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> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border-width: 0px;"><em>Parliamentary polls were also taking place and this could mean a power-sharing deal is necessary.<br /></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border-width: 0px;"><strong>Madagascar has been voting</strong> in round two of a presidential poll, which it is hoped will help one of Africa’s poorest <br />nations emerge from political, economic and social crisis.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border-width: 0px;"><strong>It is the first such ballot</strong> since 2009 when democratically-elected Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a military-backed takeover by incumbent President Andry Rajoelina.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border-width: 0px;"><strong>Claims of fraud on both</strong> sides have not been confirmed by independent monitors and, according to Africa Diaspora in Europe Observer Olivier Combo, the vote unfolded peacefully.
<p><em>The World Day of Migrant and Refugees is celebrated every Dicember 18. We want remember it with the message of Jean Paul II in 2005.</em></p> <p><strong>International Migrants Day</strong>, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2000, invites countries to celebrate this date because: "We owe this to the millions of migrants who, through their courage, vitality and dreams, help make our societies more prosperous, resilient and diverse."</p> <p><strong>We want remeber this occasion</strong> with the message dated 2005 of Jean Paul II.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span></em></span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">«<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><strong>1. The World Day of Migrants and Refugees</strong> is at hand. In the annual Message I usually address to you on this occasion, I would like this time to consider the phenomenon of migration from the perspective of integration.</span></span><strong>Many people</strong> use this word to denote the need for immigrants to be truly incorporated in the host country, but neither the content of this concept nor its practice is easy to define. In this regard I would like to sketch the picture by recalling the recent Instruction Erga migrantes caritas Christi (The love of Christ towards migrants) (cf. nos. 2, 42, 43, 62, 80, 89).</span></span></p>
<p><em>For "Protagonists of Fraternity" Chaira Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement that 7 December celebrated its seventy years old of foundation.Catholic, she was committed in person to building ecclesial communion, to ecumenism, to interreligious dialogue and among people of non-religious convictions.</em></p> <p><strong>Chiara Lubich (1920-2008), foundress of the Focolare Movement</strong> in 1943, is considered one of the most influential spiritual figures of the twentieth century. Catholic, she was committed in person to building ecclesial communion, to ecumenism, to interreligious dialogue and among people of non-religious convictions.</p> <p><strong>Decorated with 15</strong> honorary doctorates, in the most diverse disciplines, and with recognitions from national and international entities, as well as with honorary citizenships from major Italian cities and Buenos Aires, she tirelessly promoted a culture of unity and fraternity among peoples.</p> <p><strong>Historical profile</strong></p> <p><strong>Silvia, the baptismal name given to Chiara</strong>, was born in Trent on 22 January 1920. She was the second of four children, Gino, Liliana and Carla. Her father, Luigi Lubich, a wine-seller, ex-typesetter, anti-fascist and socialist, had once been a close colleague of the once socialist Benito, and later the unyielding political opponent of the fascist Mussolini. Her mother, Luigia, was animated by a strong traditional faith. (...)</p>
<p><em>The former British colony marks the passing of the anti-apartheid leader with a special event organised by an interfaith organisation at the South African High Commission in Colombo. Buddhist, Catholic, Christian and Hindu leaders offer a special prayer for the late president.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Sri Lanka "must nurture</strong> the values of forgiveness and reconciliation" as exemplified and promoted by Nelson Mandela, said Buddhist, Catholic, Christian and Hindu leaders from the Inter-Religious Peace Foundation (IRPF) at a special ceremony held last Wednesday in honour of the late leader and first post-Apartheid president of South Africa.</p> <p><strong>The event was held</strong> at the South African High Commission (Embassy) in Colombo and was Sri Lanka's way to pay tribute to Mandela. Many lay people from different religions also attended the gathering to honour Madiba with a special prayer.
<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><em>Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu meets with Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos in the capital Athens of Greece.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Turkish Foreign Minister has arrived</strong> 13 Dicember in Athens for talks with his Greek counterpart. The main focus of the meeting was the divided island of Cyprus.</p> <p><strong>Hopes were high negotiations</strong> would resume over the future of the island last month but they stuttered over the wording of a joint statement due to be made by the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.</p> <p><strong>“Turkey and Greece have supported</strong> every process towards a peace agreement for Cyprus. We wish for peace in the broader area of the Middle East which is affected by peace in Cyprus,” said Ahmet Davutoglu Turkish Foreign Minister. “It is crucial that any proposed solution must be ratified by the Cypriot people in a referendum. This is the final and essential criterion,” stressed Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos.
<p><em>Milan, Friday 13th December at Associazione Arcobaleno, an occasion to better know<em> this people, affected by Hayan typhoon, </em>collecting aid and making our countries meet.</em></p> <p><strong>Friday 13th December is the day.</strong> In Milan,via Corsico 6, Porta Genova M2, “Associazione Arcobaleno” and the “Youth for a United World – Y4UW” with the Filipino Community propose together an evening of sharing and solidarity <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/551089758308269/?source=1" target="_blank">"Let's Philippines!"</a>. It consists of Filipino dances and music, along with the typical national food. It will also be possible to participate to raffle and give free donations.</p> <p><strong>This is an occasion to be close</strong> to the Filipino people, affected by Hayan typhoon: an opportunity to know better a country that is far and at the same time very close. We will be collecting any help you can give and make our two nations meet.</p>
Dialogue & Interculture
United World Week
More than 170 events across dozens of countries brought United World Week 2026 to life through initiatives, meetings, and concrete actions dedicated to peace, fraternity, and the building of a more united world.
Dialogue & Interculture
Health, Sport & Ecology
Dialogue & Interculture
Active Citizenship & Politics
After thirty years spent in some of the world's most challenging environments, Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, reflects on child protection, hope and the humanity that endures even in the midst of war.
Active Citizenship & Politics
Stefano Zaffino, author of Fraternità e Profezia (Fraternity and Prophecy): The Thought of Igino Giordani in the Wake of the Encyclical Fratelli tutti, reflects on fraternity as a response to the conflicts and divisions of the contemporary world.
Economy & Work
Anna Granata, professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca, reminds us that teaching peace is not an abstract utopia. It is something that happens every day in Italian classrooms among children with diverse stories, languages, and backgrounds.
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