
Soka Gakkai International

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a global Nichiren Buddhist organization founded in 1975 by Daisaku Ikeda. It serves as an umbrella for Soka Gakkai. As of 2017, it had around 12 million members in 192 countries, with over 1.5 million living outside Japan by 2012. SGI aims to support Nichiren Buddhism practitioners and promote peace, education, and cultural exchange.
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Since 1983, SGI has held consultative status as an NGO with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Members follow the teachings of the first three Soka Gakkai presidents and engage in social activities, including monthly neighborhood discussions.
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In Malaysia, SGI has organized a biennial "Run for Peace" since 2005, focusing on nuclear disarmament and involving around 115,000 participants. In Dubai, the SGI Gulf Association hosts an annual "Poetic Heart" symposium to connect artists and poets.
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In the U.S., SGI has been noted for its inclusive practices, such as opposing Proposition 8 in 2008 to support same-sex marriage rights.