Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist association with more than 12 million members in 192 countries and territories worldwide. For SGI members, Buddhism is a practical philosophy of individual empowerment and inner transformation that enables people to develop their full potential, live happy lives and contribute to their communities. Central is the idea of human revolution, whereby an inner-motivated change within a single individual’s life can affect the destiny of a nation and ultimately that of the entire world.

As a nongovernmental organization (NGO) with formal ties to the United Nations, Soka Gakkai in Japan has been associated with the Department of Public Information and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) NGO Liaison Unit since 1981. SGI has been in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council since 1983.

"Children and a Culture of Peace" Exhibition, 2008

SGI UN liaison offices located in New York, Geneva and Vienna actively support UN processes. They promote activities to raise public awareness of global concerns and the search for better solutions, working together with other NGOs.

SGI is engaged in public education and outreach, with a focus on peace, cultural exchange, human rights and sustainable development. The organization has initiated programs in support of the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World and played an active role in the realization of both the World Programme for Human Rights Education and the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.