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: Graeme Carmichael, UPF International
New York, New York - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon kicked off the 2008 celebration of the International Day of Peace with a traditional peace bell ringing ceremony on Sept. 23, 2008.
- Written by: UPF - USA
Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA - Thirty activists and faith leaders gathered for prayers, readings, and fellowship.
- Written by: UPF - USA
Denver, Colorado, USA - Leaders from the local United Nations Association and diverse faith traditions offered prayers for peace.
- Written by: UPF - USA
Chicago, Illinois, USA - The Jericho Walk on the south side of Chicago was a testament to the passion and commitment of its participants.
- Written by: UPF - USA
Madison, Wisconsin, USA - The bright autumn day was a perfect setting for the International Day of Peace Rally at the state capitol.
- Written by: UPF - Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic - A celebration took place with the theme, "When we change, the world changes."
- Written by: UPF - Jordan
Amman, Jordan - A football tournament brought together youth from diverse communities.
- Written by: Delia Javanasundara, UPF-Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand - The International Day of Peace was celebrated at a conference with participants from 18 countries.
- Written by: UPF - Nepal
Kathmandu & Pokhara, Nepal - The International Day of Peace was celebrated with clean-up programs in two cities.
- Written by: Cesar Regalado, UPF - Dominican Republic
Higuey, Dominican Republic - A thousand people celebrated the International Day of Peace at the National University.
- Written by: UPF - Honduras
Tegucigalpa, Honduras - Leaders from all aspects of society celebrated peace together.
- Written by: UPF - Norway
Oslo, Norway - Speeches and cultural performances marked the International Day of Peace celebration.
- Written by: UPF - Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia - Repairs were made to the road to the Baralaston Park School on Sept. 21, 2008, prior to a celebration of the International Day of Peace at the 15 Acres Church in Lusaka.
- Written by: UPF - Guyana
Georgetown, Guyana - UPF-Guyana co-sponsored a peace walk, rally, and prayers of different religions.
- Written by: Dena Parfait, UPF - Mali
Bamako, Mali - International Day of Peace celebrations began with tree planting and cleaning hospital grounds and culminated with a peace march.
- Written by: Patrick Jouan, UPF-Monaco
Monaco - A hundred people met to enjoy classical music and listen to leaders of different religions discuss peace.
- Written by: UPF - Chad
N’djamena, Chad - Ambassadors for Peace planted trees, participated in lectures and discussions, and organized a women's football match in the national stadium in commemoration of the International Day of Peace.
- Written by: Vitaly Maksimov, UPF - Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia - Orphans and displaced Abkhazia children participated in arts, games, contests, and sports during a day dedicated to peace.
- Written by: Kaori Phillips, UPF - Israel
Jerusalem & Haifa, Israel - Enthusiastic volunteers brought a public garden back to life for the sake of the people living nearby.
- Written by: UPF - Japan
Nagoya & Arakawa, Japan - A prayer meeting was held, and youth volunteers mowed and picked up trash along a river.
- Written by: UPF - Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador - Diplomats and educators, civic, and NGO leaders attended a celebration at the National Congress.
- Written by: UPF - Brazil
São Paulo, Brazil - Representatives of many sectors of society came together to call for peace.
- Written by: UPF - Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - About a hundred university students attended an International Day of Peace celebration.
- Written by: Trevor Jones, Executive Director, UPF-Peru
Lima, Peru - People from all walks of life came to share their hopes and aspirations for peace on the International Day of Peace.