04/02/2026
Summary Report of Religious Youth Service (RYS)
In Commemoration of the UN World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026
Universal Peace Federation Thailand...................................................
The United Nations has designated the first week of February each year as "UN World Interfaith Harmony Week" to promote mutual understanding and harmony among different religions as a means of building peace. The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Thailand, an organization with General Consultative Status of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC), organized this activity to commemorate and support this significant week alongside nations worldwide. Through this, "Religious Youth Service (RYS)" camp was held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. "The objective was to provide youth with the opportunity to study and learn about different religions while engaging in collective community service. This was designed to cultivate a mindset of love, unity, and self-sacrifice for the sake of others and the public good—the very foundations of sustainable peace. A total of 75 participants, including youth, students, and volunteers, took part in the program."
The camp's opening ceremony commenced at the Grand Auditorium of the Universal Peace Federation (Thailand) in Bangkapi district, Bangkok. The event featured a keynote lecture titled "Interfaith Harmony Through Collaborative Service," delivered by Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, Secretary-General of UPF Thailand. Following the lecture, the participants embarked on a study of the core teachings and traditional practices of three religions, beginning with:
1) Islam: Held at the Foundation of the Islamic Centre of Thailand, with a lecture provided by Mr. Surin Wangcharoen, Executive Committee Member of the Foundation.
2) Christianity: Held at Rom Yen Church, with lectures provided by Reverend Chainarong Sangprasert and Chaplain Jutarat Sangprasert, Assistant Pastor.
3) Buddhism: Held at Wat Phra Thepleela (Royal Monastery), with a lecture provided by Phra Maha Chanchai Brahamapatitto, Assistant Abbot.
In the afternoon, the camp participants dedicated two hours to community service. Activities included collecting litter, sweeping leaves and branches, and repainting the badminton courts. Additionally, the project donated and installed new poles and nets for two Sepak Takraw courts at Lan Kila Phat 1 Park, located adjacent to the Khlong Chan National Housing Authority. This initiative was supported by the Bang Kapi District Office, which deployed officers from the Community Development and Social Welfare Department and the Environment and Sanitation Department and local sports ground volunteers provided guidance and coordination to ensure the smooth ex*****on of the activities
The closing ceremony was held at the Grand Auditorium of the Universal Peace Federation. The program began with group reflection sessions, where participants shared their experiences in both small and large groups. This was followed by the presentation of certificates to all attendees. The event concluded with an encouraging closing address by Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, Vice Chairman of the Universal Peace Federation (Thailand).
The participants shared their experiences with a sense of profound joy and pride. They expressed gratitude for the unique opportunity to visit and learn about mosque, church and temple that they rarely had the chance to enter and understand the teachings and traditions that differ from their own faiths. Also, they realized that all religions teach us to be good persons, overcome evils, and extend friendship to others. Furthermore, they discovered the beauty and diversity that are fascinated to learn from other religions which are different from their own. The participants expressed immense joy in making new friends and connecting with elders and youngers from diverse educational institutions, hometowns, ages, and life experiences. They deeply valued the opportunity to work hard and practice self-sacrifice together, serving others through a beautiful bond of shared friendship."
