News Headlines

News Highlights from Seikyo Shimbun
(the Soka Gakkai's daily newspaper)

Toda Peace Institute Cohosts Conference on Reducing Nuclear Risks Japan Experts exchange views on nuclear risks in Northeast Asia [© Toda Peace Institute] Toda Peace Institute Cohosts Conference on Reducing Nuclear Risks Japan:
On September 22 and 23, the Toda Peace Institute and the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network (APLN) cohosted a workshop in Tokyo titled “Managing First-Strike Pressures, the Nuclear Taboo, and Proliferation Risks in Northeast Asia.”

Nineteen researchers and experts from nine countries and territories took part. Discussions included the role of international norms in preventing nuclear weapon use and the importance of public education. It was also noted that linking the experiences of atomic bomb survivors to policy issues such as disarmament and arms control policy remains weak.

The workshop formed part of a joint research project aimed at developing concrete policy measures for nuclear risk reduction in the region. The Toda Peace Institute was founded by President Daisaku Ikeda in 1996.
Southeast Asia General Meeting Held Malaysia Clockwise from top left: The Young Lion Martial Arts Group performing an acrobatic lion dance; SGM youth group gymnastic performance; Tan Boon See from Malaysia giving her faith experience; musicians accompanying the lion dance; and Just Mark Figuracion from the Philippines sharing his faith experience [© Seikyo Shimbun] Southeast Asia General Meeting Held Malaysia:
On September 20, the Southeast Asia General Meeting was held at the Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Culture Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Participants traveled from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand for the event. Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada, SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa and SGI Vice General Director Kimiko Nagaishi also attended the meeting.

The meeting featured cultural and musical performances, and members from Malaysia and the Philippines gave their faith experiences, sharing how Buddhist practice had positively impacted their lives.
Side Events at UN Human Rights Council Switzerland At the September 16 event, participants reviewed achievements and challenges since the 2011 adoption of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training [© Seikyo Shimbun] Side Events at UN Human Rights Council Switzerland:
On September 15 and 16, the NGO Working Group on Human Rights Education and Learning (NGO WG on HREL), chaired by the SGI (Soka Gakkai International), co-organized side events during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

On September 15, the working group cosponsored a workshop with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the human rights of children affected by violence and conflict. On the same day, Elisa Gazzotti of the SGI Office for UN Affairs, cochair of the working group, delivered a statement on its behalf at a High-Level Panel discussion on Human Rights Education and Training.

On September 16, the NGO WG on HREL also cohosted an event with the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Lebanon, Mongolia, Italy, Slovenia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Women’s Symposium Held in Chennai India Speakers at the sixth BSG Women’s Symposium pose for a commemorative photo Women’s Symposium Held in Chennai India:
On August 30, the sixth BSG (Bharat Soka Gakkai) Women’s Symposium was held in Chennai. Some 1,000 people attended the event, titled “The Century of Women Starts with Me: From Awareness to Action.” Revathy, an actor and filmmaker, delivered the keynote speech. Meaningful change, she said, begins with each one of us taking responsibility for creating a more just and compassionate society.

The event featured cultural and musical performances, a panel discussion on what is needed to create spaces where women can live as protagonists of their own lives, and a segment titled “Stories of Hope: Changemakers Spotlight” in which four BSG members shared their stories.