Women Building Peace
January 2011
Banner photo: Syria [© Bruno Morandi/Hemis/Corbis]
News Briefs
Education for Sustainability in India
SGI representatives attended the "Ethical Framework for a Sustainable World" conference in Ahmedabad, India, from November 1-3. The event, hosted by the Centre for Environmental Education, attracted 500 participants to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Earth Charter. The "Seeds of Hope" exhibition was shown, and a presentation was given on the SGI's support for education for sustainable development and the Earth Charter.
Singapore Summer Youth Olympics
Some 600 Singapore Soka Association (SSA) youth members performed in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games at The Float at Marina Bay, Singapore, from August 14-26. Approximately 3,600 youth athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 representing 204 National Olympic Councils gathered to compete in 26 different sports. Over 200 SSA youth served as volunteers for the event.
SGI-Argentina Receives Award
SGI-Argentina was presented an award for its activities promoting peace, culture and education by Argentina's Association of Citizens' Movements, consisting of members of the National Congress, on September 14 at the National Legislative Building in Buenos Aires. The "Seeds of Change" and "Transforming the Human Spirit" exhibitions were shown in two cities later that month.
Remembering Hiroshima
SGI-UK held a Hiroshima Peace Day event at its Taplow Court Culture Centre on September 4, in commemoration of all those who have suffered as a result of nuclear weapons. The event marked the anniversary of second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda's declaration against nuclear weapons, made on September 8, 1957. The establishment of the SGI-UK Youth Peace Committee was also announced at the meeting.
Taiwan Flood Relief
Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) members worked together with volunteers from other organizations to provide relief activities in the wake of Typhoon Fanapi that swept across Taiwan on September 19 and caused severe flooding in areas around Kaohsiung and Pingtung. In Gangshan, on September 20, TSA members gathered to prepare and deliver boxed meals for flood victims.
10 Years of Tree Planting in Canada
Some 60 SGI-Canada youth members participated in an annual tree planting activity with the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) in Acton, Ontario, on September 25. The youth planted 325 trees, which will help improve wildlife habitat and water quality while reducing greenhouse gases. This year marks the 10th year since SGI-Canada youth first joined the tree planting initiative.
"Children and a Culture of Peace"
The Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee exhibition "Children and a Culture of Peace: For the Sake of Children's Happiness" was shown throughout Japan during the months of September and October. The exhibition aims to heighten awareness about the ideals promulgated by the United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World.
Africa Takes the Lead
African SGI members from 12 countries held a conference with Soka Gakkai executives in Tokyo on November 4. The participants discussed the actualization of SGI President Ikeda's vision of the 21st century as the "Century of Africa," committing themselves to advancing peace, spreading hope and fostering youth on the continent.
