As in previous years, United World Week this year was held contemporaneously in major population points around the world, ranging from the tsunami-stricken areas to the U.S.A., Africa, Middle East and other “hot spots,” from Moscow to Patagonia.

The motto: “Give a hand to our city,” highlighted the commitment of the “Youth for a United World” (the promoters of United World Week) to do something for their own city, town, or village, with special outreach to the needy. In view of leading more and more people to believe that “A united world is possible!” the youth got local institutions and entities involved. They also collected the impressions of the adolescents who just concluded their ‘Run4Unity’ relay race in 300 cities all over the world.

United World Week was concluded on Oct. 15 and 16 with two “planetary phone calls,” where the youth participants in about 100 localities were linked up to listen to Chiara Lubich’s message and exchange impressions and experiences.

Birth of the idea. Ten years ago, at the conclusion of the Genfest 1995 in Rome, a proposal was launched to the youth all over the world, to public and private institutions, both national and international; in short, to everyone. It was not only a proposal; rather, it was an appointment – United World Week. Its aim? To highlight and give value to initiatives that promote unity … at all levels.” At ten years from that historic moment, the balance sheet is positive – all ten editions of United World Week have attracted wide-scale participation all over the world.