Marking the International Day of Peace Through Poetry, Culture and Dialogue

London, UK — The Universal Peace Federation UK (UPF UK), in collaboration with the International Association of Art and Culture for Peace UK (IAACP UK), is hosting Culture of Peace: An Evening of Poetry, Cultural Expression, Documentary and Dialogue for Peace on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at UPF UK Headquarters, 43 Lancaster Gate, London.

Marking the International Day of Peace, the event will bring together poets, writers, cultural leaders, filmmakers, broadcasters and community voices to explore how creativity and cultural expression can contribute to peace, understanding and stronger human connections.

The evening will be chaired by Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair of IAACP UK, and hosted by Rhoslyn Singh, guiding guests through a programme combining poetry, cultural heritage, documentary storytelling, inspirational reflections and dialogue.

Dr Sangita Swechcha, Chair of IAACP UK, said:
“Poetry, culture and storytelling can help us see beyond differences and recognise our shared humanity. This evening is about creating space for understanding, connection and peace.”

The programme will begin with a welcome from Robin Marsh, Secretary General of UPF UK, followed by Eva Chan, Director of UPF UK, who will introduce UPF’s activities and wider peacebuilding work. Guests will also view an introductory documentary highlighting UPF UK’s work and engagement.

Robin Marsh, Secretary General of UPF UK, said:
“Peace grows through dialogue, mutual respect and meaningful human connection. Culture and the arts can play a powerful role in bringing people together.”

The evening’s artistic programme will feature poet and writer Hannah Stanislaus CF FRSA, founder of Lost Souls, presenting Lost Souls: Words That Build Bridges, followed by poet and writer Nirvik Jung Rayamajhi, whose contribution, Poetry Beyond Borders: Voices for Peace and Humanity, will explore poetry as a means of connecting people across cultures and experiences.

Culture and living heritage will be represented by Sushil Prajapati, President of Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, through a presentation entitled Kumari: Living Heritage, Culture and Tradition.
Filmmaker, visual storyteller and creative producer Diyodi Devinda Menon will present Stories That Inspire Understanding, examining the role of visual storytelling in encouraging empathy and connection.

Writer and founder of Plot Potatoes Dr Sara Kapadia will contribute London Writing: Stories That Connect Us, reflecting on how stories can capture diverse experiences and build bridges between communities.

Award-winning speaker, author, self-relationship coach and poet Margaret Aberdeen will deliver the inspirational talk Today I Am Alive: From Adversity to Empowerment, exploring resilience, personal transformation and the power of human connection.

A collective discussion, “What Does a Culture of Peace Mean to Us?”, moderated by Dr Sangita Swechcha, will bring together the evening’s contributors to consider how creativity, heritage, storytelling, resilience and dialogue can strengthen peace and understanding in everyday life.

The programme will also feature a special address from Ian Pelham Turner, international television broadcaster and UPF UK Patron, on The Role of Media and Culture in Promoting Peace and Global Understanding.

The evening will conclude with reflections on “Our Shared Responsibility for Peace”, bringing together the central themes of words, culture, stories, resilience and understanding, followed by media interviews, photographs and informal networking.

The event forms part of efforts to mark the International Day of Peace and encourage dialogue on the role that individuals, communities, culture and creative expression can play in nurturing more peaceful and understanding societies.

To register and find out more, visit the Eventbrite page: