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)
- Written by: UPF - UK
London, UK - The Universal Peace Federation and Women's Federation for World Peace-UK organized a symposium on the Centennial International Women's Day at the House of Lords on March 9.
- Written by: UPF International
Observances of International Women's Day, March 8, 2010, took place in nine nations. The theme chosen by the UN was "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Progress for All."
- Written by: UPF - Israel
Jerusalem, Israel - A new Holistic and Healing Center to serve local women opened on March 9 in conjunction with an International Women's Day celebration.
- Written by: UPF - International
- Written by: Krishna Adhikari, UPF-Sikkim, India
Gangtok-Sikkim, India - "A Women's Movement for Real Change" was the theme of a March 8 gathering in the capital of Sikkim.
- Written by: Miguel Werner, Secretary General, UPF-Argentina
Buenos Aires and Tucumán, Argentina - International Women's Day celebrations on March 11 included musical and cultural entertainment and recognition of women for outstanding service to their communities.
- Written by: Hiroko Gomez, UPF - Belize
Belize City, Belize - The theme of "A Women's Movement for Real Change" inspired Belize women to seek leadership roles in their community and nation as they gathered on March 9 for a celebration of the International Women's Day.
- Written by: Lilly Tadin, President, Women's Federation for World Peace-Canada
Toronto, Canada - The Women's Federation for World Peace-Canada held its fourth annual International Women's Day celebration in Toronto on March 7. The theme for this year was “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All.”
- Written by: UPF - Russia
Moscow and Novosibirsk, Russia - Representatives of the Universal Peace Federation, Russian branch took part in the traditional International Women’s Day celebration on March 8 at the UN Informational Center in Moscow under the slogan, “Equal rights, equal opportunities mean general progress.” The UPF representatives supported the UN call for NGOs and public organizations to increase their efforts to secure women's rights and opportunities in modern society.
- Written by: UPF - United Kingdom
London, UK - ‘Celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present and future' was the theme of a March 14 celebration of the UN’s International Women’s Day.
- Written by: Mrs. Rita Salaris, Women's Federation for World Peace-The Netherlands
The Hague, Netherlands - A "Bridge of Peace" ceremony on March 6, 2010, brought together women from the diverse cultures and religions of The Netherlands in support of the International Women's Day and to celebrate the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.
- Written by: Brigitte Wada, President, WFWP-France
Paris, France - A celebration of the International Women's Day in Paris featured the release of a new book on women's dignity and presentations on prenatal education and combating human trafficking.
- Written by: UPF International
International Women's Day, March 8, 2009, was commemorated by UPF chapters in Albania, India, UK and USA.
- Written by: UPF - India
New Delhi, India - On International Women’s Day, the Guild for Service and War Widows Association offered interfaith peace prayers at India Gate [a war memorial] in New Delhi on March 8, 2009.
- Written by: Nancy Bulow and Susan Fefferman, UPF-Washington, DC
Washington, DC, USA - "Women as Peacemakers - Building a Culture of Peace" was the vision of the 5th Annual International Women's Day commemoration on Capitol Hill, March 12. The banquet room overflowed with a diverse assembly of women and men, many colorfully garbed in their country's traditional dress, all with the hope of learning about and contributing to the work of global peace building.
- Written by: UPF - Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland - What better advertisement for cultural diversity and community harmony than a Celebration of International Women’s Day in Edinburgh! The Women’s Federation for World Peace and the Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh welcomed guests with a multi-cultural fashion show, Japanese music, African singers, Flamenco dancers, and a display of Highland dancing.
- Written by: Patricia Earle, Women's Federation for World Peace, UK
Birmingham, UK - For years there have been monthly Women's Peace Meetings in Birmingham, the second-largest city in England. An organizer of these gatherings reports on a busy weekend of networking during celebrations of International Women's Day, March 8.
- Written by: UPF - Albania
Tirana, Albania - On Sunday, March 8, the Albanian Women Federation for World Peace held a meeting to commemorate International Women's Day. It took place in the hall of the "Officer's House."
- Written by: Maria Nazarova, president, UPF-Russia
Moscow, Russia—Prominent representatives of NGOs, science, and government attended the inaugural meeting of the UPF Eurasian Peace Council.
- Written by: Hiranthi Gunawardena, UNIC Colombo
The UN Information Centre Colombo issued a statement on its collaboration with UPF to organize the SDG National Tour in Sri Lanka, which took place from December 4-13.
- Written by: UPF-International
New York, USA—Over 100 faith leaders and representatives of faith-based NGOs, multilateral agencies, and governments gathered at the UN to discuss ways in which they can work together to achieve the SDGs.
- Written by: Mrs. Amy Yang Miyamoto, UPF-UN Office
New York, United States—The Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the UN co-hosted a Japanese Tea Ceremony with UPF-International.
- Written by: Mrs. Amy Yang Miyamoto, UPF-UN Office
New York, United States—South Africa’s permanent representative to the United Nations was the host of a Japanese tea ceremony to which 10 diplomats came.
- Written by: Mrs. Amy Yang Miyamoto, UPF-UN Office
New York, United States— Fourteen diplomats from the United Nations participated in a Japanese tea ceremony at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations.