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Education and Human Development
UPF's seminars and leadership conferences focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
UPF and its global network of Ambassadors for Peace bring universal, spiritual principles to the tasks of resolving conflict and reconciling the divided human family. Speakers share insights from their backgrounds in governance, diplomacy, academia, religion and civil society.
Character Education
Cultivating good character is an important part of a child's education at home, at school and in the community. Many UPF chapters offer lessons in classrooms or train teachers and administrators in character education or peace education.
Peace Education
UPF organizes seminars and conferences that present core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
Interfaith Programs
UPF organizes programs that help build understanding, respect and cooperation among people of different faiths.
Peace and Security
Consultations take place among scholars, diplomats, government officials, civil society representatives and religious leaders.
Middle East Peace Programs
The Middle East Peace Initiative has been promoting peace since 2003 through dialogue, people-to-people diplomacy, fact-finding trips, interfaith pilgrimages and conferences. It brings religious leaders, parliamentarians, academicians, women leaders, youth and civil society representatives together in Israel, Palestinian Territories and Jordan. Forums explore Track II approaches to the crisis in Syria. Read UPF's Statement about Middle East Peace.
UPF's Jerusalem Office for Interfaith and Cooperation among Religions and Office for Peace and Security Affairs convene forums of academics, political and religious leaders, and peace advocates. UPF-Israel organizes culture of peace tours and leadership seminars for international youth. For information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Northeast Asia Peace Initiative
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- See Below for NEAPI Events and other NEAPI Centric Reports
South Asia Peace Initiative
In various nations of South Asia, UPF is promoting peace and cooperation through leadership consultations and grassroots activities. Bringing youth from diverse backgrounds together to build bridges of understanding respect and serve a local community are the focus of programs in Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In Nepal, programs focus on reconciling political divisions, addressing conflicts, and cultivating the spirit of one family under God. In India, leadership consultations promote interreligious cooperation and encourage good governance. In Bangladesh, promoting interreligious dialogue and strengthening marriage and family are ongoing programs. Scroll down for reports.
South Caucasus Peace Initiative
The situation in the South Caucasus, especially after the war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, threatens international security and causes suffering. UPF's South Caucasus Peace Initiative addresses ideological, interreligious and humanitarian challenges in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Scroll down for reports.
Goals: Build understanding among the diverse groups in the region, promote collaboration among governmental and non-governmental (including faith-based) organizations and the private sector
Methods: Consultations, people-to-people diplomacy through service, sports, and cultural exchanges
Balkans Peace Initiative
When the former communist nation of Yugoslavia broke up in the early 1990s, few could have envisioned the scope of ethnic and religious conflict that would visit the region with such ferocity. Two decades later, there is general stability in the region; yet, tensions among some nations and ethnic groups remain high. Scroll down for reports.
Goal: Resolve historical conflicts among peoples and nations in the Balkans region, with particular focus on Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia.
Method: Consultations among political, social, and religious leaders in the region as well as from the wider European community to consider paths to peace in the Balkans.
Baltic Dialogue Initiative
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania consider their history under the Soviet Union between World War II and 1991 as a time of occupation. Yet their common history with Russia goes back centuries, and their economic future is inevitably linked with their powerful neighbor to the East. With important Russian-speaking communities in their midst, the Baltic nations are faced with the challenge of keeping their own identity while maintaining positive relations with their neighbors. At the same time, since they are integrated into the European Union, they can play a mediating role between Russia and Europe. Scroll down for reports.
Goal: Overcome historical tensions between Russia and the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Methods: Forums, cultural exchanges, and service-learning programs
Tokyo Forum
UPF-Japan invites distinguished people to address forums for Tokyo's diplomatic community and the larger public on national and international security issues. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Washington DC Peace & Security Forum
The Washington DC Office of Peace and Security Affairs focuses on volatile areas of tension and conflict. Its forums bring together government officials, academics, diplomats, civil society representatives, and journalists to explores way in which stable and sustainable security can be established and lasting peace eventually achieved. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Deputy Director.
Jerusalem Peace & Security Forum
UPF's Jerusalem Office of Peace and Security Affairs organizes forums that explore ways in which stable and sustainable peace and security in the region can be established. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director.
Marriage and Family
UPF organizes seminars and conferences related to strengthening marriage and family.
Empowerment of Women
UPF supports UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for increasing involvement of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction. Furthermore, the majority of the poor people of the world are women and children, and global poverty cannot be solved without the empowerment of women and the leadership of women. Scroll down for reports.
Goal: Help women cultivate and contribute their unique resources in promoting peace in their families, communities, nations, and world
Methods: Forums, educational and cultural programs, and community outreach
World Peace Blessing
Building a culture of peace is the most effective way to prevent conflict, violence, and poverty, and a family culture of heart is the wellspring of a culture of peace. UPF promotes this through World Peace Blessings. Scroll down for reports.
Goal: Promote healthy marriage and family relationships grounded in true and selfless love, mutual respect, interdependence and “living for the sake of others.”
Method: In World Peace Blessing ceremonies, newlyweds and couples renewing their vows make a sacred promise as husband and wife to love each other faithfully, live together in peace, and raise up their children and grandchildren to uphold purity and fidelity. A special contribution to world peace is made by couples who bridge the divides of race and religion.
United Nations Relations
As an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the Universal Peace Federation promotes interfaith understanding, sustainable development, strengthening of marriage and family, mediation of conflict, the empowerment of women and the revitalization of the UN. UPF supports the goals of the UN with programs on occasions such as:
- World Interfaith Harmony Week (first week of February)
- International Women's Day (March 8)
- International Day of Families (May 15)
- Global Day of Parents (June 1)
- International Day of Peace (September 21)
Millennium Development Goals
The UN General Assembly adopted eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000 to be achieved by 2015. Progress to date has saved lives, ensured that children attend school, reduced maternal deaths, expanded opportunities for women, increased access to clean water, and freed many people from disease.
UN International Day of Peace
Each year on September 21, the UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities and commemorate the International Day of Peace through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. In the quest for peace, UPF and its Ambassadors for Peace around the world organize commemorations of the International Day of Peace each year.
United Nations International Day of Peace 2019
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as
"Climate Action for Peace."
United Nations International Day of Peace 2018
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as
"The Right to Peace - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70."
United Nations International Day of Peace 2017
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as
"Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All."
United Nations International Day of Peace 2015
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as
"Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All."
UN International Day of Peace 2014
The theme for 2014 was "The Right of Peoples to Peace," marking the 30th anniversary of the UN General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace. See UPF's Statement on the International Day of Peace 2014. For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances click here.
UN International Day of Peace 2013
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as "Education for Peace." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
"It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
UN International Day of Peace 2012
The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Peace 2011
The theme chosen by the UN for 2011 was "Peace and Democracy: Make Your Voice Heard." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Peace 2010
The International Day of Peace 2010 focused on youth and development, under the slogan: "Peace = Future." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on youth everywhere to "Expand on your work to build peace. Share your plans and ideas, with creativity and passion. The world's concerns will soon be in your hands." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Peace 2009
UN International Day of Peace 2008
The UN's theme for the International Day of Peace in 2008 was "Human Rights and Peacekeeping." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
World Interfaith Harmony Week
This age of globalization needs enlightened people in each faith who can examine their sacred writings and traditions and identify the aspects that can benefit all humanity as well as those that preserve each religion's identity. The UN designated the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week with the motto of "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor" / "Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor." UPF calls on people of faith to honor the Divine indwelling in a way that encourages understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of all faiths for the well-being of our communities and peace in the world.
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2014
For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2013
For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2012
A World Interfaith Harmony Week observance took place February 7, 2012 in the UN General Assembly Hall on the theme "Common Ground for the Common Good." The President of the 66th Session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, said in announcing the event: "In our conflict-ridden world, I believe it is important to recognize the historical good done by people of all faiths in many of the areas of the work of the United Nations as well as the current successful partnerships in various parts of the world between UN agencies and religious groups particularly in meeting the humanitarian needs of disaster-stricken people." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
World Interfaith Harmony Week 2011
The first week of February every year was designated World Interfaith Harmony Week by an October 20, 2010 resolution of the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of King Abdullah II of Jordan. Its motto is "Love of God and Love of the Neighbor" / "Love of the Good and Love of the Neighbor." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families
The International Day of Families, May 15, is celebrated at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2023
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2022
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2021
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2020
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2019
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love.
UN International Day of Families 2018
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. For 2018, the UN chose the theme "Families and inclusive societies."
UN International Day of Families 2017
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. For 2017, the UN chose the theme "Families, education and well-being."
UN International Day of Families 2016
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. For 2016, the UN chose the theme "Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future."
UN International Day of Families 2015
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. For 2015, the UN chose the theme "Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children's Rights in Contemporary Families."
UN International Day of Families 2014
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. For 2014, the UN chose the theme "Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals" and noted that 2014 is the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families 2013
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. The theme of the 2013 observance was "Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families 2012
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. The theme of the 2012 observance was "Ensuring Work Family Balance." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families 2011
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. The theme of the 2011 observance was "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families 2010
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. The theme of the 2010 observance was "The Impact of Migration on Families." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Day of Families 2009
The UN International Day of Families is celebrated each May at the United Nations headquarters and around the world. The Universal Peace Federation joins in commemorating this day because it considers the family as a microcosm of the global community and because sustainable peace is grounded in the family as the most intimate social unit, the school of love. The theme of the 2009 observance was "Mothers and Families." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN Global Day of Parents
The Global Day of Parents is observed on June 1 every year. The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012 with resolution A/RES/66/292 and honors parents throughout the world. It provides an opportunity to appreciate parents for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. In its resolution, the General Assembly also noted that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.
UN Global Day of Parents 2014
For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN Global Day of Parents 2013
For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.
UN International Women's Day
International Women's Day (March 8) commemorations bring together women leaders to learn from each other about building peace at home, in the community, nationally, and globally.
UN International Women's Day 2018
The theme chosen by the UN for 2018 was "Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives"
UN International Women's Day 2017
The theme chosen by the UN for 2017 was "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030"
UN International Women's Day 2016
The theme chosen by the UN for 2016 was "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality" Read UPF's Statement on International Women's Day.
UN International Women's Day 2015
The theme chosen by the UN for 2015 was "Empowering Women - Empowering Humanity: Picture It!" Read UPF's Statement on International Women's Day.
UN International Women's Day 2014
For a PowerPoint overview of observances, click here.
UN International Women's Day 2013
For a PowerPoint overview of observances, click here.
UN International Women's Day 2012
For a PowerPoint overview of observances, click here.
UN International Women's Day 2011
For a PowerPoint overview of observances, click here.
UN International Women's Day 2010
For a PowerPoint overview of observances, click here.
Youth and Service
Religious Youth Service
UPF chapters organize Religious Youth Service projects that offer service-learning opportunities with a special focus on developing personal leadership and peacemaking skills. Through living together and providing altruistic service in a community, participants demonstrate that it is possible for our global human family to come together in peace for our mutual well being.
Service Programs
To cultivate the spirit of one family under God, UPF offers disaster relief and organizes service projects such as caring for public spaces, supporting access to education, promoting good health, and providing medical supplies.
Youth UPF
UPF offers young people the opportunity to develop their capacity as leaders and peacebuilders and work together for the greater good, alongside people of many nations, cultures and religions. Student clubs and other programs empower youth to create positive change in their communities, nations and world. For information about Youth UPF activities in Europe, click here.
Sports Programs
Athletic competitions and running events bring together people of diverse backgrounds to promote good sportsmanship and build friendship and good will. For suggestions about how to organize a one-day community sports event, click here.
Associations
International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace
The “International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace” has been launched as a worldwide association of parliamentarians which provides a forum to bring their experience and wisdom to bear in the search for solutions to our world’s problems.
Interreligious Association for Peace and Development
The “Interreligious Association for Peace and Development” has been launched as a worldwide association of religious leaders which provides a forum to bring their experience and wisdom to bear in the search for solutions to our world’s problems.
International Media Association for Peace
The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) is an association of media professionals. IMAP is a global network of media who work together for the achievement of a world of lasting and sustainable peace.
International Association of Academicians for Peace
The International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP) represents a new global interdisciplinary academic initiative aimed at contributing to the realization of a world of lasting peace by building a professional network for academicians to foster a world of peace based on the ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values.
International Association for Peace and Economic Development
Business leaders have the opportunity and responsibility to work in collaboration with other sectors of society to make the world a better place, addressing its most significant challenges, and promoting world peace, long-term mutual prosperity and truly sustainable development. The International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED) believes we are all truly connected and that a prosperous, peaceful world must be based upon a moral core of universal values.
International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace
The International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) is a global network of leaders in fields related to the arts and culture, including performing arts, literary arts, fine arts, music, film and dance. Artists are known for their creativity, visionary ideas and capacities to inspire others. Artists bring people together and lead our hearts and minds to reflect on the possibilities for a better world. By bringing together leaders from the arts, IAACP taps into a wellspring of talent that can be utilized in building a world of peace, drawing attention not only to the critical challenges that we face as one human family, but also the opportunities for transformation.
Conferences
UPF conferences convene professionals and stakeholders from a wide range of sectors—government, religion, academia, civil society, the media, the arts, etc.—encouraging interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral dialogue aimed at the search for solutions to the world's critical problems. UPF conferences underscore the importance of spiritual values, ethical principles, teamwork, responsible leadership and good governance.
