The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) - UK Annual Peace Council 2022 was held on December 10th, the United Nations Day of Human Rights. Thus it featured activities on 'Religious Freedom' and the 'Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls'. The Peace Council also emphasised the activities of UPF UK with presentations on the Youth Service Projects, Young Achiever's Awards ceremony and the Character Education programme in Nigeria. There was an appeal for funds for these activities in 2023 led by former Trustee, Sheikh Dr. Hojjat Ramzy. The day raised £1750 for these activities with more pledged by members of the audience.
We were inspired by three songs from Tally Koren, including her most recent release, 'Its Who You Are'. Tally Koren has held many concerts at UPF events including one featuring musicians from across the Middle East showing how culture can transcend political boundaries.
Several branches of UPF within the UK spoke of their activities and we heard from some of the UPF Associations within the UK. It was a day that drew the strands of UPF-UK activities together at the end of the year while explaining plans for the future.
Links for videos of the programme:
Livestream record on Youtube: https://youtu.be/xa0AjWfWlIA
Livestream on Facebook: https://fb.watch/ho2kPriLcw/
Photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/universalpeacefederation.uk
Religious Freedom Session December 10th Human Rights Day
Mark Brann: Vice President, UPF Europe and the Middle East: Presentation on Religious Freedom https://fb.watch/ho2zjll1_G/
Keith Best: Chair of UPF – UK Trustees https://youtu.be/9t6tPRyPcUU Photo of Keith Best who spoke on the importance of Religious Freedom commemorating Human Rights Day.
Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Human Rights Day
Ms. Remzije Duli: CEO of KAYAV, Deputy of the Refugee Advisory Forum https://fb.watch/hBGhXZ8zOR/
Mrs Bernie Davies: TEDx Speaker, Author, Diversity & Entrepreneurship Leader https://fb.watch/hozggc25No/
Tally Koren: Peace Activist and Singer-Songwriter
Dr. Mike Balcomb: President of FFWPU – Europe and the Middle East https://youtu.be/NQJ3SvcS6tw
Nigerian Character Education Project Rev. George Ogurie, UPF West Africa Sub Regional President https://youtu.be/SHpRSjDSOLA
Youth Achiever Awards and Activities:
London Youth Service Project STORM https://youtu.be/ARRlZMmG-WI
Birmingham Youth Service Project in Eco Park in Small Heath https://youtu.be/OpA06y4FQuc
Ernst Kamga: UPF-UK Social Media
Ms. Nadyia Hussain: Birmingham Police Commissioners’ Faith Lead for Violence Reduction https://youtu.be/MnW3_GVFSNA
Birmingham / Inter-Religious Association for Peace and Development Speakers
Dr Lakshmi Vyas President, Hindu Council of Europe https://youtu.be/gMMoskODxLc
Oliver Lane: Scotland UPF Coordinator https://fb.watch/hBF_kZ138m/
International Association for Economic Development for Peace – Dr Abdul Basit Syed https://fb.watch/hBG91cntof/
David Fraser-Harris: UPF Middle East Secretary General - Middle East Activities https://fb.watch/hBGcC8qdHg/
South London UPF: Dr Lance Gardner
Bianca Madison-Vuletta: Prof. Madhu Krishnan, President, Academy of Universal Global Peace