Initiatives

In his 2000 peace proposal “Peace Through Dialogue: A Time to Talk — Thoughts on a Culture of Peace,” SGI President Daisaku Ikeda refers to the establishment of the Year and the Decade, and endorses action in support of it. He notes that this development is “a truly unique opportunity to muster the will of the international community and to initiate action that will transform the age-old ‘culture of war’ into a new ‘culture of peace.’” He observes that SGI members have long been actively engaged in working to foster a culture of peace.

Indeed, they have. Internationally, the SGI has supported the UNHCR in addressing the needs of people who have been forced to flee from their homelands due to war or fear, or find themselves displaced within their own countries for the same reasons. The youth members in Japan have continued this support since 1973. Moreover, in support of UNESCO, the SGI has shown the “World Boys and Girls Art” exhibition and supported Manifesto 2000 in a number of countries as part of its effort to foster an understanding of a culture of peace.

In the United States, the SGI-USA has supported culture of peace ideals for many years through an ongoing program of activities and action. Its projects have aimed to turn the tide of violence and disrespect for the dignity of life in our society and world in order to create a more hope-filled future. One project is “Victory Over Violence” that seeks to foster human rights among youth through an awareness of the causes and effects of violence. Another is the “Treasuring the Future: Children’s Rights and Realities” exhibition that depicts how issues of health and nutrition, homelessness, poor educational facilities, violence and war effect the state of children everywhere.

Efforts to support the Earth Charter have entailed encouraging the public to gain an inclusive ethical vision about the prerequisites for environmental protection, human rights, equitable human development and peace and justice. Meanwhile, the “Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace” exhibition presents the examples of three icons of nonviolence and peace, encouraging viewers to challenge difficulties with the same spirit, thereby creating the basis for peace starting with their own lives.

With its “Building a Culture of Peace” exhibition, the SGI-USA has an opportunity to support a timely and important initiative of the United Nations, an international institution that represents the best chance for multilateral cooperation and democracy on a global level that the SGI has been steadfastly supporting.