Peace Needs Parents – UPF UK Observes UN International Day of Peace & 20th Anniversary
UPF UK and FFWPU Commemorate International Day of Peace 2025
On 27 September 2025, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF UK) and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU UK) held a joint commemorative event at the Peace Embassy in Thornton Heath, London, to mark both the UN International Day of Peace and the 20th Anniversary of UPF’s founding. The programme, attended by over 40 enthusiastic participants, highlighted the role of families, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding as foundations for a harmonious world.
Peace Needs Parents – Central Message of the Day
Mr Bogdan Pammer, UK Director of FFWPU, gave the keynote speech, stressing that “Peace Needs Parents.” He reflected that just as parents seek to understand the heart of all their children in order to heal divisions, the same spirit of empathy and reconciliation is needed to resolve conflicts in families, societies, nations, and the wider world.
UPF UK’s Vision for Peacebuilding
As MC, Mrs Annerose Adams introduced the hosting organisations and set the tone for the event. Mr Robin Marsh,
Secretary General of UPF UK, presented a video outlining UPF’s vision of peace and interdependence, inspired by its co-founders, Father Moon and Mother Hak Ja Han. He emphasised the importance of God-centred families as the foundation of sustainable peace and reflected on UPF’s global 100-day campaign leading to the International Day of Peace, which called for dialogue, compassion, and care for the environment. He explained Father and Mother Moon’s emphasis on the need for religious leaders within the United Nations structure and decision making.
Interfaith Peace Blessing Ceremony
A moving highlight of the evening was the Interfaith Peace Blessing, coordinated by Mrs Cecilie Fortune and officiated by Mr and Mrs Adza and Nittaya Mould (FFWPU). The ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of married couples and extended special grace to all participants. Mrs Fortune underlined that “Family is not just a social institution, it is a God institution. To build a family is a divine calling. When families are strong, communities are strong and nations can flourish.”
Exemplary Family Awards were presented to three families during the programme. Each family shared something of their lives and the voluntary work they are doing.
Celebration and Music
The commemoration concluded with a celebratory cake cutting and a heartfelt performance of “Evergreen” by Caroline Fredriksson, adding joy and warmth to an evening dedicated to unity, family values, and interfaith peacebuilding.
This event reflected UPF UK’s continuing commitment to interfaith dialogue, family-strengthening initiatives, and peace education, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the call to build a global culture of peace.
A reflection on the programme was shared by Gobidaas Yogeswaran, whose family received an Exemplary Family Award. He remarked:
“I had a wonderful time at the Universal Peace Federation event on Saturday, which brought together a community of local champions and volunteers. It was a celebration of the unbreakable bonds of commitment—to our communities, and to the lifelong partnership we cherish with our loved ones.”
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
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