Bratislava Celebrates UPF Peace Embassy's 5th Anniversary
Updated: 2 days ago
Bratislava, Slovakia – This year UPF-Slovakia’s commemoration of the International Day of Peace included a celebration to mark five years since the opening of its Peace Embassy in Bratislava in 2021. The hall was packed to capacity on September 21, 2026, with guests who came to mark the day and congratulate UPF on its anniversary.
The event was moderated by Mr. Viktor Bujnovsky, secretary general of UPF-Slovakia, who welcomed the more than 100 guests. Member of Parliament Mr. Marek Krajčí, former minister of health, opened the program with congratulatory remarks.
Ms. Barbara Grabner, UPF event manager, then delivered the opening speech, in which she commented, “In a city like Bratislava, where there’s such a rich selection of events, it’s not easy to find a niche and motivate people to come to our place. But step by step, we found topics, lecturers and organizations which are of interest to many.” Pictures of prominent speakers and top events were then shown to the audience.
The Peace Embassy’s advantageous location, on the ground floor of a building in a park in the city center, makes for easy access. It has hosted over 100 events, mostly well-attended, giving a good reason to celebrate on this year´s International Day of Peace.
Mr. Laurenc Klas, volunteer and member of the International Association for Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) UN Team, gave a presentation about activities in Europe and the Middle East, with particular focus on the IAYSP flagship project, Peace Designer Training, which teaches peacebuilding and social innovation.
The cultural program featured the charismatic singer Ms. Anna Re and her choir, Re Voices, who performed two songs, “Ancestors” and “Thank You.” The Ukrainian group Silver Grace performed two dances, and the outstanding singers Ms. Natália and Ms. Darija Gončarenko enchanted the audience with romantic melodies. Eleven-year-old Makar Leščenko, who studies Chinese martial arts, performed his self-choreographed dance, “Peace Fighter.” Then his mother, Ms. Eva Leščenko, showed pictures and a video from a Ukrainian-Slovak Sisterhood meeting last spring.
In closing, Ms. Erika and Mr. Juraj Lajda from UPF-Czech Republic presented flowers to Mr. Miloš Klas, UPF-Slovakia president.
Following the official program, a lavish buffet awaited all the guests, some of whom had brought homemade cakes and snacks. Mr. Raghunatha and Ms. Sucitra from Hare Krishna served delicacies of the Indian cuisine.
The work that has been done by UPF over the years drew many remarks of admiration and gratitude.
