Immigrant’s Contribution to the UK

Written by: Robin Marsh

'I am described as the most hated man in England’ said Keith Best, the Chair of Immigration Advisory Service UK (IASUK), referring to a BNP website as an illustration of the controversy and confusion that surrounds the immigration debate. (Press Release link here.) Yasmin Alibhai – Brown commented that the media had surrendered the debate to the anti – immigration lobby. Lord Parekh explored how to frame an effective discussion on immigration (full speech link). Video of Seja Majeed's talk.

Read more …

UPF Bristol Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday

Written by: Tomoko Harris

It has become our tradition to celebrate Gandhi’s birthday every year. The 3^rd year celebration was organized mainly by Dr Krishna, one of our Ambassadors for Peace, sponsored by UPF Bristol. Dr Krishna was very happy to organize the event when we invited him to, as he thoroughly enjoyed organizing Father and Mothers Moon's birthday earlier this year.

Read more …

Pilgrimage – Interfaith Perspectives

Written by: Robin Marsh

What can we learn about pilgrimages that are common to all religions? On September 3rd we heard about jumping queues and ‘culturally determined’ mind sets that are challenged when we join a pilgrimage. Mother Theresa’s conception of a castle with seven rooms in our inner world. The entrance to each room is guarded by those who check whether you have really learned all there is to learn from that room before passing to the next. Read More ...

Lawence Bloom and Murad Qureshi AM ‘Green Economy Initiative’

Written by: Robin Marsh

Lawrence Bloom and Murad Qureshi AM discussed the alternatives facing London as a city and the world as a whole due to climate change. Lawrence Bloom, is the Chair of the United Nations Environment Programme and the former chairman, current Council Member, of the World Economic Forum, Global Agenda Council on Urban Development, Davos. Murad Qureshi AM is the Chair of the Environment Committee of the Greater London Authority’s London Assembly. See the video and Lawrence Bloom's paper, Reclaiming Tomorrow.

There were a number of notable contributions from the audience including Nicky Gavron AM who, as the former Deputy Mayor, was leading the climate change response on behalf of London during the Ken Livingston Mayoral administration. Read More...

Murad Qureshi report on evening.      For photos click here. 

Guided Meditation and Discussion Led by Karen Szulakowska

Written by: Robin Marsh

There was a guided meditation and discussion on ‘Spiritual Leadership’ led by Karen Szulakowska at the UPF peace embassy in London.  It was a profound evening of reflection, healing and inspiration. For more photos please follow this link. A video will be uploaded soon…. Read More...

Mindanao Peace Initiative – UK: Filipino Evening

Written by: Robin Marsh

There was a Filipino evening in London last night at which Gene Alcantara introduced the Mindanao Peace Initiative – UK to the local Filipino community. There were several purposes for the evening:

-  Launching the Mindanao Peace Initiative UK – an initiative that seeks to promote peace in Mindanao, through projects in education, youth service activities, and other initiatives to bring young and old from different communities together in this Philippine area of Christian-Muslim conflict, as well as awareness-raising in the UK. Although focussed on Mindanao, any progress we make will benefit the whole country as well as contribute to world peace.

-  Introducing the Luzviminda Foundation, a new association aiming to connect Filipinos in the UK from all  three main island groupings, and helping where it is needed.  Many of the current Filipino organisations are already focussed on their own provinces, and Luzviminda hopes to supplement their role by not being restricted geographically. See Videos and  Read more...