UPF International: Respect for Diversity and Shared Understanding

On November 16, the United Nations commemorates the International Day for Tolerance, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1996. At a time when mistrust, polarization and targeted misinformation strain relations within and between societies, this observance calls on states, educators, media and civil society to strengthen learning, law and public life in a way that allows people with different convictions and histories to coexist peacefully. It also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular quality education, reduced inequalities and more inclusive public institutions.

On this day, the Universal Peace Federation recalls that its founders, Dr. Hak Ja Han and the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, described diversity in culture, language, and belief as a resource for shared progress. They explained tolerance as respectful engagement with human differences, recognizing their worth rather than fearing them. UPF founders taught that God intended human culture to unfold in diversity, with differences creating contrasts and relationships that reveal beauty and goodness.

This emphasis on diversity, expressed in messages from interreligious dialogues of the 1980s, informs guidance on creation’s purpose and human civilization’s development. They taught that caring for individuals’ inner and outer dimensions is essential for social progress, beginning when people see one another as members of one human family under God. This conviction underlies UPF principles emphasizing the family’s role, a life oriented toward others’ wellbeing and leaders’ responsibility to build frameworks for inter-traditional meetings; it resonates with the UN message that communities flourish by accepting a common destiny and acting in solidarity.

Across the world, UPF chapters and partners have implemented programs highlighting tolerance and respect for diversity. In Asia, UPF-Nepal commemorated the UN International Day for Tolerance with an Ambassadors for Peace seminar in Kathmandu on November 4, 2022, drawing about 100 participants from various sectors. In Africa, a special convocation in Abuja, Nigeria marked the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 23, 2014, bringing together diplomats, educators and civil society leaders at the Yar’adua International Conference Center to celebrate harmonious coexistence. In Europe, UPF-Norway hosted a “Nordic Seminar” in Oslo on November 12, 2022 - uniting participants of 15 nationalities under the theme “Principles of Peace” - to observe the International Day for Tolerance and promote greater intercultural understanding.

In the Americas, UPF’s Interreligious Association for Peace and Development held a regional webinar on December 10, 2022, emphasizing the need to uphold freedom of belief and “strongly oppose all forms of intolerance,” while urging communities to “embrace the diversity” of backgrounds as a foundation for peace. In Oceania, UPF-Oceania organized a “Peace Road and Multicultural Peace Festival” in Sydney, Australia on September 28, 2025, which celebrated cultural diversity and unity - featuring a peace walkathon and vibrant performances by Vietnamese, Nepalese, Russian, Filipino, Mongolian, Chinese, and Korean community groups, all embodying the spirit of “unity in diversity.” Each of these initiatives shows how UPF-affiliated programs foster tolerance and mutual respect across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines, in every corner of the globe.

These efforts align with UN programs promoting respect and understanding, including UNESCO’s Global Citizenship Education, the UN Alliance of Civilizations’ intercultural dialogue, the UN Plan of Action to Combat Hate Speech, and SDGs 4.7 and 16 under the 2030 Agenda.

On this International Day for Tolerance, UPF calls its Ambassadors for Peace, officials, educators, media professionals, and youth leaders to deepen cultural learning, protect spaces for honest dialogue, and anchor policies in coexistence. In pursuing the 2030 Agenda, this commitment transforms differences into a foundation for security and stability.

UN INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE OBSERVED IN NEPAL Friday, November 04, 2022

Written by: Mr. Bi nod Dangi, secretary general of UPF-Nepal

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UNIVERSAL O’9anlzed by: PEACE FEDERATION November 04, 2022 NEPAL Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu ~””,u”_~ C’u,Ii < 1

Kathmandu, Nepal-UPF-Nepal commemorated the UN International Day for Tolerance with an Ambassadors for Peace sem inar, held on November 4, 2022 at Hotel Yak and Yeti in Kathmandu. The program was attended by 102 people, including five members of parliament, fou r generals, nine professors, medical doctors and Ambassadors for Peace. UPF-Asia lecturer, Mr. Richel I Jalipa, served as the emcee.

The event began with an invocation offered by Buddhist leader Ven. Hueiguang, chief incumbent of Bodhisattva Vi hara in Budhanilkantha, wit h his team.

The opening remarks were given by Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, a former minister of the government of Nepal and cha irman of UPF and the Internationa l Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (JAPP) in the Asia-Pacific. He point ed out that development is possible only if there is peace and emphasized the need to develop religious tolerance and harmony in society.

A presentation about UPF given by Mr. Santosh Kumar Paudel, deputy su b-regional director of the Family Federat ion for Wor ld Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Asia-Pacific 1, highlighted its activities worldwide and the founder’s vision for peace.

Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, chairman of UPF International, gave the special greetings virtually.

The Ambassador for Peace award ceremony followed, with Prof. Dr. Hridaya Ratna Bajracharya, vice-chancellor of Lum bini Buddhist University; a Buddhist leader; and a professor receiving awards.

Congratulatory remarks were given by Mr. Demian Dunkley, regional president of FFWPU Asia-Pacific 1. He stated that peace and a habit of tolerance starts within the family. Just as the husband tolerates his wife, the wife tolerates her husband; similarly, parents tolerate their children and vice versa.

A congratu latory song was sung by Mr. Ananda Karki, a Nepalese singer.

Then, newly-appointed Ambassador for Peace Dr. Baj racharya gave remarks on behalf of all the Ambassador for Peace awardees.

The chief guest remarks were given by Hon. Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal. He said that forgiveness is a big factor for peace. “If the existence and rights of others can be respected in the society, conflict will be minimized, so forgiveness is great.”

He went on to say t hat no religion accepts violence, nevertheless wars and violence are happening all over the world in the name of religion-and that the world wants peace.

Mentioning that Nepal is the birth place of Buddha, Hon. Timilsina said that every peace-loving citizen of the world shou ld be inspired to visit the country. He praised UPF for the work it is doing locally and internationally.

The closing remarks were given by Prof. Narayan Sharma Gaju rel, vice chairman of UPF-Nepal. He said that UPF is promoting a world of peace through fami ly values education and uniting people from different sectors across the world.

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