A joint initiative of SGI and the Earth Charter International
The “Seeds of Hope” exhibition stresses our interconnectedness with the rest of the community of life and the need to broaden our sphere of compassion and concern. It encourages viewers to overcome feelings of powerlessness and highlights the fact that a single individual can initiate positive change.
It also introduces the positive vision for sustainable living expressed in the Earth Charter, and gives examples of eight individuals and groups who have successfully taken action for change, from Africa to the Arctic and Eastern Europe.
The message “It starts with one,” is key — the slogan that the Earth Charter International has chosen for their “Earth Charter Plus 10” campaign in 2010, to celebrate the Charter’s 10th anniversary.
The “Seeds of Hope” exhibition contains 24 panels and uses the “Learn, Reflect, Empower” formula outlined in SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s 2002 proposal on education for sustainable development and is a tool for the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD).
In his 2000 Peace Proposal, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda wrote:
“The Earth Charter is not limited in its concerns to environmental issues but contains important language related to social and economic justice, democracy, nonviolence and peace. In this sense, it is a comprehensive statement of the norms and values required for effective global governance. It may be considered a guideline for humanity in the twenty-first century. Only with a shared vision, and shared effort toward the realization of that vision, will we be able to greet a more hopeful future. For this reason, it is imperative that the Earth Charter be given the support and recognition of the international community.”
Key features of the exhibition:
♦ The initial section introduces the idea of interconnection with inspiring quotes from different spiritual and religious traditions.
♦ The exhibition stresses that sustainability is not only about the protecting the environment but also ensuring social justice and peace.
♦ It introduces the Earth Charter and links the individual principles of the Earth Charter to the positive case studies.
♦ It gives concrete ideas of what one person can do, and provides space for people to pledge what action they will take.
♦ A special feature to appeal to children is the inclusion in the bottom half of each panel of an inset featuring an endangered or unusual animal.
‘Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps toward change’ exhibition will be held at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM (address: 243 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur) from 9 April until 1 May, 2011·11.00am to 6.00pm daily·open to public, admission is free.
The “Seeds of Hope” exhibition and its related activities are part of the sustainable development education by Soka Gakkai Malaysia in building a culture of peace in Malaysian society. The exhibition will also be displayed at various locations throughout the nation.
Contact: Chia Kok Peng
Soka Gakkai Malaysia
Tel: 03-9075 6876 / Mobile: 012-212 6761
Fax: 03-9074 2413
Email: sgmpro@sgm.org.my
Website: www.sgm.org.my
