#Japan #Tokyo #Benki Piyako #Ashaninka #Niwan Peace Prize

Benki Piyako Receives the 43rd Niwano Peace Prize

On March 12, 2026, the Niwano Peace Foundation proudly announced that Benki Piyako, an esteemed spiritual leader from the Ashaninka tribe located within the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, will be honored with the 43rd Niwano Peace Prize. This award recognizes Piyako's unwavering commitment to advocating for indigenous rights and promoting environmental sustainability over the past fifteen years.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 12, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan, where Piyako will be presented with a trophy, a monetary award of 20 million yen, and an official certificate. The Niwano Peace Foundation highlighted his considerable efforts in bringing about ecological restoration and environmental conservation, positioning him as a crucial figure in both local and global discussions on sustainability.

Benki Piyako has made remarkable strides in enhancing education among the Ashaninka community while fostering a broader understanding and practice of traditional ecological knowledge. He works diligently to engage youth and local communities in extensive reforestation initiatives aimed at conserving biodiversity. His approach is deeply rooted in indigenous spirituality and encourages intercultural dialogue, allowing him to become a prominent voice for effective environmental management on both national and international stages.

The Niwano Peace Prize Committee emphasized that Piyako's work aligns with critical global efforts to address environmental crises. In their statement regarding his selection for the award, they praised him as "a pioneer of the sustainability movement during a time when the environment and the physical world face severe challenges." They also acknowledged that his contributions not only benefit the Ashaninka people but also have a positive impact on countless others who rely on the health of the Amazon rainforest for their well-being.

"Piyako serves as a vital figure in a world increasingly dominated by the reckless exploitation of nature in the name of economic gain and personal interest," the committee added.

About the Niwano Peace Prize

Founded in 1978, the Niwano Peace Foundation aims to promote peace and foster a culture of coexistence around the globe. This award is bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to interreligious cooperation and have advanced the cause of peace on Earth. It also seeks to elevate and acknowledge their achievements to encourage more advocates for peace worldwide. The prize is named after Nikkyo Niwano, the founder and first president of the Rissho Kosei-kai, a lay Buddhist organization.

The foundation encourages research and various activities rooted in the principles of diverse religious beliefs, thus supporting peace initiatives across fields such as education, science, religion, and philosophy. By awarding the Niwano Peace Prize, the foundation hopes to not only enhance interreligious understanding and collaboration but also inspire a greater number of individuals dedicated to promoting a peaceful world.

As Benki Piyako embarks on this next chapter of his advocacy journey, he stands as a beacon of hope and action for indigenous rights and environmental justice, paving the way for future generations to thrive harmoniously within their natural environments.