An interfaith conference on the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) titled “National Implementation and the Role of Youth” took place at the Senate Hall of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on 1 August 2022. Speakers and representatives from universities and non-governmental organizations explored youth advocacy towards eliminating nuclear weapons during the two-day event, which was facilitated by the National Chairperson of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) and Tunku Temenggong Kedah, YTM Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.

During a panel discussion on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Secretary-General Tan Leng introduced SGM’s commitment to support the government in implementing its obligations under the TPNW. He shared SGI and SGM’s nuclear disarmament initiatives, such as ideas in SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s annual peace proposals, the exhibition “Everything You Treasure—For a World Free From Nuclear Weapons,” interfaith dialogues and seminars, documentaries and radio interviews. Tan explained that Buddhism values the dignity of each individual’s life and also shared principles of Nichiren Buddhism, including the concept of the interconnectedness of life. He concluded, “Therefore, from the Buddhist perspective, the TPNW is indispensable in protecting not only the peace of mankind as a whole, but also the preservation of the global ecosystem, which is the basis of life.”

A live broadcast streamed via the IIUM official YouTube channel, where you can view a recording of the conference.