Lusaka, Zambia – UPF-Zambia held a commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace and the 21st anniversary of UPF on October 1, 2026, at the Peace Embassy in Lusaka. Attendees included ambassadors for peace, senior citizens, youth representatives, representatives of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, leaders of NGOs and professional organizations, students and members of the general public. The broad attendance reflected UPF’s commitment to inclusive, interfaith and multise

Accra, Ghana – To commemorate the International Day of Peace, UPF-Ghana partnered with VODEC Africa, an NGO focused on raising youth leaders, to host the National Emerging Leader Economic Forum (NELEF 2026) on September 21, 2026. VODEC is the initiator of the Idea Challenge, which invites young entrepreneurs to submit innovative business ideas in competition. Winners receive funding, technical support and mentorship. The event was held in the auditorium of the University of P

Tsaghkadzor, Armenia – A Peace Road hiking program in Armenia drew participants aged 11 to 54, despite the challenging route to the summit of Mount Teghenis at 2,851 meters above sea level. The hike took place on September 26, 2026, organized by UPF-Armenia and the Family Federation for World Peace. For most participants this was a new adventure, as only six had previous hiking experience. Nevertheless, everyone successfully completed the approximately 20-kilometer route, wit

Bamako, Mali – UPF-Mali joined several NGO groups to sponsor a program commemorating the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2026. The event took place at the Youth Center in Commune III of Bamako, and focused on the importance of developing youth leadership in order to guarantee sustainable peace in the nation. Participants included the local representative of UNESCO, a representative of the mayor, peace ambassadors and youth leaders. After the singing of Mali's nati

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Beltei International University in Phnom Penh served as the host and the venue for a seminar on "Character Education and International Day of Peace" on September 21, 2026, organized by UPF-Cambodia and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP). The event brought together over 600 distinguished guests, educators, youth representatives and peace advocates to commemorate the International Day of Peace. The seminar emphasized tha

Victoria, Seychelles – Local government, religious groups, schools and civil society organizations united in a celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2026, in Victoria, spearheaded and coordinated by UPF-Seychelles. Through weekly meetings over two months, the participating groups coordinated responsibilities, logistics, communications and program activities, demonstrating the value of sustained cooperation between those working towards a shared vision

Manila, Philippines – The Fusion Fest 2026 Youth Assembly, hosted by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace – Pilipinas (IAYSP-Pilipinas) in partnership with the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification – Philippines (FFWPU), brought together more than a thousand participants onsite and online from the Philippines and various parts of the Asia-Pacific region. The event took place at the Philippine Christian University in Manila on September 19,

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – On September 15, 2026, a seminar on “Character Education and International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer” was held at the Cambodian University for Specialties (CUS) in Phnom Penh, with over 200 participants. The program brought together university leaders, educators, youth leaders, students and invited guests to discuss character development, youth leadership, peacebuilding and environmental responsibility. The program opened with welcome

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

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

Bamako, Mali – UPF-Mali organized a conference at the Complexe Scolaire Moderne Adiara school on August 15, 2026, in observance of International Youth Day and as part of UPF International’s Summer Activities program. The conference brought together 70 participants, including ambassadors for peace and youth leaders, around the theme “The Role of Youth and Families in Consolidating Sustainable Peace in Mali.” The program opened with the national anthem, followed by welcoming a

Sao Tome City, Sao Tome & Principe – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Sao Tome held a program to promote environmental awareness among young people on August 15, 2026. The program was organized together with the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP). To help young people understand the importance of preserving coastal areas and preventing the sea from encroaching on the islands, organizers decided to conduct a mangrove planting proj

Kathmandu, Nepal – In conjunction with International Youth Day, UPF-Nepal organized a youth seminar at Bhagyodaya College in Shankarapur Municipality, Kathmandu, under the theme “The Role of Youth Leadership, Restoring Trust: What Can Be Done for Peace Now?” The seminar, attended by 138 college students, focused on the role of youth in peacebuilding, restoring trust, promoting social harmony and developing responsible leadership. Mr. Rushan Basi, principal of Bhagyodaya Col

Franceville, Gabon – As part of the celebration of International Youth Day, UPF-Gabon and the Mvéngué International Multisectoral Center for Training and Vocational Education (CIMFEPM) co-organized a special conference on August 12, 2026, on the theme “The Role of Youth and Students in Creating a Culture of Lasting Peace and Mutual Prosperity.” During a dynamic and inspiring two-hour session, students, mentors and speakers discussed issues related to ethics, entrepreneurship

Akural, Sri Lanka – In the beautiful coastal town of Akurala, in Galle district of Sri Lanka, UPF-Sri Lanka and Religious Youth Service (RYS) hosted a program to celebrate International Youth Day on August 12, 2026. The program was graced by the participation of Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, the seventh president of Sri Lanka, who attended as the chief guest. The morning assembly opened with deep spiritual solemnity, as representative prayers were offered by youth from five dist

Monrovia, Liberia – UPF-Liberia, in collaboration with the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) – the national umbrella youth institution of Liberia – and Young Ambassadors for Peace, joined government and other partners to commemorate International Youth Day on August 12, 2026. This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Youth – Government Dialogue: Closing the Gap, Building Trust Between Young People and Government.” The government dialogue partner was the National Road

London, United Kingdom – Young people explored the challenges of ethical leadership in the age of artificial intelligence alongside practical approaches to peacebuilding, dialogue and conflict resolution during a UPF-UK youth leadership program on August 8, 2026. The online session included presentations from Dr. Lance Gardiner and Mr. David Fraser-Harris of UPF-UK, and Mr. Paul Gutteridge, founder of Track 2 Talks and an honorary fellow at the University of Birmingham's Edwa

IAACP USA – Due to music's profound effect on people, young and old, the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) webinar on July 30, 2026, featured three young artists who are active in their communities in bringing a positive message to young people through their music. These young artists have embraced the ideals that IAACP advocates and they have created music videos that promote the creation of a culture of peace. To open the program, titled "Youn

Bangkok, Thailand – A group of two pastors and ten youths from the Chin Christian Council in Australia (CCCA) visited the UPF Peace Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand on July 10, 2026, as part of their 10-day educational tour through Thailand. UPF-Thailand, in collaboration with FFWPU Indochina and IAYSP Thailand, prepared a special youth leadership training program for them on the theme “Let’s Become Peacemakers.” After a light dinner, FFWPU representative Ms. NweNwe from Myanmar

South and Central America – A panel of young leaders from South and Central America and the Caribbean met in a webinar on July 17, to commemorate the United Nations World Youth Skills Day on the theme "Skills to Build Bridges and Break Down Barriers for Peace." The moderator, Mr. Mario Salinas, UPF secretary general for Latin America and the Caribbean, greeted the guests and panelists and shared the concept of the event. He explained that the UN agenda includes reducing the p