For Immediate Release SGI-USA Sponsors “Culture of Peace” Celebration Featuring Nobel Laureate Betty WilliamsInterfaith Observance of U.N. International Day of PeaceLos Angeles, Sept. 19, 2007 – Soka Gakki International-USA today announced that it will sponsor “From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit.” Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams will be the featured speaker, joined by a host of faith leaders representing a variety of religious and civic groups. A new exhibit will be unveiled to commemorate the United Nation’s International Day of Peace that will travel to universities, schools and communities around the world to promote peace. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Los Angeles Friendship Center at 5899 Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles,Calif. Known for her courageous peacemaking efforts during the conflict ion Northern Ireland, Ms. Williams is the founder of World Centers of Compassion for Children International, as well as a founding member of Nobel Women’s Initiative. She will be joined by interfaith representatives including Dr. Nazir Khaja, Islam Information Service; Rabbi Leonard Beerman, Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace; and Sister Judy Vaughan, founding director, Alexandria House. Council representatives from the region will be in attendance. “Betty Williams is a living example of the unlimited power of an individual committed to changing the trajectory of humanity,” said event organizer Ian McIlraith. “We look forward to observing this important day with reminders from our different faith communities that each of us possesses this important ability to make our world a safer, more just and healthier place to live.” The culture of peace is much more than just the absence of violence and war. It includes the full range of positive values and patterns of behavior needed to replace the culture of war and violence that has dominated 5,000 years of human history. In 1999, the United Nations Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace defined eight key action areas necessary to cultivate a culture of peace. Each of these points highlights a critical action that we – nations and individuals – must take to ensure a peaceful future.
The exhibit mainstreams the core issues of human security and nuclear disarmament for the general public, and shows the hopeful role citizens around the world can play. Thirty-six colorful panels display images and information in an accessible format.
The event is open to the public and admission is free. About Soka Gakkai International |
 SGI-USA Newsroom
As a non-governmental organization the Soka Gakkai International works toward the principles of peace, culture and education. Engaged in grass-roots efforts the SGI works together with many organizations to promote humanistic principles. |
 Our Shared Humanity
A 20-minute film that answers the questions: What is the SGI? What are it's philosophical underpinnings? Who are it's members and what do they do? |