UPF Cagayan Valley

Universal Peace Federation International (UPF International) today announced that Hak Ja Han, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, has been formally nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize by Ján Figeľ, former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and president of FOREF Europe.

The nomination recognizes Han’s decades-long contributions to international peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, and reconciliation efforts, particularly in relation to the Korean Peninsula.

Born in what is now North Korea and shaped by the experience of war and division, Han has dedicated her life to promoting reconciliation and strengthening families and communities as foundations for lasting peace. She co-founded the Women’s Federation for World Peace in 1992 and the Universal Peace Federation in 2005, both of which have grown into global networks supporting peace initiatives.

The nomination also comes amid reports regarding Han’s current detention, which has raised concern among observers in the international community. According to public reporting, the matter has drawn attention among policymakers and diplomatic observers.