Earth Charter International and Soka Amazon Institute Sign Agreement
On June 5, to commemorate World Environment Day, the Earth Charter International (ECI) and the Soka Amazon Institute signed a partnership agreement at an event in Manaus, Brazil. An ECI delegation led by ECI Executive Director Mirian Vilela and a Soka Gakkai delegation from Japan led by President Minoru Harada attended the signing ceremony at the institute. Guests included Consul General of Japan in Manaus Masahiro Ogino. ECI conferred awards upon the SGI (Soka Gakkai International) in recognition of its long-term support of the ECI and on President Daisaku Ikeda for his contributions to peace and sustainability. The Soka Amazon Institute is the first private organization in the Amazon region to join ECI. The two organizations will cooperate in environmental education for youth development.