Albania National Peace Council Forges a Vision for the New Year
Prizren, Kosovo - After listening to reports from local peace council meetings throughout Albania, UPF-Albania's National Peace Council elected new new leaders at its Nov. 16 and 17 assembly in Prizren, a historic city in the neighboring Republic of Kosovo.
UK Peace Council Hears Updates on UPF-UK's Peace Initiatives
London, UK - UPF-UK convened its annual Peace Council meeting on Dec. 7 in its Lancaster Gate headquarters to review progress in its peace initiatives during the year. The day included sessions on values, activities promoting peace, humanitarian efforts and a Youth UPF concert to raise funds for a peace project in Jerusalem.
UPF Chapters Hold Forums on Human Rights Day
UPF chapters in Burkina Faso, the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Peru and Russiaorganized forums in honor of Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, 2013; this year's theme was "20 Years: Working for Your Rights."
Retired Military Generals Launch Asian Peace and Unity Corps in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand - Retired chiefs of staff from the armed forces of Thailand, the Philippines, India and Nepal joined 38 active and retired generals from 13 Asian nations to launch the Asian Peace and Unity Corps in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec. 13, 2013.
International Human Solidarity Day Observed in Benin
Cotonou, Benin - Events in Cotonou and Ouidah celebrated UN International Human Solidarity Day, Dec. 21, 2013, in cooperation with government ministers and the UN representative in Benin.
Conference in Angola on Family, Citizen and Values
Luanda, Angola - UPF-Africa Regional Director Dr. Katsumi Otsuka made his first visit to Angola from Nov. 7 to 11, 2013, to participate in a UPF conference and visit Ambassadors for Peace.
‘We Were Born to Shine’: UPF-Argentina Marks International Volunteer Day 2013
Buenos Aires, Argentina - The UN Information Centre of Argentina and Uruguay joined with UPF-Argentina celebrating the UN International Day of Volunteers at the Peace Embassy in Buenos Aires Dec. 5, 2013.
Malaysian Villagers Receive Free Health Screening
Kampung Pos Raya, Malaysia - About 100 people from one of Malaysia’s aboriginal tribes received a free health screening organized by UPF-Malaysia on Nov. 23, 2013, in the Simpang Pulai area of Ipoh, the capital of Perak state.
UPF Chapters Observe UN International Day for Tolerance
UPF chapters in Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia and Russia organized educational programs in a variety of settings related to the UN International Day for Tolerance, Nov. 16.
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
As the news of the passing of Nelson Mandela flashed around the world at cyber speed, tributes began to pour forth from world leaders and statesmen, pontiffs and clergymen, and citizens of every nation. He was a man who put his life on the line for justice in his early years, suffered a third of his life in prison and later forgave his tormentors at his liberation from prison for the good of the people and as a example to heal a broken nation.
Ambassadors for Peace Network Launched in New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand - The first monthly Ambassador for Peace meeting was held Nov. 24 at the UPF headquarters in Parnell. All those who participated would surely agree that this semi-formal UPF meeting was well worth the effort and certainly not one to be missed. The evening was well attended not only by Ambassadors for Peace but also included some newcomers. How wonderful it was to experience the lively and cordial atmosphere despite many of the guests being strangers to each other at the outset!
European Leadership Conference in London Addresses Human Rights
London, UK - "Human Rights: Are Democratic Nations Upholding a Better Standard?" was the theme of a European Leadership Conference Nov. 21-22 in the Houses of Parliament in London. Muslim, Jewish and Christian speakers addressed issues of religious inclusion in Europe, and activists described challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in Europe.
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