Strengthening Our Connections
April 2006
Banner photo: ©MIMOTITO/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Environment and Peace
On February 18, Soka University conferred an honorary doctorate on 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate and Kenyan Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Wangari Maathai in Hachioji, Tokyo. She was warmly welcomed by students and professors at the university. Professor Maathai, who is founder of the Green Belt Movement through which women have planted 30 million trees in Kenya and other countries in Africa, has also contributed greatly to advancing women's education and empowerment, democratization and sustainable development. In her acceptance speech, Professor Maathai emphasized her belief that environmental protection is indispensable in promoting peace, as global conflicts and confrontation often stem from competition for natural resources. Professor Maathai called for sustainable governance and equitable distribution of resources, and she encouraged attendees to respect life and the natural environment.
