From Art to Ecology: Peacebuilding Initiatives in Hungary
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
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 messages they convey matter greatly.
In addition to this discussion, the group made plans for the year. Peace ambassadors offered comments and suggestions for projects that can be incorporated into UPF’s work, thereby involving them more deeply in shaping IAACP and its activities.
Victims of Communism in the Greek Catholic Church
On the evening of March 12, the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD) held a deeply moving online lecture organized and presented by Peace Ambassador Ms. Ildikó Olga Békés, entitled "The Victims of Communism in the Greek Catholic Church."
People endured great suffering during this dark period of history, especially those who chose to serve God as their vocation. She explained that priests, nuns and clergy were imprisoned, and many died, under the systematic persecution by post-World War II communist governments. The speaker’s own family were victims of this persecution.
Listeners were deeply moved by the sad story of the Greek Catholic Church, and the unshakable faith and courage of its martyrs and confessors. UPF considers it important to listen to one another’s stories and, learning from them, to work within the framework of the IAPD so that religious people everywhere can profess their faith without fear.
A View of Countries along the Silk Road
On the afternoon of March 22, Prof. Dr. Judit Balázs, an economist, geopolitical expert and UPF peace ambassador, presented a very interesting lecture at the Peace Embassy in Budapest. She spoke about the culture, history and future role of some of the countries along the Silk Road that gained their independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Through the speaker’s personal experience, she described Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent and Baku, sharing the beauty of the entire region during this engaging presentation. The unique history and current development of the former Soviet republics were particularly enlightening.
The audience also had an opportunity to pose questions, turning the program into a lively conversation. Many in the audience were intrigued by the region’s unique cultural treasures.
One of UPF’s goals is to introduce the unique cultures and values of different countries, in the hope that culture can foster harmony among nations.
Living in Harmony with the Environment
In anticipation of Earth Day, UPF-Hungary held an event at the Peace Embassy on April 18 entitled “In Harmony with Nature.” The program began with a quiz prepared by a young student, which served to warm up the audience and refresh their knowledge of environmental protection.
Following this, Dr. Péter Mészáros, an adjunct associate professor, transportation engineer, environmentalist and peace ambassador, gave a presentation. He gave an overview of the importance of environmental protection, milestones in the development of environmental awareness, and the situation in Hungary in light of these issues. Dr. Mészáros offered insight into the work of the Green Future Environmental Association, in which he has been actively involved for decades, explaining the group’s tireless efforts to preserve as much of nature as possible.
The presentation was followed by an animated and friendly discussion session.
