SGI Statement for COP26 and Exhibition Launch

On October 31, SGI (Soka Gakkai International) representatives attending the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), in Glasgow, UK, held a press conference to introduce a statement issued by the SGI. The statement calls for COP26 to deliver on climate issues, strengthen education and provide genuine opportunities for youth participation. On November 1, the exhibition “Seeds of Hope & Action: Making the SDGs a Reality,” created by the Earth Charter International and the SGI, was launched at Websters Theatre in Glasgow. Kenyan youth activist Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative and Global South Co-chair of the COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council, delivered a speech at the launch, and President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message. SGI-UK and the Centre for Applied Buddhism organized a number of events during the conference including a multi-faith dialogue on climate issues on November 2, and a panel discussion titled “Beyond Rhetoric - Youth Leadership for Climate Action” on November 3.