Honoring the Spirit of Compassion

International Day of Charity — September 5

Established by the UN General Assembly (A/RES/67/105, 2012) to honor Mother Teresa and mobilize compassion through volunteerism and philanthropy.

The International Day of Charity affirms the indispensable role of compassion in addressing poverty and human suffering. By encouraging service and giving, it advances the Sustainable Development Goals—from ending poverty (SDG 1) and improving well-being (SDG 3) to building partnerships (SDG 17). Mother Teresa’s life reminds us that charity is love in action.

UPF’s Perspective

Guided by the vision of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon that humanity is “one family under God”, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) promotes interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values. Living “for the sake of others” fosters reconciliation, resilient communities, and peace.

Humanitarian Action in Practice

• Lebanon: Emergency food boxes for families in conflict-affected Beirut neighborhoods.
• Malaysia: Pandemic relief with food and care packages for underprivileged households.
• Portugal: Drives collecting books, clothes, and toys for children in Mozambique and Angola.
• Seychelles: Environmental cleanups at children’s homes.
• United States: Food drives and mentoring with community and interfaith partners.
• Peru (2023): Peace Road walk uniting over 1,000 participants for charity and unity.
• Russia (2023): Charity marathon supporting cancer patients in Vladivostok.
• Australia: Bread Brigade delivering surplus bakery goods to vulnerable neighbors.
• Youth (RYS & YSP): Service-learning from recycling initiatives to tutoring displaced children.

In Solidarity with the Global Community

UPF honors the lifesaving work of the Red Cross/Red Crescent, UNHCR, and countless faith-based and grassroots volunteers. Whether large-scale operations or quiet acts of neighborly care, the spirit is the same: empathy, service, and solidarity.

Charitable Efforts of UPF-UK

The Universal Peace Federation UK (UPF-UK) actively sponsors, promotes, and supports humanitarian initiatives worldwide, reflecting our mission to advance peace, compassion, and sustainable development. Our current efforts include supporting a nationwide character education programme in Nigeria, training over 4,500 teachers to inspire future generations with values of integrity and good citizenship; in partnership with the Red Cross contributing to rebuilding efforts after floods in Libya; and empowering the next generation through the Young Achiever Awards and youth-led peace projects.

These humanitarian and educational initiatives embody our principle of “living for the sake of others”, demonstrating UPF-UK’s commitment to interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values. By working across nations and communities, we continue to address urgent needs, strengthen resilience, and promote hope. We warmly invite you to join us in these efforts — together, we can create a lasting impact for peace, dignity, and human development.

 

Read More: 

Dr Hak Ja Han - Mother of Peace, A Life Dedicated to Unity, Family, and Global Peacebuilding   

UPF Celebrates 20 Years of Global Peacebuilding 

Universal Peace Federation Declares Spiritual Unity and Religious Freedom 2025 Interfaith Leadership Conference, Republic of Korea 

Honouring a Legacy of Peace - Rev Dr Sun Myung Moon  

Fostering Dialogue and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula

The United Nations at 80: A Partner for Peace and Sustainable Development