News Headlines

On January 30 and 31, the Toda Peace Institute and the Centre on Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding at the Geneva Graduate Institute co-organized a conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference was titled “Taking Stock—Moving Forward: Opportunities and Shortcomings from the Pact for the Future’s ‘International Peace and Security’ Actions.” Bringing together experts and scholars from the United Nations University, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and international NGOs, key topics included the role of women in peacebuilding, the relationship between climate change and conflicts and the usage of storytelling in conflict prevention. The Toda Peace Institute was founded by President Daisaku Ikeda in 1996.   

On January 24, the Alfonso García Robles Diplomatic Foundation presented the Medal of Merit for Peace and Nuclear Abolition to the SGI (Soka Gakkai International). The award was presented by Rafael Medina Martínez, president of the foundation, in recognition of the SGI’s contributions to peace, culture and education. The conferral ceremony was held at the Soka Gakkai of Mexico’s newly inaugurated Bajío Center in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, with attendees including Ambassador Flávio Roberto Bonzanini, secretary-general of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL).

On January 18 and 19, Soka Gakkai Côte d'Ivoire held meetings in Abidjan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) on January 26, 1975. At the meeting on the 18th, leaders from across the country reported on activities in their respective areas. General Director Pierre Veh addressed both meetings.

On January 22, Mr. Veh and Masahiro Hayashi, director of the Africa Division of the SGI Coordination and Liaison Office, visited the Ministry of the Interior and Security of Côte d’Ivoire and met with Minister Vagondo Diomandé.