On September 21, the UN International Day of Peace, UPF Iceland organized and hosted, together with representatives of Iceland’s interfaith community, a commemorative event at Hotel Orkin in Reykjavík.
At the suggestion of Mirela Protopapa, our Bahá’í representative, participants were seated in a circle rather than in a traditional classroom arrangement — a change that was warmly welcomed. The program featured not only speeches, but also songs and poems. Children contributed through both singing and dancing, bringing joyful and diverse energy to the gathering.
The master of ceremonies was Mahdya Malik, wife of Monsoor Malik, leader of Iceland’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community, whose presence added a special charm to the event. Her children delighted the audience with their spontaneous, natural comments about their parents and the presentations, giving everyone a glimpse into a hopeful future for Iceland.
Bjarni Randver Sigurvinsson, an interreligious scholar and teacher and spokesman from the National Church, praised the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon for his long-standing commitment to peace, highlighting the Day of Peace as a valuable platform for interreligious dialogue.
Oussama Idriss Mabrouk of the Grand Mosque of Iceland explained that the meaning of Islam encompasses peace, justice, and mercy for human beings of all faiths, and illustrated several expressions of mercy that Muslims are expected to provide to non-Muslims.
Eyglo Jonsdottir, writer and poet, and General Director of Soka Gakkai, recited a poem by Daisaku Ikeda, former president of the Soka Gakkai International, titled “Peace—The Foundation for Lasting Human Happiness.”
Priscilla Zanoria, Philippine Consul, speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, expressed gratitude to UPF and moved the audience with a heartfelt rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Before long, the entire assembly joined in, creating a fitting close to the formal part of the program.
The celebration continued with a Bridge of Peace ceremony, providing strangers with the opportunity to form new friendships. The hall filled with a spirit of warmth and love, which only deepened as the food was shared. It was difficult for many to part ways, as we savored our experience of peace and fellowship.