A Day to Remember – UPF UK & WFWP UK Seminar on Principles of Peace
On September 20th, the Birmingham branch of Universal Peace Federation (UPF) UK, and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), hosted a 1-day Principles of Peace seminar. The programme brought together around 135 participants, including more than 30 first-time guests, Ambassadors for Peace, and a broad range of faith leaders representing the Christian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu traditions.
The seminar reflected UPF UK’s mission to build a culture of peace through interfaith dialogue, family values, and community cohesion, embracing people of diverse faiths, cultures, races and ethnicities.
Principles of Peace and One Family under God
We were honoured to welcome Dr David Hanna, former UPF North Region President, as the keynote presenter. Drawing upon sacred scriptures from many faiths, as well as the words of UPF co-founders, Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon and Dr Hak Ja Han, Dr Hanna highlighted the vision of One Family under God as the foundation for peace. His presentations explored the link between strong families, good citizenship, and lasting peace, key themes in UPF’s philosophy and peacebuilding work.
(1) Universal Values as a Foundation for World Peace by Rev. Dr. David Hanna
(2) Root Causes of Conflict by Rev. Dr. David Hanna
(3) Bringing Peace and Reconciliation by Rev. Dr. David Hanna
Interfaith Voices and Practical Applications
The day also featured David Earle’s presentation on “The UPF Touch”, showing how UPF values are applied in practical ways through interfaith cooperation and peace projects. (David Earle video)
We also heard from Imam Pirzada and Jatinder Birdi, who shared insights from their recent participation in UPF’s interfaith delegations to Korea.
Dialogue, Friendship, and Ambassadors for Peace
Small group discussions and informal exchanges over lunch created space for meaningful dialogue, renewal of old friendships, and the building of new ones. The warm, vibrant atmosphere reflected the spirit of UPF UK’s Ambassadors for Peace network, uniting leaders, academics, youth representatives, and faith communities.
Carrying the Spirit of Peace Forward
The seminar concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose: to carry the experience of unity and dialogue back into families, communities, and daily lives. The event embodied UPF UK’s ongoing work of peace education, interfaith cooperation, and the promotion of universal values.
It was truly a day to remember—a reminder of the transformative power of the vision of One Family under God, and of UPF’s mission to build a world of peace through service, dialogue, and partnership.
Dr David and Patricia Earle
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