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Parliamentarians
play a central role in nations throughout the world, representing the
people, respecting the rule of law, and upholding human rights; in effect,
parliamentarians work to build safe, secure, stable and peaceful societies.
The
“International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace” has been launched
as a worldwide association of parliamentarians which provides a forum to
bring their experience and wisdom to bear in the search for solutions to
our world’s problems. Parliamentarians from around the world have offered
their remarks on the importance of their work and the value of increased
cooperation and collaboration in the search for innovative solutions to
some of the critical issues that we face on the local, national, regional
and global levels, from climate change to the rise of extremist ideologies
to humanitarian disasters and conflict.
Interfaith
Peacebuilding
This
age of globalization needs enlightened leaders in each faith who can
examine their sacred writings and traditions and identify the aspects that can
benefit all humanity as well as those that preserve each religion's
identity. UPF calls on people of faith to honor the Divine indwelling in a
way that encourages understanding, respect, and cooperation among people of
all faiths for the well-being of our communities and peace in the world.
Peace and Security
UPF acknowledges the need for
careful and proportionate use of power, including political, economic,
military and civil society power to sustain lasting peace. However, we
strongly emphasize "soft power" solutions as essential to
peacebuilding. A leading exponent of “track two” diplomacy, UPF emphasizes
the role and responsibility of religious and spiritual leaders to transcend
historical self-interest and pursue the ideal of “One family under God.”
Goal: Increase dialogue and understanding
between parties in conflict
Methods:
Consultations among scholars, diplomats, government officials, civil
society representatives, and religious leaders; people-to-people diplomacy
United Nations Relations
UPF
is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic
and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Universal Peace Federation promotes:
- Interfaith understanding
- Sustainable development
- Marriage and family
- Mediation of conflict
- Women's empowerment
- Revitalization of the UN
UPF supports the goals of the UN
with programs on occasions such as:
Marriage and Family
Much of the success and fulfillment
in life depends on creating healthy relationships, yet this is one of the
most challenging tasks. Through the marriage and family movement, many
educational programs and approaches have been developed to give people the
knowledge and skills for creating successful relationships. See UPF's Statement on Families.
Peace Education & Human
Development
UPF's seminars and leadership
conferences focus on the urgent need for new vision and leadership based on
core values and universal principles of peacebuilding.
UPF advocates the incorporation of
character education and peace education in schools. Its Discovering the Real Me
comprehensive character education curriculum consists of easy-to-follow
textbooks and teacher manuals.
Youth and Service
One of UPF's core principles is
living for the sake of others. UPF promotes this through a variety of
experiential-learning activities that cultivate good character, build friendships
among diverse people, mentor young leaders, teach good sportsmanship and
alleviate suffering.
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