Soka Gakkai International Joins Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Hibakusha Dialogue in Oslo
On December 11, 2024, a significant event will unfold in Oslo, Norway, as Soka Gakkai International (SGI) supports the Nobel Peace Prize Forum following the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held on December 10. This annual event, co-organized by the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the University of Oslo, the City of Oslo, and SGI, aims to foster discussions around pressing global issues. The theme for this year is "Nukes: How to Counter the Threat."
The public forum is scheduled to run from 10:00 AM to noon CET and will feature an impressive lineup of thirteen expert speakers. Among them will be two hibakusha—Masao Tomonaga, an eminent director emeritus of the Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Hospital, and Keiko Ogura, a revered founder of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace. Additionally, participants will include three Nobel Peace Prize laureates, who will contribute invaluable insights derived from their experiences. SGI President Minoru Harada expressed optimism regarding the forum's potential impact, stating, "The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo inspires us all to work harder for nuclear weapons abolition. We hope this Forum will see deep dialogue that appeals to the hearts and consciousness of citizens around the world, particularly the youth."
More notable figures set to participate include IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke, and Pugwash Conferences for Science and World Affairs Secretary-General-elect Karen Astrid Hallberg, along with renowned scholars and peace activists. The forum also features a performance by a Butoh dancer, infusing art into the critical dialogue on nuclear disarmament.
To accommodate a broader audience, SGI will co-host the event via Facebook Live, providing an avenue for many to engage with the discussions remotely.
In the afternoon, a high-level panel titled "Avoiding Nuclear War: The Case for No First Use" will take place. This panel will be co-organized with the University of Oslo, Peacebook, and SGI in partnership with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, focusing on risk reduction and fostering confidence in international relations. This workshop will bring together several of the same speakers from the morning's forum, providing a platform for in-depth discussions conducted under the Chatham House Rule, allowing for open and honest communication.
Parallel to these discussions, SGI will facilitate a Youth Dialogue with hibakusha at the University of Oslo. This interactive session will include Dr. Tomonaga and Ms. Ogura, who will engage with local high school and university students, as well as SGI youth members. This initiative not only aims to educate the younger generation about the realities of nuclear weapons but also to inspire them to become advocates for peace.
Soka Gakkai has been actively gathering testimonies from atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) since the early 1970s, producing various resources to raise awareness about the consequences of nuclear warfare. The organization has released videos featuring testimonies from women hibakusha with original Japanese audio complemented by subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and French. Furthermore, an English-language downloadable book titled "Hiroshima and Nagasaki: That We Never Forget" compiling 50 testimonies offers valuable insights into the impact of nuclear bombings.
For over 60 years, the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organization has dedicated itself to advocating nuclear disarmament as part of its broader mission to cultivate a culture of peace. SGI's late President Daisaku Ikeda left a profound legacy with his annual peace proposals, promoting nuclear abolition and emphasizing initiatives such as the call for "No First Use" in 2022 and 2023. As a global association linking Soka Gakkai organizations worldwide, SGI holds NGO consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
In conclusion, the event on December 11 is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and the critical importance of engaging the youth in dialogue regarding disarmament and nuclear abolition.
Event Details
The public forum is scheduled to run from 10:00 AM to noon CET and will feature an impressive lineup of thirteen expert speakers. Among them will be two hibakusha—Masao Tomonaga, an eminent director emeritus of the Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Hospital, and Keiko Ogura, a revered founder of Hiroshima Interpreters for Peace. Additionally, participants will include three Nobel Peace Prize laureates, who will contribute invaluable insights derived from their experiences. SGI President Minoru Harada expressed optimism regarding the forum's potential impact, stating, "The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo inspires us all to work harder for nuclear weapons abolition. We hope this Forum will see deep dialogue that appeals to the hearts and consciousness of citizens around the world, particularly the youth."
More notable figures set to participate include IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke, and Pugwash Conferences for Science and World Affairs Secretary-General-elect Karen Astrid Hallberg, along with renowned scholars and peace activists. The forum also features a performance by a Butoh dancer, infusing art into the critical dialogue on nuclear disarmament.
To accommodate a broader audience, SGI will co-host the event via Facebook Live, providing an avenue for many to engage with the discussions remotely.
Afternoon Events
In the afternoon, a high-level panel titled "Avoiding Nuclear War: The Case for No First Use" will take place. This panel will be co-organized with the University of Oslo, Peacebook, and SGI in partnership with the Norwegian Nobel Institute, focusing on risk reduction and fostering confidence in international relations. This workshop will bring together several of the same speakers from the morning's forum, providing a platform for in-depth discussions conducted under the Chatham House Rule, allowing for open and honest communication.
Youth Engagement
Parallel to these discussions, SGI will facilitate a Youth Dialogue with hibakusha at the University of Oslo. This interactive session will include Dr. Tomonaga and Ms. Ogura, who will engage with local high school and university students, as well as SGI youth members. This initiative not only aims to educate the younger generation about the realities of nuclear weapons but also to inspire them to become advocates for peace.
Historical Context
Soka Gakkai has been actively gathering testimonies from atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha) since the early 1970s, producing various resources to raise awareness about the consequences of nuclear warfare. The organization has released videos featuring testimonies from women hibakusha with original Japanese audio complemented by subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and French. Furthermore, an English-language downloadable book titled "Hiroshima and Nagasaki: That We Never Forget" compiling 50 testimonies offers valuable insights into the impact of nuclear bombings.
For over 60 years, the Soka Gakkai Buddhist organization has dedicated itself to advocating nuclear disarmament as part of its broader mission to cultivate a culture of peace. SGI's late President Daisaku Ikeda left a profound legacy with his annual peace proposals, promoting nuclear abolition and emphasizing initiatives such as the call for "No First Use" in 2022 and 2023. As a global association linking Soka Gakkai organizations worldwide, SGI holds NGO consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
In conclusion, the event on December 11 is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for peace and the critical importance of engaging the youth in dialogue regarding disarmament and nuclear abolition.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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