A New Dawn for Peace:
Universal Peace Federation Inaugurates IAACP Europe & Middle East Chapter
On 20 April 2026, the Europe and Middle East region marked a historic milestone with the official inauguration of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP), which is one of the eight pillars under UPF. This celebratory event, held online and hosted by aspiring young Slovenian filmmaker and MC of the evening Kristian Irgl, brought together a global community—from Nigeria to Korea—to honor the transformative power of creativity in the pursuit of global harmony.
The evening began with a 60-year retrospective of the Arts for Peace movement, tracing its path from the 1960s with The Little Angels, New Hope Singers, Universal Ballet, and New York City Symphony to its current new form as the IAACP. It proved that art is more than aesthetic—it is a vital tool for global diplomacy and human understanding.
The inauguration was met with prestigious support from international guests. Jacques Marion, President of UPF Europe and the Middle East, and Dr. Dieter Schmidt, vice president of the FFWPU Europe and the Middle East celebrated the enduring power of the creative spirit. A heartfelt message from Ambassador of Peace Dr. Jozef Terék, Member of the Public Body of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and Member of the Public Body of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, read by Erzsébet Sturmné Tomka, President of UPF Hungary, further emphasized that art serves as a universal language capable of uniting nations. Eva Pejkofski, Chair of IAACP Europe and the Middle East, shared an inspiring vision for the region, highlighting the growing network of national chapters dedicated to this mission.
The celebration reached a peak with the toast proposed by Eva Pejkofski and the performance of the Halelu Cantata by David Eaton and David D'or, an Israeli singer, composer, and songwriter. Maestro David Eaton, a renowned conductor and composer, further offered his congratulations and profound insights into the moral authority of the arts and their capacity to foster interfaith harmony. The evening was further graced by a message from the celebrated operatic soprano Seiko Lee, who reminded all present that music and all arts possess the unique ability to transcend physical borders and unite hearts.
This inauguration serves as a vibrant call to action, marking the beginning of a new era where the arts stand at the forefront of building a lasting culture of peace across Europe and the Middle East.
Bios of the speakers:
Eva Pejkofski has served as the Chair for the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) in Europe and the Middle East since the beginning of 2026. As a professional violinist, she graduated from the Prague Conservatory and holds a degree from the University of Ostrava, gaining extensive experience through performing as a soloist, in small ensembles, and in orchestras across many countries in Europe and Asia. She has dedicated her life to the belief that art is a universal language that speaks directly from heart to heart. In her work, she bridges a rich musical career with extensive experience in volunteering and peacebuilding initiatives. As a mother of four and an educator, she emphasizes the vital role of arts education in shaping the character of the younger generation and building a stable, peaceful society.
Jacques Marion is the President of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) for Europe and the Middle East, as well as the President of UPF-France. From 1998 to 2006, he was based in Beijing, China, where he served as Vice President of the International Educational Foundation. He then served as Secretary General of the Universal Peace Federation for the Eurasia Region, based in Moscow and the Baltic States, until 2014.
Intervention of Mr. Jacques Marion in the IAACP Inauguration
Dr. Dieter Schmidt is a distinguished leader within the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), an affiliated organisation, currently serving as the vice-president for the EUME region. Over nearly five decades of service, he has held key leadership roles, including President of FFWPU Germany. A medical doctor by profession, Dr. Schmidt earned his degree in Germany before obtaining a Master’s in Oriental Medicine from Kyung Hee University in Korea. Since 2000, he has operated a private clinic and is a recognized expert and instructor in Korean Hand Acupuncture (Sooji Chim). Dr. Schmidt remains dedicated to the unification of Eastern and Western medicine and the building activities within the Family Federation. With his Spanish wife Ana Labarga, they have three daughters. Anna was a member of the New Hope Singers choir.
Intervention of Dr. Dieter Schmidt in the IAACP Inauguration
Dr. József Terék, a UPF Ambassador for Peace, is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors. He is a tárogato (a woodwind instrument commonly used in Hungarian folk music) player, composer, and folk music researcher recognized with the Sino-Phil International Peace Award. Mr. Terék is a Member of the Public Body of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and a Member of the Public Body of the Hungarian Academy of Arts..
Intervention of Dr. József Terék in the IAACP Inauguration
Dr. David Eaton is currently serving as the global coordinator of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace. He has been the music director of the New York City Symphony since 1985 and has conducted numerous concerts with the orchestra at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the United Nations. He has has appeared as a guest conductor with orchestras in Europe, Canada, Asia, Israel, Russia, Central and South America and the United States. In addition to his conducting career, Mr. Eaton has been a prolific composer, arranger and producer with over 900 original compositions, songs and arrangements to his credit. He is also the author of his recently published book, What Music Tells Me: Beauty, Truth and Goodness and Our Cultural Inheritance.
Seiko Lee (née Hatano) is a distinguished Japanese operatic soprano, musician, and peace activist. She is best known for her dedicated efforts to bridge cultural divides through the power of music, which notably includes rare and historic performances in North Korea. Beyond her vocal mastery, she serves as a global ambassador for peace, utilizing her artistry to foster dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-torn regions. Her repertoire seamlessly blends classical Western opera with traditional Asian melodies, reflecting her belief that music is a universal language that can transcend political boundaries.
Watch the video of the IAACP inauguration