On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM London time, at a ceremony organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) at a hall in Lancaster Gate, Central London, Balananthini Balasubramaniam, the leader of “Small Drops”, and a human rights activist, was officially recognized as a Peace Ambassador. Better known as Neela Bala, her appointment is in recognition of her unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, intercultural dialogue, and working for principled peace, which is in line with UPF’s mission to build sustainable peace around the world.
Universal Peace Federation:
The Universal Peace Federation (UPF), founded in 2005 by Sun Myung Moon and Hak Ja Han, is a global non-governmental organization dedicated to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and interfaith cooperation. UPF emphasizes that peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it requires justice, moral governance, mutual prosperity, and active service to humanity. Operating in more than 150 countries, UPF implements initiatives at three levels. **Local Engagement**: Educational programs, social reintegration projects, and youth leadership development. **Regional Cooperation**: Cross-border dialogue and initiatives to address social, cultural, and economic barriers. **Representation at the international level:** Consultative participation with the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations through its **general consultative status** with ECOSOC. Its core principles—interdependence, universal values, ethical leadership, and service to the greater good—guide its activities and programs, making the organization a bridge between grassroots communities and global decision-making structures.
Leadership and Sponsors at the London Event:
The London event is the result of the hard work of UPF’s well-organized leadership and influential sponsors. *Secretary General – Robin Marsh – will oversee strategic coordination and organizational management. *Director: Margaret Ali – Past leadership responsibility for program oversight and management. *Incoming Director:** Eva Chan – Preparing to take on leadership responsibilities. **Patron:** Ian Pelham Turner – For strategic direction and support. **Former President of UPF Northern Europe:** Reverend Dr. David Khanna – Recognised for his past leadership and ongoing impact on the organisation. These individuals are shining examples of UPF’s commitment to **principle-based governance, inclusive leadership and effective organisational oversight**, ensuring both strategic coherence and ethical integrity are maintained in the Federation’s global work.
Distinguished Guests:
The event featured several Rotarian guests who contributed to peacebuilding through multi-sectoral collaboration, which reflects the philosophy of UPF. Notable guests included Rotarians Neil Stefanova and Dame Princess Fotini Gudella. Their presence underscored the organization’s commitment to engaging civil society and philanthropic networks to further expand the impact of peace initiatives.
**Peace Promotion Process** UPF adopts a multi-pronged strategy to promote peace and ethical governance: 1. **Diplomatic Engagement**: Bringing together government officials, civic leaders, and interfaith representatives to discuss strategies for cooperation and conflict resolution. 2. **Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue**: Promoting understanding and cooperation among different religious and cultural communities. 3. **Education and Leadership Development**: Providing training to youth and adults on ethical leadership and social service. 4. **Collaboration with International Organizations**: Coordinating initiatives with various United Nations frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals. 5. **Public awareness activities**: Publishing research, organizing seminars, and raising awareness about the principles of universal peace. Through these processes, UPF acts as a bridge between grassroots initiatives and global governance, and promotes moral leadership along with practical steps for sustainable peace.
**Significance of the Appointment of Balanathini Balasubramanian**
The appointment of the Messenger of Peace is in recognition of Balanathini Balasubramanian’s commitment to ethical service, intercultural dialogue and principled leadership. As a Messenger of Peace, she is empowered to perform the following duties: – Leading initiatives that promote peace and reconciliation in local, regional and international contexts – Representing UPF in civic, educational and diplomatic forums – Facilitating partnerships between cultural, civic and religious institutions -Facilitating partnerships between civil and religious institutions – advocating for equitable development, social harmony, and principled governance. His appointment reflects UPF’s ideology that **peace is an active and ethical practice**, which requires personal commitment, collective effort, and moral leadership at all levels of society.
**Conclusion**
The Lancaster Gate rally held on 21 March 2026 is a shining example of the UPF’s commitment to **inclusive, multi-sectoral peacebuilding**.By integrating **the recognition of peace ambassadors, strategic leadership, and engagement with civil society**, the Federation has demonstrated that sustainable peace depends on **moral governance, principled leadership, and coordinated global engagement**.Small Drops **Balananthini Balasubramaniam**’s appointment highlights the essential role of individual moral leadership within the institutional framework, further reinforcing UPF’s guiding principle that **peace is achieved through service, cooperation and universal moral values**.
**Notes**
- *Universal Peace Federation*, “UPF Celebrates 20 Years of Building World Peace,” UPF.org. 2. *Universal Peace Federation*, “United Nations Relations,” UPF.org. 3. *Ambassadors for Peace*, “Who We Are,” Peace-Tour.org. 4. The names and roles of some participants (Rotarian participants) are **not publicly verifiable**.
**Sources** *
Ambassadors for Peace*. “Who We Are.” Peace-Tour.org. Retrieved March 2026. *Universal Peace Federation*. “About UPF.” UPF.org. Retrieved March 2026. *Universal Peace Federation*. “UPF 20 Years of Global Peace.” UPF.org. Retrieved March 2026. *Universal Peace Federation*. “United Nations Relations.” UPF.org. Retrieved March 2026.
