Universal Peace Federation Briefing on World Summit 2025 by former Ambassador Shukria Barakzai

Описание: Universal Peace Federation Briefing on World Summit 2025 by former Afghan Ambassador to Norway and former Minister of Women, Ms. Shukria Barakzai.

UPF World Summit 2025 Highlights

The meeting began with a brief video showcasing the highlights of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) World Summit 2025. UPF President for Europe and the Middle East, Jacques Marion, and Secretary General for Europe and the Middle East, David Fraser Harris, were the main speakers along with Ms. Shukria Baraksai, a former Afghan ambassador to Norway and a former minister for women, who spoke of her experience at the Summit.



Jacques Marion, President of UPF Europe and the Middle East

Sunhak Peace Prize and Inter-Parliamentary Conference

Speaking online from Paris, Jacques Marion, focussed mainly on two points of the UPF World Summit 2025: the Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony and the Inter-parliamentary Speakers Conference. The Sunhak Peace Prize honored three laureates for their contributions to African education, ecological restoration, and poverty eradication. Jacques mentioned that the Sunak Peace Prize, which was dedicated to the future leaders of Africa this time, but has an overriding theme of promoting global leaders for the future.

The Inter-parliamentary Speakers Conference saw the founding of a new organization with 40 speakers of parliaments from around the world signing as founding members. The event also included the General Assembly of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, where various political leaders spoke and signed a peace declaration.

Interfaith Peace Palace and Cheon Il Sanctum

Jacques discussed the significance of the Peace Palace and the Cheon il sanctum, an interfaith sanctuary built over many years. He highlighted the ceremony held there, which was attended by tens of thousands of people from around the world, including former heads of state, speakers of parliament, and religious leaders. The ceremony also represented a transition of leadership to future generations. He emphasized the importance of finding young people to take over leadership roles in the future.

Shukria Barakzai - UPF Summit Focuses on Peace and Gender

Speaking from the Lancaster Gate UPF UK HQ, Shukria Barakzai reflected on her experience at a recent summit organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF). They highlight the event's focus on peace, environment, and creativity, praising the diverse participation of faith leaders, parliamentarians, and women. The summit included sessions on women and peace, which emphasized the importance of women's engagement in various societal layers. The speaker also notes the challenges still faced in achieving gender equality but commends the commitment shown at the conference to address these issues and promote global peace.



David Fraser Harris - World Summit 2025 Highlights

David Fraser Harris who had only very recently returned from Korea addressed the audience online from Scotland. He discussed the World Summit 2025, highlighting the complexity and academic content of the climate and environment session. He mentioned the Women's session, which celebrated the International Association of 1st Ladies for Peace and the Women's Federation for World Peace. David also discussed the partnership with governmental organizations, the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers, and the religious interfaith session. He mentioned the Asia Pacific Union Forum and the focus on peace on the Korean peninsula.



Asia Pacific Union Forum Discussion

David discussed the Asia Pacific Union forum session, highlighting the optimism of speakers regarding peace in the Korean peninsula. He also mentioned the opening dinner where a rabbi spoke about the importance of belief in something bigger than oneself. The final event was held at the Peace Temple, gathering leaders for peace discussions.


This recent summit brought together leaders from around the world — parliamentarians, faith leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives—to explore solutions to some of today’s most urgent global challenges. The event offered powerful moments of unity, inspiration, and renewed commitment to peacebuilding, sustainable development, and interfaith cooperation.