Universal Peace Federation International (UPF International) has welcomed the nomination of founder Dr. Hak Ja Han, now in detention, for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, reportedly in recognition of her decades of peacebuilding efforts.
UPF International is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting peace through dialogue, education and cooperative initiatives.
According to an April 3 UPF press release, the announcement of the nomination was made by Dr. Ján Figeľ, former EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and president of FOREF Europe.
The nomination recognises Dr. Han’s decades-long contributions to international peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, and reconciliation efforts particularly in relation to the Korean Peninsula, it explained.
The announcement highlighted some of her key activities, including the appointment of thousands of Peace Ambassadors worldwide to bridge religious and cultural divides and the organisation of numerous international “Rally of Hope” summits promoting peaceful reunification in Korean Peninsula.
It explained that Dr. Hak was also involved in the establishment of the Sunhak Peace Prize, which honours global peace advocates, and is also well known for the collaboration of UPF and the Women’s Federation for World Peace through General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as leading a proposal to create an international peace park in the Korean Demilitarized Zone; the 38th Parallel Peace Initiative.
She also led global outreach through the Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea.
“Dr. Hak Ja Han has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to peacebuilding rooted in dialogue, cooperation, and respect for human dignity,” said Dr. Figeľ.
“Her work has consistently brought together leaders and communities across ideological, religious, and political divides,” he added.
Dr. Tageldin Hamad, president of UPF International, said that Dr. Hak’s life work represents a remarkable and sustained investment in peace.
“Through institution-building, global dialogue, humanitarian engagement and cultural diplomacy, she has helped create platforms where cooperation can flourish and where the ideals of peace are translated into practical action,” he said.
Dr. Han was born in what is now North Korea and shaped by the experience of war and division. She 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, according to the release.
The nomination comes amid reports regarding Dr. Han’s current detention, which have raised concern among observers in the international community.
While the nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize does not imply selection as the final decision is up to the committee, it reflects recognition of significant contributions to peace and international cooperation, said the release.
In November 2019, Dr. Hak visited Cambodia and bestowed then Prime Minister Hun Sen with the “Leadership and Good Governance” decoration.
Now 82, she was arrested in South Korea in September last year, on charges of bribery, occupational embezzlement and improper solicitation. She was reportedly accused of offering bribes, including luxury gifts and money, to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee to secure business favours. She denied all the allegations.
Dr. Hak Ja Han, the co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation, has been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. Supplied