Stories from around the globe show how a united world is already in motion. This platform highlights experiences, initiatives, and projects from people and communities working for unity and peace. Explore what’s happening and get inspired.
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The new wave of violence has not stopped Pope Francis from asserting that he wishes to go to the Bangui capital to open the cathedral’s holy door for the experience of fraternity among families</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong></strong><strong>The escalation of </strong>serious <a href="http://www.focolare.org/en/news/2015/10/09/anche-la-repubblica-centro-africana-vedra-la-pace/">political-military uprisings</a> has not changed the programme of Pope Francis. An authentic messenger of peace, he announced in his sermon on All Saints Day that on 29 November he will be visiting that troubled country which has been experiencing one of the many war hotspots of the planet, for more than three years. The International Community seems to have ignored these fratricidal, forgotten wars.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Statement of Focolare president, Maria Voce, on the recent terrorist attacks in France.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong></strong><strong>“In the face of the dramatic events that took place in Paris,</strong> in addition to recent ones in many other areas of the world, we stand in mourning with those whose feelings have been wounded and with those who believe that the unity of the human family is possible.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Dismayed and standing in firm condemnation of such acts against human life</strong>, there arises strongly a question: Have we taken every step and every action possible to build the necessary conditions, including encouraging equality, more solidarity, more communion of goods, that preclude violence and terrorist acts?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>President Magufuli -“Let's work together for peace and unity”</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">“I promise to be faithful to the promises I have made during the electoral campaign but we have to work together. Let’s do whatever it takes to guarantee peace and unity in this nation” - these were the first words of John Magufuli, victor of the elections and the next Tanzanian president, during a speech made public today at Dar es Salam.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Toshiko Tsuhako, from Okinowa, was 12 years old when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by nuclear attacks. The memory of the war continues to impel her to build peace in the world.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong></strong><strong>“On August 22, 1944, I lost my only sister in the Tsushima maru naval disater.”</strong> The passenger ship was sunk by an American submarine. More than 1,400 civilians lost their lives, including 700 children. “Up until the day of her death at the age of 96, my mother continued to say: “The war ate her on me. . .” Mrs Toshiko Tsuhako spoke from the bottom of her heart as she recounted her story to us. Her city, on Okinowa Island, had been the theatre of the only land battle in Japan through the months of April, May and June 1945, leaving 150,000 dead.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The National League for Democracy party wins more than 70% of the votes. The ruling party admits defeat</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The National League for Democracy party, the movement of Aung San Suu Kyi, won the presidential election in Burma defeating the military party in power and gaining "more than 70% of the votes." This was revealed by the opposition spokesman. According to local television, the ruling party, USDP, admited defeat. Celebrations in the streets of the country while San Suu Kyi called for "not provoke the defeated rivals."</p>
<h1 style="text-align: justify;">Can sports contribute to building a more united world?</h1> <h2>Krizevci (Croatia), 2-4 October 2015</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">Dialogue as a resource and essential opportunity to promote a new culture of sports. The seventh convention organised by the Sportmeet network in Krizevci (Croatia, 2-4 October).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Can sports contribute to building a more united world? Could it become a field of action and a tool for unity among individuals and peoples? These were the queries that sparked up the experience of the founders of <a href="http://www.sportmeet.org/" target="_blank">Sportmeet</a>, motivated by the sharing of the common passion for sports.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>"We came here to show that Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians can stand together and move towards a different policy, a policy of a just peace."</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">With a huge media focus on the bloodshed and brutality in the Middle East, hundreds of Israelis and Palestinians have taken part in a peace march through the streets of Jerusalem.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Israeli activist and teacher Uri Weltmann was among those marching.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Before the reporters of various newspapers, Patriarch Bartholomew gave an interview after receiving the h.c. Doctorate in the Culture of Unity awarded by the Sophia University Institute in Loppiano, last 26 Ooctober.</em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>“I am really very happy to be here in the town of Loppiano</strong>. I came for the <em>honoris causa</em> Doctorate awarding ceremony. And at the same time, it is a wonderful coincidence: the 50th year from its founding by Chiara Lubich, whom we remember with veneration. And I, as a friend of the Focolare Movement share the joy of this anniversary. Of course I cannot but feel happy and moved to have received the very first <em>honoris causa</em> Docotrate which Sophia has awarded. I am happy to be the first to receive it!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>An occasion of harmony between the powers, the political parties and the citizens.<br /></em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">From march of 2015 brazilian politicians and citizens of the mppu deeply understood there role in this moment of moral, institutional and economical crisis in brazil.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo, Joao Pessoa, Manaus and Brasilia moments of dialogue were held and the conclusion of this meetings was that the actual moment is of “concertation”, understood as harmony between the powers, the political parties and the citizens.</p>
From Nairobi, at the heart of Africa—a continent of 54 rapidly growing nations, where people under 30 account for about 70% of the population—comes a comprehensive proposal for global engagement. It positions younger generations to lead transformative processes, guided by a humanistic, community-oriented vision grounded in reciprocity and shared responsibility.
Communication & Media
In a context where the media can easily be turned into weapons, peace journalism—rooted in the ideas of Johan Galtung—emerges as an essential practice. It does not overlook conflict; rather, it examines its underlying causes and highlights non-violent responses as a path toward building lasting "positive peace".
The story of the Med25 Bel Espoir’s journey around the Mediterranean between spring and autumn 2025. Among the stories shared is that of Carlos Palma, the founder of Living Peace, and Ikram, an ambassador for peace in Algeria.
Interview with Majdi Abdallah, a youth from Palestine travelling on the school ship of peace, Med25 Bel Espoir. An emotional story based on the dialogue in the Mediterranean, the relations and of hope born aboard.
EN
