London, United Kingdom – To mark the UN International Day of Peace, UPF-UK hosted a gathering at UPF headquarters in London on Sunday, September 24, 2024. It was an inspiring event bringing together individuals committed to fostering peace and harmony in our world.
The event elaborated this year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” The introductory video included a short clip of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He praised UPF’s multi-sectoral approach – which includes former heads of state, parliamentarians, religious leaders, media professionals, academicians, business people and artists – in cultivating a culture of peace.
Welcoming remarks were given by UPF-UK patron Duchess Nivin El-Gamal of Lamberton.
Mr. Ian Pelham Turner, former BBC royal family journalist, commentator and broadcaster, discussed the sad state of peace in the world at this time. He was followed by a number of wide-ranging, thought-provoking speeches from peace advocates and community leaders. Among them were Ms. Hilde Rapp, co-director at the Centre for International Peacebuilding London; Mr. Timothy John Baptiste, founder of Time 4 Peace; and Ms. Lorna Marah, founder and CEO of Rhynie Consulting.
There were also several speeches from ambassadors for peace, including Mr. Aurangzeb Akbar. It was a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting peace, understanding, and hope in a world facing challenges of division and conflict.
The International Day of Peace was also commemorated in Birmingham and South London together with the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an organization affiliated with UPF.