The First Youth for Peace Interfaith Symposium was held at the Singapore Expo Hall 4 on March 16. Organized by Singapore Soka Association as a community and peace project by the SSA Youth Division, Guest of Honour for this event was Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr George Yeo. Some 4,000 guests, members from the different religious faiths in Singapore; as well as youths from the Asia’s Soka Gakkai International organizations, were present at the event.
Titled “Humanizing Religions, Creating Peace”, this event is an initiative of the Youth Division of SSA to raise awareness of young people to the importance of promoting peace and harmony; and to encourage youths of religious organizations to be more proactive in interfaith relations and collaboration.
Before he delivered the lecture, Minister George Yeo also officially opened a peace exhibition entitled “From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit”; an exhibition sponsored by the Soka Gakkai International. At the event, Minister George Yeo launched a new book titled, “180° Yearnings for Peace”. This book features quotes for peace viewed from different faiths’ perspectives. Minister George Yeo also penned the Foreword for this book.
Following this, local representatives from the different religious organizations presented speeches on youth involvement for peace in the context of the different faiths. The Symposium also saw cultural performances by the organizations in the spirit of linking hearts through arts and culture.
News of the event were carried on various medias, including TV and newspapers, applauding SGS’s efforts in interfaith endeavours.
