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(A symposium in consonance with Buddhist principles)
As a run-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 2002, the BSG’s Women and Youth Peace Committees organised a symposium entitled ’Countdown to WSSD: The Earth Charter and I’, in New Delhi.
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Here, Keynote Speaker, Dr Kamla Chowdhry, member of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Eminent Persons Advisory Group for Sustainable Development and co-chair of the Earth Charter Initiative, emphasised the importance of spirituality as a means to achieve sustainable development. Mr Rajendra Singh, recipient of the 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership, stated that contemporary life has divorced man from his roots, and that the relationship had changed. "This is a truly rich relationship. What we take, we must give back."
A presentation made by the BSG's Youth Peace Committee detailed the core principles of the Earth Charter and SGI President, Dr Ikeda's Proposal on Education for a Sustainable Future.
In this proposal, Dr Ikeda, who has contributed to the drafting of the Earth Charter, recommends reform in the international system of environmental protection and feels that education is pivotal to achieving an attitudinal change. He proposed an International Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in order to learn and deepen awareness of environmental issues and realities; to reflect on our modes of living, renewing these towards sustainability and to empower people to take concrete action to resolve the issues they face. |
