Western Europe

Novazzano, Switzerland—Ten teams of schoolchildren took part in the 2017 Peace Cup soccer tournament, which “entertains and socializes [and is] not just a competition.”

Giessen, Germany—Japanese poetry and culture were the topic of discussion at an International Café held at the offices of UPF in the town of Giessen.

Linz, Austria—An interreligious breakfast held by UPF asked the question “What Can Religions Contribute to Solving the Problems of Our Age?”

Düsseldorf, Germany—Near-death experiences were the subject of a presentation given by a theologian and philosopher at a meeting held by UPF.

Linz, Austria—On the occasion of the 300th birthday of Maria Theresa, a lecture explored how the Austrian empress strove to bring career and family together.

Giessen, Germany—At an International Café program organized by UPF, a family from Syria recounted the process of settling into their new country.

Linz, Austria—The Peace Academy of Linz and UPF of Upper Austria hosted three events on the theme: What connects the religions of the world?

Hamburg, Germany—Theologian and former Catholic priest Heinz Krcek was the speaker at a UPF program about the theoretical foundations for peace.

Stuttgart, Germany—Interfaith prayers and a ceremony with light and water were the highlights of the 2017 World Interfaith Harmony Week celebration.

Vienna, Austria— Approximately 200 persons attended a UPF-Austria conference at the United Nations offices to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week 2017.

We, convened at the round-table “Family Values, Family Policies, European Culture: Challenges and Opportunities in Central Europe Today” in Vienna on July 8, 2016, are a group of concerned citizens, educators, experts, opinion-makers and politicians from the “Visegrad Four” and other Central European countries.

Larnaca, Cyprus—UPF convened the conference, “Syria: Opening Lines of Communication and Soft Power Approaches to Peace,” in Cyprus from December 17 to 19, 2016.

Paris, France—“Brotherhood and Religion” was the theme of an interreligious forum held to mark the 2016 International Day of Peace.

Paris, France—“The Role of the Family in Education” was the theme of a forum attended by around 60 Ambassadors for Peace and guests.

Intervention of Dr. Werner Fasslabend, Former Minister of Defence, Austria, in the session on "Peace and Migration: Cross-Regional Perspectives" at the International Leadership Conference in London in September, 2016..

Video of the intervention of Mr. Jacques Marion, Secretary General, UPF Europe.

Following up on the Vienna Round table, 17 politicians, experts, academics and NGO representatives from 5 nations gathered in Budapest on Monday 24, October 2016 for a Round table convened by Hon. Nina Nováková, member of the Czech Parliament and Mr. Jacques Marion, Secretary General of UPF Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I cannot begin this speech without thanking the Universal Peace Federation, Jacques Marion, its general secretary and Mr. Veracx who offer me the honor and pleasure to invite me in such a prestigious place. I wish I was here for a conference on a different topic, but we are all gathered today here to talk about terrorism.

A good starting point are the building blocks of a well-functioning modern society: the implementation of the rule of law, free and fair elections, a multi-party system, a free press, an independent justice, religious freedom, respect of minorities, sustainable economic policies to the benefit of all, good education opportunities, etc.

Politicians with visions should see their medical doctors, I was told. Politicians without visions have the only target to get re-elected and to stay on top of the polls. Predicting what will be the world in which our children will grow up is impossible. Technology is changing so fast, that today we cannot even tell young people what will be theirs jobs in the next decade.