From 1983 to 2022, Ikeda Sensei issued 40 consecutive annual peace proposals on Jan. 26 to mark the SGI’s establishment in 1975.
In these peace proposals, Sensei explored the interrelation between core Buddhist concepts and the diverse challenges the world faces—such as disarmament, environmental degradation and human rights—and provided concrete suggestions toward their resolution.
In his 2023 essay on the SGI’s founding, Sensei remarked how many of the ideas he suggested were adopted in one form or another by the United Nations and other international organizations, including “the designation of a decade of education to promote sustainable development, the drafting of a world citizens’ charter, the adoption and ratification of a protocol on banning the use of child soldiers and the creation of a global fund to eradicate poverty” (see Feb. 14, 2025, World Tribune, pp. 2–4).
Following Sensei’s passing in November 2023, the SGI resolved to carry on his protracted efforts. The SGI Global Perspectives Committee, composed of SGI leaders engaged in peace activities throughout the world, was born from this determination. The body will release statements outlining possible avenues for resolving the many problems facing the global community.
On Jan. 15, ahead of the SGI’s 50th anniversary on Jan. 26, the SGI committee released the first of these statements, titled “Preventing the Use of Nuclear Weapons as a Step Toward a Peaceful World,” which highlights two urgent proposals: 1) the establishment of pledges of No First Use of nuclear weapons and 2) the creation of a nuclear war prevention center. It 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.
The statement further urges that upcoming meetings of the nuclear-weapon states revive the “nuclear taboo” and discuss ways to move toward agreement regarding No First Use. In addition, understanding that policies of No First Use would necessitate rethinking national security frameworks, the statement recommends developing systemic measures and assurances to alleviate nation’s fears and concerns. In this regard, the 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.
The statement concludes by stressing the importance of continued grassroots advocacy and the empowerment of youth to engage in peacebuilding efforts. It states, “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.”
—Adapted by the World Tribune staff
Click here to read the full statement.
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