SGI-USA Sponsors "Culture of Peace" Celebration Featuring Nobel Laureate Betty Williams - Interfaith Observance of U. N. International Day of Peace
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.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 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.
1.Fostering a culture of peace through education
2.Promoting sustainable economic and social development
3.Promoting respect for all human rights
4.Ensuring equality between women and men
5.Fostering democratic participation
6.Advancing tolerance, understanding and solidarity
7.Supporting participatory communication, and the free flow of information and knowledge
8.Promoting International peace and security
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
The Soka Gakkai-USA is a culturally diverse Buddhist association with more than 80 centers located throughout the country. Its community-based activities encourage a commitment to the values of peace, culture and education. For more information, please visit www. sgi-usa. org or call 310.260.8900.
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