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.
- Written by: UPF - Albania
Tirana, Albania - In the context of the Balkan nations pursuing stability and improved relations with Europe, leaders from ten nations met in Tirana April 28 and 29, 2012, to discuss "The Role and Importance of the Albanian People for Lasting Peace and Security in the Balkans."
- Written by: UPF - Kosovo
Pristina, Kosovo - Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister opened the March 18, 2011 inaugural meeting of the Kosovo Peace Council by expressing appreciation for UPF’s efforts to encourage reconciliation and respect for minorities in Kosovo.
- Written by: Sokol Rexhepi, Secretary General, UPF-Albania
Tirana, Albania - On scenic Ohrid Lake, key Albanian Ambassadors for Peace and their spouses took part in a seminar that deepened their understanding of peace principles and strengthened their vision of building one family under God.
- Written by: UPF - Croatia
Brezovica, Croatia - Nine young people from Bosnia and Croatia attended a five-day peace seminar from June 27 to July 2, modeled on the European Leadership Conference series sponsored by UPF-Europe. For the young people, we created a more diverse program that included mountain climbing, service activities, and sports.
- Written by: UPF - Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Participants in an International Leadership Conference in Sarajevo considered the task of reconciliation and the principles of peacemaking.
- Written by: UPF - Albania
Tirana, Albania - The Global Peace Tour in Albania on March 11-13 brought a message of peace to leaders of Albania and other Balkan nations, building on the dedicated peace efforts by Ambassadors for Peace in the region.
- Written by: Tomiko Duggan
Korça, Albania - A sculpture of 400 origami cranes symbolizing "Mankind as One Family and the World as One Home" was given to the mayor of Korça during the Global Peace Festival in Albania.
- Written by: GPF-Albania
Korça, Albania - Approximately 4,000 people joined a high-spirited peace march through the ancient Albanian city of Korça to mark the Global Peace Festival on October 18. Led by the Korça City Band and hundreds of Ambassadors for Peace, the throng of peace marchers headed for the main celebration in the Sports Hall.
- Written by: UPF - Albania
Tirana, Albania - Approximately 150 distinguished guests and Ambassadors for Peace from Albania and other Balkan nations participated in an International Leadership Conference on October 18 entitled “Toward Leadership and Good Governance for Lasting Peace and Development in Albania and Balkans.”
- Written by: UPF-Albania
Korca, Albania - The main highlight of the Global Peace Festival in Albania will be the Peace March in the city of Korca on October 18.
- Written by: UPF-Albania
Korca, Albania - There is great anticipation of the peace festival to be held October 18 in Korça, which is being organized by many political dignitaries and renowned citizens, as well as dozens of political, educational, and commercial organizations.
- Written by: UPF-Macedonia
Skopje, Macedonia - A seminar on "Education for Peace and Tolerance" took place September 26 and 27 at the First Private University Faculty of Social Studies in Skopje, Macedonia, in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Dimitar Mircev, Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies and an Ambassador for Peace. Professors, student organizations, and members of a Youth Education Forum were invited to participate.