September has been designated as SGM’s Month of Peace in commemoration of Soka Gakkai 2^nd President Josei Toda’s “Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons” on 8 September 1957. This event served as the origin of the peace movement of Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

The primary principle of this peace movement is that genuine peace can only be established by fostering people and forging strong ties between them, their hearts and minds. Cultural and educational exchanges can achieve this purpose. Although economic and political conditions are important, it is only exchanges between heart and heart that can have any lasting effect. Hence, strengthening the bonds of connection and mutual respect among different peoples is the most vital step in building a culture of peace. Hence, SGM is committed to holding cultural and educational activities with the hope of strengthening our common humanity.

For the Month of Peace 2012, SGM will hold a series of peace activities including peace and art exhibitions, forums, talk as well as performances throughout the nation.  It is hoped that through these activities, we are able to contribute to the promotion and strengthening of a culture of peace, for the betterment and harmony of society.  Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, which is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur (No. 243, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 KL) will also carry out a series of peace activities as listed below:

1. 1. Peace Lecture:
      Impressions on the Toynbee-Ikeda Dialogue and its Significance in the 21^st Century

Speaker: Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST)
Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Christopher Boey, Deputy President of SGM and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya

23 September 2012, 11.00am @ International Conference Hall, 11^th Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
Medium: English, Admission Free

1. 2. Art Exhibition:
      Blossoms of the heART: Exhibition of Artworks Contributed by Malaysian Artists 2012

Opening on 23 September 2012, 3.00pm by Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Yusof Ahmad, Director-General of the National Visual Art Gallery Malaysia

Exhibition period: 15 September – 7 October 2012
Opening Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm daily
Venue:  Soka Exhibition Hall, Ground Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM
Free admission

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