Tokyo, Japan - "Arts and culture are potent ingredients in conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peace building," emphasized Dr. Akiko Fukushima, a Research Fellow of Aoyama Gakuin University's Joint Research Institute for International Peace and Culture, at the 17th Peace Diplomats Forum organized by UPF-Japan in Tokyo on March 26.

UPF chapters observed the UN International Day of Families with a variety of activities including forums and programs to benefit the public. The theme chosen by the United Nations for this year's May 15 observance was "Advancing social integration and intergenerational solidarity." Read reports from Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire, Estonia, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Russia, and Suriname.

Jerusalem, Israel - Faith leaders from diverse traditions descended on the Holy City of Jerusalem on May 14, 2013 as part of the Middle East Peace Initiative and to honor the tenth anniversary of the “Jerusalem Declaration” for peace. Baptists, Pentecostals, Muslims, and Buddhists – both clergy and some laypersons – flew in from Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Austria, as well as Brazil, Suriname, and from a dozen cities in the United States – all eager to experience first-hand the spiritual treasures of this land, to learn, and to offer their prayers and voices for peace.

Moscow, Russia - An April 16 conference in Moscow on the theme "Towards the Global Day of Parents" addressed issues of effective interaction between state and non-governmental sectors in implementing educational youth projects, promoting family values, and advancing the social status of the family.

Melbourne, Australia - Africa Day 2013 will be celebrated over several days culminating with a gala dinner and performing arts extravaganza on May 25.  The motto is "Celebrating the Cultures and Successes of Africa Australians and the New Africa."

Kathmandu, Nepal - In a unique educational initiative UPF-Nepal partnered with five business colleges, including the first and largest university in Nepal, to conduct a half-day program entitled Leadership Training in the Business World.”The seminar held in Kathmandu at UPF’s Peace Embassy building on May 11 attracted more than 100 students of business and commerce at both the bachelor's and master's level. 

Kiev, Ukraine - The challenges of the 21st century require changes in contemporary education to help young people become competent, creative, and competitive, able to solve problems creatively, and improve their own lives and their country. To address such important issues, a nationwide theoretical and practical conference on “The Essential Competencies of Education in 11 Years of Schooling” was held March 28-29 at Pechersk Gymnasium No. 75 in Kiev.

Vienna, Austria -  UPF-Austria held a panel discussion on April 16 on the current situation in Syria. Sixty people attended, among them quite a few Syrians of different faiths, convictions, and loyalties living in Vienna. If the rebels in Syria come to power, the Christians in the audience said, they fear that previous guarantees of religious freedom would be lost.