“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”  (UNESCO Constitution, 1945)

The Universal Peace Federation is proud to support the United Nations International Day of Peace 2021 dedicated to the theme: “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World.”

According to the United Nations, in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we work to help every person recover better, and continue efforts to transform our world into one that is more just, equitable, inclusive, healthy and sustainable. During the pandemic, the underprivileged and marginalized groups were hit the hardest. While 687 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered globally, over 100 countries have not received a single dose. In particular, people caught in conflict are especially vulnerable to the lack of access to healthcare.

As we move through and beyond the pandemic, our collective efforts to promote a vision of peace on the United Nations’ International Day of Peace are all the more necessary.  Lasting peace is secured not merely through laws, backed by the government, but by a rising awareness of our universal solidarity as one human family, brothers and sisters who share a common spiritual and moral heritage, as one family under God. With increasing spiritual awareness, there emerges a great collective will to ensure the well-being of all people.

Political, economic and social reforms must be undergirded by substantial educational programs aimed at character education and conflict resolution.  In addition we must support and strengthen the family. The family is the primary school of ethics, and should serve as the school where we learn to love, respect and serve others. By strengthening marriage and family, we can educate our children to respect all people, thereby establishing a culture of peace.

By fostering a culture of peace and service, guided by an ethics of living for the sake of others, we contribute to the building of a world of lasting peace. Men and women who are taught to fulfill their moral obligations toward others will respect and live for the greater good of others
Let us work to assure that all people live in a world where their aspirations can be fulfilled.

UPF encourages all chapters and members throughout the world to join with others in celebrating this important day and thereby, contributing to building a world of lasting peace.