The murder of a soldier in Woolwich was a tragic event last night. His family must be really suffering. It is also sad to see small extremist groups backlash against the Muslim Community. Now is the time for all communities in UK to value and appreciate the genuine Islamic contribution to UK. The Muslim community should be supported and appreciated as a vital part of the UK. It is through the democratic process, that the role of the UK soldiers who represent us all, is decided. Our strength and harmony is through the inclusion of all communities in the social and political fabric of the nation. That is a daily responsibility for all of us that now has added importance. The Universal Peace Federation, with many other groups, promotes interfaith activity to facilitate mutual understanding and enhance this fabric.

Jerusalem, Israel - Israeli rabbis, civic leaders, and leaders of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Druze communities gave high praise to the Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) efforts at a banquet in Jerusalem on May 17, 2013.

Former Knesset Member Ran Cohen told the gathering, “I am very surprised to see all of you here in Jerusalem. It has very special significance for me. Compared to all of the government’s efforts to bring peace, UPF is making more progress than any government agency. Our conflict is not only between nations, not only between religions. The only way to make peace in this age is through UPF. It means coming to Jerusalem with peace in our hearts, peace in our minds,” Cohen said.

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See also reports of events on May 15 and 16.

The annual commemoration of the United Nations International Family Day was held in Universal Peace Federation - UK Headquarters on Thursday May 16th focussing on the theme presented by the UN Secretary General Hon. Ban Ki-Moon, "Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity". (Photo Link)

Mr Ahmed Shebani, Co Founder of the Libya Democratic Party quoted Mother Teresa, “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”  Mother Teresa, A Simple Path. (Photo Left of Dr Suman Datta Addressing Meeting.)        

Around the world similar programmes were held by UPF Chapters. More information and presentation materials are available from the International UPF website through this link.

Families hold societies together, and intergenerational relationships extend this legacy over time.  This year’s International Day of Families is an occasion to celebrate connections among all members of the constellation that makes up a family.  It is also an opportunity to reflect on how they are affected by social and economic trends – and what we can do to strengthen families in response.

June 4^th UN Africa day  -  House of Lords Committee Room 3: Kindly Hosted by Baroness Howells

June 8^th Seminar of Marriage and Family concluding with Marriage Blessing Ceremony and The Closing Banquet of the Nigerian Delegation visit.

Report by Christa Kamga from Minutes by Keldon Alleyne:

"It's true Jesus didn't use twitter but that doesn't mean we shouldn't", said Daniella Duvall, the christian contributor. The event started with Mathew (Main YIC Coordinator) speaking on the vision of UPF and its main goal, the idea of reforming the UN & include an upper chamber, a platform where voices from world level respected faiths leaders can comment on world affairs. A voice of conscience. A moral, religious platform where a variety of faith traditions with their sources of wisdom can take part in policy making. The goal of UPF is to allow those voices-and wisdom to affect policy. During the programme a presentation by Ilaria Esposito who is on the Advisory Council for Youth on the Council of Europe, focussed on the 'No Hate-Speech Online Movement'.

On the occasion of and in support of the 57^th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and International Women's Day 2013, on the theme: “Elimination and Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls,” Universal Peace Federation offers the following affirmations:

First, human conflict and violence have their roots in the breakdown of human relationships, and the human failure to live up to our highest ideals and aspirations. Violence is a symptom of a moral and spiritual failure. If we are to eliminate violent conflict, we must commit ourselves to a moral and spiritual awakening.