Western Europe

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland—Twenty couples, representing different faiths and cultural backgrounds, took part in an International Peace Blessing ceremony.

Düsseldorf, Germany—The individuals who gave the greatest support to Martin Luther were the focus of the UPF-Düsseldorf interreligious prayer circle.

Vienna, Austria—About 100 guests attended a panel discussion on human rights in the Horn of Africa in relation to the recent phenomenon of migration.

Munich, Germany—The creator of 92 Arabic calligraphies inspired by the life of UPF founder Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon gave a presentation about his new book.

Utrecht, the Netherlands—With the Netherlands joining the UN Security Council in 2018, UPF organized a discussion of the nation’s greater role in international affairs and worldwide security issues.

Bonn, Germany—Friends of the Bonn chapter of UPF were invited to a fascinating encounter with the Spanish region of Andalusia.

Linz, Austria—The fourth Interreligious Breakfast of 2017 focused on the theme “You Shall Be a Blessing.”

Essen, Germany—A UPF group visited a special exhibition showing the effect of the Reformation of 500 years ago on the current religious diversity of the Rhine and Ruhr region.

Reichraming, Austria—UPF of Upper Austria, in cooperation with three communities and their mayors, held a Peace Road bicycling tour through the scenic Steyr-Land district.

Berlin, Germany—A UPF discussion of Martin Luther and the Reformation was so interesting that it went on two hours longer than planned.

Stuttgart, Germany—UPF and the Stuttgart House of Religions joined forces to commemorate the 2017 UN International Day of Peace.

Intervention of Dr Walther Lichem at the European Leadership Conference in Pristina, Kosovo, 23-24 September, 2017, entitled "Culture and Peace in the Balkans: the Role of Parliamentarians".

Munich, Germany—The local branch of UPF marked the 2017 International Day of Peace by organizing an interfaith peace prayer meeting.

Düsseldorf, Germany—The 2017 International Day of Peace was commemorated with a discussion of Syria and a proposal for bringing peace there.

Paris, France—The 2017 International Day of Peace was celebrated at an evening program with the theme given by the United Nations: “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”

Almere, Netherlands—Schoolchildren and their parents took part in the 2017 Peace Road, singing, walking a Peace Labyrinth, and writing peace wishes.

Lyon, France—Leaders of local NGOs met at the Espace Culture et Paix (Culture and Peace Space) to celebrate this year’s International Day of Peace.

Geneva, Switzerland—The 2017 Peace Road recalled the visits to Switzerland between 2005 and 2011 of the late UPF founder.

Bonn, Germany—To commemorate the “Year of Luther”—500 years after the Reformation—the Bonn chapter of UPF held a discussion on the legacy of Martin Luther.

Vienna, Austria—The Austrian chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace was inaugurated at the United Nations Office at Vienna.