Leitgedanken zur FÖW

Friedensprojekte

When the former communist nation of Yugoslavia broke up in the early 1990s, few could have envisioned the scope of ethnic and religious conflict that would visit the region with such ferocity. Two decades later, there is general stability in the region; yet, tensions among some nations and ethnic groups remain high.

Baltic Dialogue Initiative

The three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania consider their history under the Soviet Union between World War II and 1991 as a time of occupation. Yet their common history with Russia goes back centuries, and their economic future is inevitably linked with their powerful neighbor to the East. With important Russian-speaking communities in their midst, the Baltic nations are faced with the challenge of keeping their own identity while maintaining positive relations with their neighbors. At the same time, since they are integrated into the European Union, they can play a mediating role between Russia and Europe. [Read more.]

Northeast Asia Peace Initiative

On the Korean Peninsula following World War II, people with a common history, culture, and language were divided by the Cold War struggle between superpowers. UPF conferences and forums bring together leading diplomats and scholars to offer insights into prospects for improved relations among the countries of the region. Political, military, economic, and civil-society factors are considered. Civil-society initiatives include tourism, humanitarian projects, and various forms of personal engagement.

Goal: Peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula

Methods: Consultations and civil-society initiatives that build personal connections

South Asia Peace Initiative

In various nations of South Asia, UPF is promoting peace and cooperation through leadership consultations and grassroots activities. Nepal: here. Afghanistan: here. Bangladesh: here. India: here. Pakistan: here. Sri Lanka: here.

South Caucasus Peace Initiative

The situation in the South Caucasus, especially after the war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, threatens international security and causes suffering. UPF's South Caucasus Peace Initiative addresses three types of regional challenges:

· ideological, reflected in the Georgia/Russia struggle which is, in a way, about different concepts of democracy

· interreligious, reflected in relations between Muslim Azerbaijan and neighboring Christian Armenia

· humanitarian, reflected in the widespread social problems created by years of conflict

For more background, click here. Read about programs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; see also UPF-Russia's grassroots initiative: "Urals - Georgia: We'll Be Friends."