity. The declaration reaffirms the commitment contained in Sustainable Development Goal 3, including the objective of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Significant progress has been achieved in recent

Bangkok, Thailand – UPF-Thailand, in partnership with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, organized a seminar on June 12, 2026, to commemorate the Global Day of Parents. The event, titled “Love Your Spouse Well, Raise Your Children for Success,” was held in the main hall at UPF’s headquarters in Bangkok, as well as online. The program aimed to promote love and mutual understanding between husband

South and Central America – Continuing its webinar series commemorating UN international days, UPF-Latin America and the Caribbean held a forum on June 5, 2026, on "The Importance of Being a Good Role Model for Those We Are Raising." This event was timed to mark the Global Day of Parents on June 1. In his introduction Mr. Mario Salinas, secretary general of UPF-Latin America, who moderated the event, stated: “In accordance with the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of th

Chisinau, Moldova – To honor families and children, UPF-Moldova held two events designed to support and inspire children, their parents and caregivers. On the occasion of the International Day of Families on May 15, 2026, UPF-Molodova, in partnership with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the Personal Assistance Social Service (SSAP), organized an event for the families of persons with disabilities and the personal assistants who care for the

Sydney, Australia – To commemorate the Global Day of Parents, UPF-Australia held an event on June 1, 2026, at the Oceania Peace Embassy Building in Sydney. The gathering brought together ambassadors for peace, community leaders, interfaith representatives and friends of UPF to honor the vital role of parents in building healthy families, caring communities and a peaceful society. The event was honored by the attendance of Emeritus Mayor Le Lam, former mayor of Auburn, and Cou

Vienna, Austria – The United Nations’ motto for the International Day of Families 2026 is "Families, Inequalities and Child Well-being." UPF-Austria, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and the Austrian Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) addressed this theme on May 30, 2026, in Vienna with a conference entitled "Family – School of Love: Strong Families, Happy Children." The event brought together an international audience of 120 people and spe

Stuttgart, Germany – More than 60 participants joined an online Peace Talk held in observance of the International Day of Families and Global Day of Parents on May 30, 2026. The event focused on the importance of supporting families, both through public policy and through practical efforts to strengthen relationships, communication, and conflict resolution in daily life. Mr. Karl-Christian Hausmann, chairman of UPF-Germany, opened the event by describing the family as a found

Abuja, Nigeria – To celebrate the International Day of Families, UPF-Nigeria held a commemorative event in Abuja on May 28, 2026, focused on the United Nations’ designated theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The program also formed part of UPF’s third 100 Days Campaign of Hope and Peace, focused on “100 Days of Community Service.” The event opened with introductory remarks by Dr. George Charles Ikpot, secretary general of UPF-Nigeria, followed by a presentati

Prague, Czech Republic – Experts on family issues shared their perspectives at a conference hosted by UPF-Czech Republic on May 25, 2006, in Prague, to mark the International Day of Families. Ms. Nina Nováková, a former member of Parliament and currently chairwoman of the Association of Christian Seniors, spoke on the topic, “Family and the Search for One’s Own Identity.” She pointed out that humans are social beings who want to belong somewhere and need to know their identit

Bratislava, Slovakia – As in past years, UPF-Slovakia held an event to commemorate the UN International Day of Families. This year Mr. Patrik Daniška, a lawyer and prominent figure from the Catholic movement, was the guest speaker at the event on May 18, 2026. His talk was entitled “The Struggle for Life and Family – How to Succeed in It?” Mr. Daniška is chairman of the Institute for Human Rights and Family Policy, and is best known as the main organizer of the National March

Amsterdam, Netherlands – On Sunday afternoon, May 17, 2026, UPF-Netherlands and Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) organized a celebration of the UN International Day of Families. The UPF-Netherlands secretary general, Dr. Willem Koetsier, warmly welcomed everyone, before reading the United Nations’ explanation of this year’s theme for the day: “The theme of the 2026 observance, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing,” underscores how widening inequalities are sha

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – To commemorate the UN International Day of Families, UPF-Dominican Republic held a seminar at the federation’s headquarters in Santo Domingo on May 17, 2026. The program addressed fundamental topics such as the value of the family, as well as the causes and consequences of family degradation. The 70 participants included distinguished figures of Dominican society. Mr. Bernardo Cruz, national director of the Family Federation for World Peace

Paris, France – In conjunction with the International Day of Families and the International Day of Living Together in Peace, celebrated by the United Nations on May 15 and 16, respectively, the UPF-France and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) France organized a gathering on the theme, “Living Together in the Family and in Society” at the Espace Barrault in Paris on May 16, 2026. In front of a full audience representing a particularly diverse public, three speakers