The United Nations has proclaimed the period 2001-2010 as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World, to emphasize the need for the international community to recognize and ensure assistance for children exposed to harmful and violent situations. “Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World” exhibition was first launched in 2003 by the SGI-USA in support of the UN Culture of Peace.
On July 3, this international exhibition opens for the first time in Singapore at the National Library. Guest of Honour for this event was Chief Executive Director of People’s Association Mr Tan Boon Huat. Amongst the 350 distinguished guests and viewers present at the opening ceremony were President of Association of Women for Action and Research, Ms Tan Joo Hymn; Executive Director of Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association, Dr John K E Tan; Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Heart Foundation Mr Ho Sun Yee; Dr Gwee Yee Hean, Chairman of the Daisaku Ikeda Annual Lecture Committee; Ms Rosy Nakhooda, Past President of the University Women’s Association, Singapore.
In his opening speech, Mr Tan Boon Huat commended SSA for presenting this exhibition at an opportune time where domestic and international conflicts are still present in the today’s world. He further urged all present not to take harmony for granted, respect each other’s differences, while continuing to build trust among communities, and expand the common space that unites all people.
At the event, SSA Chairman Ong Bon Chai presented a token of appreciation to the Guest of Honour.
Dr John Tan, Executive Director of Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association, shared that this is a thought-provoking exhibition which highlights peace as a common topic of people from different cultures. “This is especially so for youths who are prone to intolerance. SSA’s efforts for peace through the holding of this exhibition are truly commendable.”
Since its inception, the exhibition has toured Spain, Jordan, Switzerland, Columbia University and Harvard University in the United States.
This exhibition’s first showing in Singapore is held as part of the on-going celebrations of Singapore’s 10 years of accession to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The exhibition is supported by a Youth Development Fund grant from the National Youth Council. The National Library also supports as the venue sponsor.
[“Building A Culture of Peace For the Children of the World” exhibition is held as a peace initiative of the Young Women Division in commemoration of the formation of the 55th anniversary. It was held from July 3-9 at the National Library.]
(SSA Times issue 242)
