UPF International: International Day of Hope Boosts Aspirations for Peace — Tageldin Ibrahim Hamad

On the International Day of Hope, the Universal Peace Federation joins the world community in affirming the profound role of hope in advancing mutual understanding and lasting peace among all peoples. Established by the United Nations, this day underscores the universal aspiration for a future marked by unity, compassion, and shared prosperity.

Hope empowers individuals to seek higher ideals and happiness, even amidst adversity and challenging

circumstances. Every person strives to become a harmonious and fulfilled individual, build a joyful family, and live in balance with the natural world. This resilience and aspiration enable humanity to transcend difficulties and envision a brighter, more peaceful future.

Recognized across all world religions, this shared aspiration calls humanity to embrace our common identity as one family under God. This foundational belief prompted UPF to create the “World Scripture” project, an anthology of sacred texts highlighting common spiritual insights and promoting mutual understanding among diverse faith traditions.

Throughout history, visionary leaders have embodied and carried forward hope, guiding humanity toward brighter futures. Mahatma Gandhi inspired freedom through peaceful resistance and nonviolence, Nelson Mandela fostered equality through forgiveness and reconciliation, and Mother Teresa spread compassion and service among the marginalized. Among such inspirational figures are Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founders of the Universal Peace Federation, whose lifelong dedication to peace and unity continues to profoundly inspire international harmony.

Today, UPF calls upon religious leaders, educators, government officials, and civil society to actively nurture hope through specific actions:

Religious leaders: Foster unity and healing through interfaith dialogue and shared spiritual practices.

Educators and youth leaders: Equip young people with values-based education to cultivate peace, reconciliation, and confidence in their ability to improve the future world.

Governments and policymakers: Develop initiatives addressing poverty, injustice, and conflict, creating environments where aspiration and renewal can take root.

UPF Ambassadors for Peace continue to embody this spirit of renewal by engaging in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and community empowerment worldwide. On this meaningful day, let us collectively renew our dedication to shaping a future rooted in dignity, shared values, and cooperation.

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ii The United Nations is the product of hope. - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

A Universal Need in Uncertain Times

In a world facing growing unrest, widening social divisions, and persistent economic and environmental challenges, the global community continues to seek values that unite rather than divide. Among these, hope stands out as a deeply powerful and universally resonant force. Recognizing this, the United Nations GeneralAssembly has designated 12 July as the International Day of Hope-a day to celebrate and promote hope as a guiding principle for individuals, communities, and nations alike.

This resolution draws upon the enduring values of the yriit~ci t-.Jc1tiC>11? g~c1~t~r and the y11iy~t?c1I Declaration of Human Rights, which call for peace, dignity, tolerance, and shared progress. It builds on earlier UN initiatives-such as the International Dayo f Conscience-by highlighting the essential role hope plays in promoting well-being, mutual respect, social stability, and sustainable development.

The declaration of the International Day of Hope is more than symbolic-it is a global invitation to act. It calls on Member_States, regional and international bodies, civil society, and individuals to cultivate environments where hope can thrive. These efforts may include public education, awareness campaigns, community outreach, acts of kindness, and the promotion of forgiveness and reconciliation. By embracing these values, societies can foster inclusion, empathy, and resilience.

Ultimately, this day is a reminder that even in difficult times, hope remains a transformative force. It can bridge divides, drive progress, and uplift the human spirit. The International Day of Hope invites all of us to pause, reflect, and recommit to a future built not on despair or division, but on shared humanity and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.

Scientific Foundations, Health Impact, and Measurement

Psychologist C. R. Snyder defines hope as a combination of agency and pathways thinking-in other words, the motivation to pursue goals and the perceived ability to find ways to achieve them. Neuroimaging research shows that hope activates reward and motivation centers in the brain, such as the ventral tegmental area, which is also linked to relief from depressive symptoms.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as the ability to manage stress, work productively, and contribute to one’s community. Research consistently shows that higher levels of hope are associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma- related stress.

These psychological benefits are mirrored in physical health: cancer patients with higher hope report better survival rates and stronger adherence to treatment. Hope in early adulthood is associated with healthier long-term outcomes, and sustained hope correlates with fewer emergency room visits and reduced short-term mortality.

Research-Based Impact of Hope on Healt h Outcomes

Healt h System Use ( J. ER Visits) I Longevity (f Lifespan) I Chronic Illness ( t Survival) I Traum a Recovery ( T Resilience) I Mental Health ( J. Depression) I 20 40 60 80 100 Positive Effect (%)

Impact of Hope on Mental and Physical Health

Hope is also measurable. The Adult Hope Scale (AHS), developed by Snyder, is a validated instrument that separately assesses the agency and pathways components of hope. Building on this framework, the United.. N.ations is supporting the development of a Voluntary Hope Index to guide national and global progress tracking.

A Foundation for Sustainable Development

Hope plays a vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs):

• SDG3: Health - Hope improves mental well-being and supports treatment engagement. • SDG4: Education - Hope enhances student motivation and academic outcomes. • SDG.. 8: Economic Inclusion - Hope drives ambition, savings, and entrepreneurship. • SDG13: Climate Action - Hope sustains long-term commitment to environmental efforts.

Development programs that integrate hope-building strategies-such as coaching and mentoring- yield improved results for people living in poverty.

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Hope and Peacebuilding

Hope supports peacebuilding by fostering trust, encouraging dialogue between groups, and empowering young leaders.

How Hope Contributes to Peacebuilding

Hope Contributes to Peacebuilding by:

• initiating the process through the promotion of trust and dialogue, and • fostering greater social cohesion and reconciliation .

Together, these two pillars of community healing create a strong foundation for lasting peace.

Hope and the Common Good

Hope is a powerful force for both personal recovery and collective resilience. It fosters social trust, encourages civic participation, reduces polarization, and strengthens a shared sense of identity. These qualities support inclusion, peace, and sustainable progress-core aspects of the public good and central to SDG ..1.6: Peace, justice, and strong institutions. The International Day of Hope reminds us that hope is not only a personal virtue-it is a collective responsibility.

‘’There is no peace without hope, no development without trust, and no future without belief in one.” - UNESCO Dialogue on Peace and Human Rights

Ways to Observe the Day

1. Education and Awareness: Organize talks, school activities, or public campaigns to promote understanding and inspire hope. 2. Community Engagement: Launch initiatives such as Hope Hubs, mentoring programs, or support groups that foster connection and resilience. 3. Cultural Expression: Host art exhibits, performances, or storytelling events that celebrate shared values and diverse experiences. 4 . Service and Reconciliation : Participate in interfaith gatherings, peace dialogues, or volunteer efforts that build bridges and heal divisions.

Ways to Get Involved

Who How They Can Contribute

Educators Teach lessons that promote resilience, agency, and emotional literacy.

Local Leaders Host community events that promote inclusion, connect ion, and mutual support.

Media Highlight inspiring stories of recovery, cooperation, and positive change.

Health Professionals Integrate hope-centered approaches into care and therapy.

Philanthropies Fund community-based initiatives that build hope and resilience.

Turn Hope into Action

Q Celebrate Hope-Day by turning optimism into meaningful action. Gat her friends, colleagues, or students for a short “Circle of Hope” conversation to discuss local challenges and imagine solutions. Dedicate an hour to service-mentor a young person, clean up a public space, check in on an elderly neighbor, or volunteer for a mental health helpline. Incorporate reflections on hope into lessons, meetings, or faith gatherings to spark ongoing dialogue. Every small gesture-whether a heartfelt conversation, an act of kindness, or a moment spent teaching-helps spread the spirit of hope that this day is meant to inspire in communities everywhere.

Related Observances

• International Day of Peace (21 September) A global day of ceasefire and non-violence that fosters reconciliation and the hope for peaceful coexistence. • International Day of Conscience (5 April) Encourages ethical reflection and compassion-foundations for hope, empathy, and healing social divides. • lnternationalVolunteer Day (5 December) Celebrates selfless acts that uplift communities-demonstrating how collective goodwill sustains hope. • International Day ofHappiness (20 March) Promotes life satisfaction and inclusivity-highlighting that hope flourishes when well-being is prioritized. • World Day of Social Justice (20 February)

Advocates tor equality and dIgn1ty-mtegraI to nurturing hope among marginalized groups. • International Day ofUving Together in Peace (16 May) Urges unity and inter-cultural dialogue-essential pathways to rebuilding hopes across divisions. • World Interfaith Harmony Week (1- 7 February) Promotes understanding among faiths-offering hope through mutual respect and shared values. • International Human Solidarity Day (20 December) Celebrates unity in diversity and shared responsibility-anchoring hope in global cooperation. • lnternationalYearof Peace and Trust (2021) Reinforced global faith in dialogue and trust-cornerstones for rebuilding hope in divided societies.

~- , : UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION <,,..,.,” A Global Network of Peacebuilders

WORLD SCRIPTURE ORDER PAGE Book Store Tuesday, September 20, 201 1

UPF is pleased to announce that copies of World Scripture and the Teachings of Sun Myung Moon, which sold out and had been out of print, are now avai lable for purchase by individuals and institutions on a first come, first served basis.

The first book in the series, World Scripture: An Anthology ofSacred Texts was published in 1991 and has been a steady favorite ever since.

You may place orders for both books below.

The Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon has said that he commissioned the World Scripture series based upon the firm conviction that religions have a key role to play in building a world of lasting peace in the twenty-first century. Indeed, in compiling an aut horitat ive selection of his own teachings, Rev. Moon has insisted on the inclusion of the sacred writings of the world.

For the many people who have come to know and respect Rev. Moon for his interreligious work and his efforts for world peace, these pages offer a doorway into his thought. For those who are al ready well acquainted with his teachings, this book revea ls the rich connections between his thought and the universal heritage of the world’s religions.

WORLD SCRIPTUREAND THE TEACHINGS OF SUN MYUNG MOON[W0RLD SCRIPTURE II)

USA Shipping Worldwide Shipping W ORLD Quantity Quantity SauPTIJRE

T EACHJ GS I1 Book -$46.00 USD v I I1 Book - $72.00 USO v I Add to Cart Add to Cart UN M YU ‘G Moo

WORLD SCRIPTURE ACOMPARATIVEANTHOLOGYOFSACRED TEXTS[W0RLD SCRIPTURE I)

USA Shipping Worldwide Shipping Wi Rill Quantity CRI~ Quantity

A Com;’Qnm,,. I1 Book -$36.00 USO vi I1 Book - $63.00 USD vi An ologg Add to Cart Add to Cart o/SamJTem

For orders over 20, please email us at orders@upf.org for a quote.

US Shipping: Single copies shi pped by priority mail, 3 day delivery. Multiple copies are shipped by media mail, allow 7-10 days.

International Shipping: US international priority mail, 10 day delivery.

Alternative shipping met hods may be avai lable for orders of 100 or more.

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We are an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector dedicated to achieving world peace. UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family.

Universal Peace Federation is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations We support and promote the work of the United Nations and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

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ABOUT WORKS INITIATIVES UPF HIStory f @) D in ••

Rev. Sun Myu ng Moon and his wi fe, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, founded the Universal Peace Federation IUPF) in 2005.

Rev. Moon was born a farmer’s son on January 6, 1920, in what is now North Korea. He began his ministry after World War II and was later imprisoned in a commun ist labor camp for three years before being liberated by UN forces during the Korean War in 1950.

He came to the United States in 1971. On September 3, 2012 (July 18, lunar calendar), he passed away at the age of 92.

Rev. and Mrs. Moon have proposed a revitalized, renewed United Nations. More than 50,000 diplomats, clergy, civic leaders, current and form er heads of state have been appoint ed as Am bassadors f or Peace. Among the program s of UPF are leadership conferences and regional peace initiatives. UPF promotes the UN’s Sustainable Devel opment Goal s and encourages peopl e to w ork for peace through serving t heir communit ies. Rev. and Mrs. Moon’s lifelong goal has been “One Family Under God”.

For highlights of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon’s life, click here. For highlight s of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s life, click here. a. ~ ..,..s Read an excerQt of Rev. Moon’s aut obiography, As a Peace-Loving Global Cit izen. II

_ Read an excerQt of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s autobiography, Mother of Peace. .,u al Learn about The Memorial Ceremony of Rev. Dr. Sun MY.ung Moon and his Leg.2.9.y of One FamilY. Under God.

… Global Citizen

As a Peace Loving Global Citizen, Mother of Peace, an Autobiog@llhY-2Y Sun Mylfilg Moon a Memoir bY. Hak Ja Han Moon

Q Universal Peace Federation Universal Peace Federation is an NGO in General Consultative St atus w it h t he Economic and Social Council of t h e United N ations.

W e suppor t and prom ote t he w o rk o f the United Nations and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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