Who we are
UPF is founded on the following 5 Principles of Peace:
1 We are one human family created by
God. The way to rise above the pursuit of
self-interest
is to recognize our common humanity, given to us by our Creator. Just as a parent can
intercede in the disputes of children, the parental heart originating from the Creator
can
help us resolve the differences that exist between nations, cultures and religions.
2 The highest qualities of the human
being are spiritual and moral in nature. Human beings
long for truth, beauty and goodness. Life’s deepest meaning and purpose can be found
through
their pursuit. Each person has an eternal spirit that transcends physical life.
Spiritual
principles are to be practiced in this life so that we are prepared for the eternal
world.
3 The family is the “school of love and
peace.” In the family, the most basic personal and
public virtues are learned. Understanding the family as the school of love helps us to
recognize that family is the most essential institution. The foundation for a healthy
family
is a faithful, committed marriage.
4 Living for the sake of others is the
way to reconcile the divided human family. By
practicing living for the sake of others, we become other-centered rather than
self-centered. The essence of good character is true love expressed through unselfish
actions.
5 Peace comes through cooperation
beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion and nationality. Lasting peace cannot be
achieved through political compromise alone, but requires addressing the root causes of
conflict. Transcending racial, religious and ethnic barriers is an imperative of our time.
Faith can give people the power to forgive, and the love to overcome even generations of
hatred, resentment and violence.
Our Associations
A global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to achieving world peace.
Programs and Activities
Interfaith Peace Building
The UPF will carry out interfaith peace initiatives within Africa, applying its methodology of reconciliation and service.
Human Development Programs
With a comprehensive vision of human development that includes the individual, the family, the community, the nation and the world, the Association will promote development with a focus on character education, marriage and family, service projects, education, and poverty alleviation
Leadership and Good Governance Programs
The UPF will carry out a wide range of programs to promote effective, principled leadership and good governance within families, communities and faith-based institutions.
Interfaith Peace Blessing Programs
The UPF will sponsor programs that establish and strengthen marriage and family as the foundation of peace, affirming those who marry across racial, religious, ethnic and national boundaries.
Bering Strait Peace Tunnel and International Peace Highway Project
The UPF will, in partnership with others, support the plan to carry out the construction of a “peace tunnel” under the Bering Strait linking the landmasses of North America and Asia. Additionally, the UPF will support the initiative to build an international peace highway linking the world together. One such highway network will leave the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa and arrive in Santiago, Chile, through the Bering Strait Tunnel. It will also connect East and West Africa.
Sports for Peace Programs
The UPF will promote and sponsor sporting events and competitions that contribute to peace among the different faith traditions. For example, the Play Soccer Make Peace! (PSMP) project seeks to bring together warring factions in communities, between different religious or ethnic groups, etc.
Arts and Cultural Programs
The UPF will promote and sponsor morally sound cultural programs and the arts as instruments of peace.
Media
The UPF will promote programs that bring together media professionals and journalists to explore ways to contribute to peace. The UPF will advocate a responsible and moral media.
Business, Law, Banking, Finance, Trade and Economic Development
The Association will bring together professionals in fields related to business, law, banking, stock-trading, insurance, finance and trade to explore ways to improve human development and world peace.
Conflict-Prevention Missions
The UPF will work proactively with volunteers to form task forces to work in areas where conflict is probable between religions as a result of rising tensions.
Conflict-Resolution Missions
The UPF will train volunteers and task force members to serve in areas of active conflict, applying a wide range of programs and service projects that seek to end violence and conflict among religions.
Peace-Building Missions
The UPF will work with volunteers and task force members to establish and secure the necessary foundations for durable peace in areas where an interreligious conflict has subsided or ceased.
Peace-Keeping Missions
The UPF will support those who work in security and law enforcement for the protection of the family and the community and the nation.
Education
The UPF will provide educational programs for religious leaders and empower them in the ideals of God-centeredness and practices that contribute to peace and freedom
Service Programs
The UPF will carry out and encourage interfaith service projects for peace, applying the principle of living for the sake of others.
