Peace School for 1000 Ukrainian youth

On February 13, 2021, the Universal Peace Federation in Ukraine (UPF) in cooperation with the Kyiv Open International University of Human Development "Ukraine" and the Islamic Cultural Center "Alraid" held an international online conference "Interreligious and Cultural Harmony" dedicated to the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week.

During the conference, the cultural features of different religious denominations, the role and importance of religion in modern cultural and civilizational cooperation, spiritual and moral values in the modern world and the education of youth were considered. The conference was attended by ambassadors of peace, scientists, public figures, youth and students from six countries. 

Vice-Rector for International Relations of the University "Ukraine" prof. Anna D. in her welcoming address said: "This conference is a great opportunity for all of us to rethink the important role of religious institutions in creating, preserving and restoring peace, spiritual and moral principles and values, harmonious and peaceful development of modern society." 

Mr. Jack C., President of the Universal Peace Federation of Eastern Europe, told the story about the opening of the Interfaith Association for Peace and Development. He mentioned that he took part in the inauguration of this association in Kyiv in 2018. Mr. Corley noted that the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development calls on representatives of various religions, civic activists, government officials and educators to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation between religions, NGOs, civil society and government.

Sheikh Tariq S. spoke on behalf of the Islamic Cultural Center, emphasizing each other's understanding: "We are afraid of those we do not know, we shun those we are afraid of, and we are in conflict with those we hate."

Culture representatives acquainted the participants of the online conference with their own countries.  Arisa T. spoke about Japan and Shintoism, Wan Jin Y. - about Buddhism and South Korea, Manisha S. and Lilia A. - Youth Ambassador for Peace, spoke about the culture and religion of India, Rahav H. - UPF volunteer, told about the Muslim holidays in Syria. 

Inna Y., Head of the Department of Ukrainian Language and Literature, Foreign Languages and Translation, spoke about the religion and culture of Hong Kong. 

The peace ambassador, Boris A., spoke about religious incidents he had encountered while working at the UN. He called on the participants of the conference to respect people of different cultures and religions and proposed to hold an international conference in 2021: "Peace and harmonious interfaith relations."

The conference ended with sincere wishes of peace and success in further work to promote interreligious understanding and consensus.

September 25, 2020, for the International Day of Peace under the slogan "Shaping peace together!" VII Congress of Young Envoys of Peace "The whole world is for peace!" in an online format through the ZOOM program.

The congress was attended by about 300 participants, including representatives of the international public movement "Children - Ambassadors for Peace," honored guests, Ambassadors for Peace, representatives of international, state, general and educational organizations, institutions, associations, students from 35 educational institutions of Kyiv, educators, teachers, parents and one school from Armenia.

First, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres greeted all participants of the congress with his video address. Welcoming remarks were also made by the Ambassador of Peace, Chairman of the Council of National Communities of Ukraine, Member of the Council of Interethnic Harmony under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, President of the National Congress of Armenians of Ukraine Avanesyan Ashot, and Ambassador of Peace, Public Figure former MP -Bogomolets Olga, Head of Office UPF at the UN Tageldin Hamad.

General Secretary UPF Ukraine Ilin Mykhailo; Director of School 85, Ambassador for Peace Fedunova Tetyana; from the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War Dr. Gainetdinov Dmytry., Hideto Arturo Tomita Gonzalez, the youth ambassador of peace from Spain.

The central part of the congress was a solemn ceremony of awarding 24 activists of school communities with the honorary title of "Junior Ambassador for Peace" and seven activists of university communities with the honorary title of "Youth Ambassador for Peace." In conclusion, the participants adopted the resolution of the VII Congress of Young Ambassadors of Peace, which named the main activities of the movement of young ambassadors of peace for the 2020-2021 academic year.