Sydney Community Marks Global Day of Parents

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 Councilor Enver Yasar of Cumberland City Council. Their presence strengthened the civic and community dimension of the commemoration and reflected the shared responsibility of community leaders in supporting families, social harmony and community wellbeing.

The program opened with a warm welcome by Mr. John Adamedes, president of UPF-Australia, who acknowledged the significance of the Global Day of Parents and the importance of strengthening family values in public life. Ms. Pearl Wymarra offered the Invocation and Acknowledgement, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the evening.

The key presentation was delivered by Mr. Greg Stone, president of UPF-Oceania. He emphasized that parents are the first educators of love, character and responsibility, and that the wellbeing of society begins with the strength of the family.

Mr. Hanif Bismi, an ambassador for peace, gave a presentation on “Health and Wellbeing,” highlighting the connection between physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Mr. Soner Curuhlu then shared on “Fasting: A Beautiful Tradition in Islam,” explaining how fasting develops discipline, gratitude, compassion and deeper awareness of others.

The program also included short reflections and open discussion by ambassadors for peace. Participants shared insights on parenting, community responsibility, interfaith harmony and the need to support families across different cultural and religious backgrounds.

In the closing session, Mr. Santosh Neupane, secretary general of UPF-Oceania, provided organizational updates and announcements on upcoming UPF-Australia initiatives. He shared progress on Religious Youth Service 2026, scheduled for August 15, in conjunction with UN Youth Day. UPF-Australia also introduced its proposal to establish an Annual Interfaith Iftar Dinner beginning in 2027, and invited expressions of interest from organizations and individuals willing to join the organizing committee.

The program concluded with appreciation to all speakers, distinguished guests, ambassadors for peace and participants. The event reaffirmed UPF-Australia’s commitment to promoting family values, interfaith understanding, service to others and cooperation among community leaders for the broader good of society.

By Santosh Neupane, Secretary General, UPF-Oceania June 1, 2026