The IAACP Asia-Pacific Regional Launch, with theme “Peace Through Arts and Culture: Building Trust and Understanding” brought together 108 artists and peacebuilders from across the Asia-Pacific region in an online program on 1 August 2026. The event was organized by UPF Asia-Pacific, and formally launched the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP) as a non-political platform for humanizing strangers and building bridges across ideological, religious, ethnic divides through the power of culture. The opening remarks were given by Mrs. Ursula McLackland, President of UPF Asia Pacific, and congratulatory remarks by Maestro David Eaton, Global IAACP Coordinator, and four featured artists highlighted the peacebuilding potential of their respective traditions.

Speakers emphasized that arts and culture can reach the human heartand encourage greater appreciation of cultural diversity. Participants responded enthusiastically. In his closing remarks, Mr. Santosh Paudel, Vice President of UPF Asia Pacific, formally declared the launching of IAACP Asia-Pacific, which is the beginning of coordinated regional initiatives and future partnerships using arts and culture as tools for diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Reflection: I realize that peace can begin when we learn to appreciate and understand one another despite our different cultures and backgrounds. Through arts and culture, we can connect hearts, build trust, and discover our shared humanity. When we unite our creativity and respect for one another, we can become true builders of peace. -Romel Pinson, Blessed family member, Palau Missionary