#Norway #Oslo #Soka Gakkai #Hibakusha #Nobel Prize

Soka Gakkai International's Contribution to Global Peace

On December 11, 2024, following the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) will play a pivotal role in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum in Oslo, Norway. This annual event, which fosters crucial discussions on peace, is being lifted by the collaboration of the University of Oslo, the City of Oslo, and the Norwegian Nobel Institute, alongside SGI.

The forum, themed "Nukes: How to Counter the Threat," will take place from 10 AM to 12 PM (CET) and will feature notable speakers including Hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Among them are Dr. Masao Tomonaga, a retired director of the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Hospital, and Keiko Ogura, founder of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace. The event will also host three Nobel Peace Prize laureates, highlighting the significance of discussions around nuclear disarmament.

Minoru Harada, the president of SGI, emphasized the importance of the Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, stating that it motivates all to intensify efforts towards abolishing nuclear weapons. He expressed hope that the forum would ignite significant dialogues resonating with global citizens, particularly the youth. This emphasis on youth engagement sets a hopeful tone for future generations as they confront pressing issues of nuclear proliferation and conflict.

The forum will feature not only discussions but also a live broadcast on Facebook, allowing for broader engagement. Participants will explore diverse perspectives, including those from Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Melissa Parke, Executive Director of ICAN. The proceedings aim to foster understanding and actionable steps to prevent nuclear warfare.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion titled "Avoiding Nuclear War: The Case for No First Use" will delve into strategies for risk reduction and trust-building strategies among nations, featuring some of the same esteemed speakers. This discussion aligns with initiatives toward global disarmament and presents a platform for critical dialogue.

Moreover, SGI has arranged a youth dialogue with Hibakusha at the University of Oslo, aiming to connect young people with survivors, thereby encouraging personal stories to inspire broader awareness and action against nuclear weapons. These dialogues will feature interactions among local students, SGI youth members, and experts, solidifying SGI's commitment to nurturing the next generation of peace advocates.

The history of Soka Gakkai’s commitment to peace dates back to the early 1970s, when they began documenting testimonies of Hibakusha. The organization has amassed a significant body of work, including video testimonies from female survivors subtitled in multiple languages and a downloadable eBook featuring 50 witness accounts. This project serves not only as historical documentation but also as a moral call to action against the horrors of nuclear weapons.

In recognition of Daisaku Ikeda's contributions, former SGI president and a prominent advocate for disarmament, SGI continues to propose substantial recommendations for the abolition of nuclear weapons, reinforcing the organization's stance on non-violence and peace.

Contact Information
Chie Sunada: Available in Oslo as of December 8
WhatsApp: +81-90-1031-6905
Email: sunada[at]soka.jp
Yuki Kawanaka:
WhatsApp: +81-80-5957-4919
Email: kawanaka[at]soka.jp