ybvdadminuserTOKYO — The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) has released a statement titled “Preventing the Use of Nuclear Weapons as a Step toward a Peaceful World” in advance of the 50th anniversary of its establishment on January 26.
The statement highlights two urgent proposals: the establishment of pledges of No First Use of nuclear weapons and the creation of a nuclear war prevention center. These build on the legacy of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda (1928–2023), who consistently made concrete suggestions concerning nuclear disarmament and abolition.
While complete elimination of nuclear weapons remains the goal, at a time of ongoing global conflicts and persistent tensions, immediate steps must be taken to prevent any use of such weapons. The SGI statement calls on the five states signatory as nuclear-weapon states to the NPT—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China—to initiate dialogue aimed at achieving agreement on pledges of No First Use “as a first step in placing explicit limits on nuclear weapons as weapons that must never be used.”
The statement reads: “Even if it is not possible to eliminate these deadly weapons immediately, if countries stop confronting others with weapons in hand as it were, ready for use at all times, they can start to break free from the current state of constant, mutual threat.”
It urges that upcoming meetings of the states parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) must revive the “nuclear taboo” and discuss ways of moving toward agreements regarding No First Use.
SGI Director General for Peace and Global Issues Hirotsugu Terasaki comments, “Policies of No First Use would necessitate rethinking national security frameworks and it would be crucial to develop systemic measures and assurances to alleviate nations’ fears and concerns. In this regard, SGI proposes establishing a nuclear war prevention center staffed by military and political experts who could quickly identify critical situations and take measures toward de-escalation.”
SGI also emphasizes the need for heightened diplomatic efforts and humanitarian cooperation in response to ongoing crises, including the conflict in Ukraine and use of armed force in the Middle East, including in Gaza. SGI strongly calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges the international community to intensify efforts to this end.
The SGI statement finishes by stressing the importance of continued grassroots advocacy and the empowerment of youth to engage in peacebuilding efforts. It concludes, “We commit ourselves to the work of building a grand network of solidarity, ordinary citizens dedicated to realizing the ‘greatest gift we can offer the future’—a world free from the scourge of nuclear weapons.”
The statement was issued by the SGI Global Perspectives Committee including SGI leaders engaged in peace activities throughout the world—the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Africa, North America and Latin America. It develops ideas put forward by Daisaku Ikeda in statements and peace proposals, including No First Use and the establishment of an international center for the prevention of nuclear war.
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The Soka Gakkai is a global community-based Buddhist organization that promotes peace, culture and education centered on respect for the dignity of life. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) has been registered as an NGO in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 1983. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda issued 40 annual peace proposals between 1983 and 2022 to commemorate the founding of the SGI.
Contact:
Hiro Sakurai
SGI Office for UN Affairs
2127277018
hiro.sakurai@sgi-ouna.org
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