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			<title>Sustainable Development RSS</title>
			<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/sustainable-development-rss.html</link>
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			<language>en</language>
			<copyright>Soka Gakkai International (SGI) 2006</copyright>
			<ttl>120</ttl><item>
		<title>"Seeds of Hope" Exhibition Shown in Outaouais, Canada</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:32:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2013/seeds-of-hope-exhibition-outaouais-canada.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ The French
version of SGI's environmental exhibition "Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability,
steps toward change" was shown from March 16-17 as part of a symposium on urban
agriculture and a "Seed Festival" celebration at Gatineau City Hall in the
Outaouais region of Western Quebec, close to Ottawa. Local SGI-Canada members
supported the showing.
The
exhibition, jointly created by SGI and the Earth Charter International, includes
24 panels arranged under four themes: inspire, reflect, learn and empower. The last panel has a tree design to which participants can
affix their own statements of intended action toward sustainability. In this
case the pledges were written on paper "leaves." One visitor determined ]]></description>		
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</item><item>
		<title>SGM Selangor Participates in Cleanup Campaign</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:59:59 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2013/sgm-selangor-cleanup-campaign.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On
January 6, some 120 Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor members participated in
a cleanup campaign in the Taman Berkeley township in Klang, Selangor State. The
campaign was co-organized with the Taman Berkeley Residents Association and the
Klang Municipal Council. 
Participants,
both young and old, picked up garbage and debris from streets and green areas. Through
working together on the cleanup, SGM Selangor members were able to form new friendships
and strengthen existing ties with members of the local community.

Making a difference in the Taman Berkeley township
[Adapted from an article from the Soka Gakkai
Malaysia (SGM) website; photos courtesy of SGM] ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2013/sgm-selangor-cleanup-campaign.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>SGI-USA Cosponsors UN Women Special Assembly on Climate Change</title>
                <pubDate>Sat, 08 Dec 2012 16:49:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-usa-un-women-special-assembly-climate-change.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On December 8, the SGI-USA Culture of Peace Resource Center in Santa Monica, California, cosponsored the First Annual Special Assembly of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the US National Committee for UN Women. The theme of the assembly, "Women, Climate Change and Human Rights," brought together local NGOs, representatives from sustainability businesses, academics and artists. Over 150 people attended the event.
The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the US National Committee was formed in February 2012 to support the aims of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women. In her opening ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-usa-un-women-special-assembly-climate-change.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>Soka Gakkai Malaysia Displays "Seeds of Hope" at Greentech Exhibition</title>
                <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/soka-gakkai-malaysia-seeds-of-hope-greentech-exhibition.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ Selected
panels from the joint SGI and Earth Charter International environmental
exhibition "Seeds of Hope" were displayed by members of Soka
Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), at the third International Greentech &amp; Eco Products
Exhibition &amp; Conference (IGEM2012), held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre from October 10 to 13.
Considered
the largest green exhibition in the region, Greentech provides a platform for
businesses, non-governmental organizations and citizens to exchange and
showcase information on innovative eco-friendly technology and raise awareness about
the importance of sustainability. Every year it is organized by the Ministry of
Energy, Green Technology and Water, and endorsed by other ministries and stakeholders
in the area of green technology. This year, ]]></description>		
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</item><item>
		<title>SGI-Canada Youth Plant Trees in the Rain</title>
                <pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2012 15:43:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-canada-youth-plant-trees-in-the-rain.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ Central Region youth at the tree planting activities
On October 27, SGI-Canada Central Region youth participated in an
annual tree planting activity with the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) in
Ontario. Including elementary school students, 67 youth of all ages came out in
the rain and cold to plant 200 trees. Those involved enjoyed helping each other
dig holes and carry the saplings to their new homes. Despite the weather, the
planting was completed with everyone in high spirits and fulfilled at having
taken action for a good cause.
2012 marks the 12th year of SGI-Canada's partnership with CVC.
Central Region youth have been volunteering annually to plant trees in ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-canada-youth-plant-trees-in-the-rain.html</guid>
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		<title>Brazil SGI Hosts National Meeting of Environmental Agents, Launches "Seeds of Hope"</title>
                <pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:58:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/brazil-sgi-environmental-meeting-seeds-of-hope.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ One of Brazil Soka Association (BSGI)'s numerous initiatives to promote education
for sustainable development is the Environmental Agents' Movement, launched in 2001 by the Scientists Department of BSGI in
partnership with local government and environmental organizations. Through this
project, BSGI members learn about environmental protection so they can lead action
for change in their local communities. A national meeting to review the performance and discuss
the future scope of the Environmental Agents' Movement was held with project partners at the BSGI Culture
Center in S&atilde;o Paulo on October 6.


The event brought together environmental agents, representatives from the educational and
environmental departments of the municipality of S&atilde;o Paulo, ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/brazil-sgi-environmental-meeting-seeds-of-hope.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>"Seeds of Hope" Shown in Canada and Paraguay</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:05:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-hope-canada-paraguay.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ In the month of September, the SGI and Earth Charter International&rsquo;s joint exhibition &ldquo;Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps towards change" was shown in Canada and Paraguay.
SGI-Canada members in the city of Surrey, British Columbia, and neighboring communities helped bring the exhibition to Surrey&rsquo;s new City Centre Library, where it was on display from September 7-14. Furthermore, the city officially proclaimed September 7-14, &ldquo;Seeds of Hope Week."
Surrey City Councillor Mary Martin presents proclamation of Seeds of Hope Week to SGI-Canada General Director Tony Meers
The official opening of the exhibition, held on September 8, was attended by Surrey City Councillor ]]></description>		
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		<title>SGI-UK Members Join "Year of Service" to Improve Environment</title>
                <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jul 2012 15:41:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-uk-year-of-service-improve-environment.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ Throughout July, SGI-UK members from around the country organized events under the theme &ldquo;Earthkind&rdquo; as part of the Year of Service initiative, a government-sponsored initiative to encourage people of all faiths to contribute to their local communities. The event was sponsored by the Communities and Local Government Department and the Cabinet Office. Each faith was allocated a volunteering day and a different theme for social action, with July 3 allocated as Buddhist Action Day.
There have been other volunteering days over the year for people of other faiths, including Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Bah&aacute;&rsquo;&iacute; and &nbsp;Zoroastrianism. The Year of Service ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-uk-year-of-service-improve-environment.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>SGI Holds Interdisciplinary Roundtable Discussion on Education and Learning at Rio+20</title>
                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 23:55:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-interdisciplinary-roundtable-discussion-on-education-rio-20.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ From June 20-22, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, Rio+20) took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the theme: &ldquo;The Future We Want.&rdquo; 
On June 20, SGI organized &ldquo;The Future We Create: An interdisciplinary roundtable on the role of education and learning toward a sustainable future&rdquo; as an official side event held at Riocentro. It was cosponsored by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Education Caucus, Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) and Inter Press Service (IPS). 
The discussion aimed at bringing together participants from various different fields to share their ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-interdisciplinary-roundtable-discussion-on-education-rio-20.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>SGI Activities at Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development</title>
                <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:55:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgis-activities-at-rio20-un-conference-on-sustainable-development.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ From June 20-22, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) also held in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio+20 conference focused on two themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development.&nbsp; 
As part of the PrepCom (held from June 13-15) and the Rio+20 conference, various side events were organized at pavilions housing information booths, exhibitions and symposiums on related themes. 
The opening of the ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgis-activities-at-rio20-un-conference-on-sustainable-development.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>Seeds of Change Exhibit Held in Western Iceland</title>
                <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:58:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-change-exhibit-western-iceland.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ The "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential" (SOC) exhibition was on display from March 7 until June 5 at the Fj&ouml;lbrautask&oacute;li Sn&aelig;fellinga upper secondary school in Grundarfj&ouml;r&eth;ur, a town located on the Sn&aelig;fellsnes peninsula in western Iceland.
The school was founded in 2004, as a result of efforts by local people to make secondary education available in this remote area. The school has 250 students, 25 of whom learn via distance learning, using mediums such as videoconferencing. 
Two students building a small house for kids on the shore
The "Seeds of Change" exhibition was viewed by students and teachers, ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-change-exhibit-western-iceland.html</guid>
</item><item>
		<title>New Environment Proposal, Film on Amazon Center Released for Rio +20 Conference</title>
                <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:05:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/new-environment-proposal-film-on-amazon.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ In advance of the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development opening in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20, a new environment proposal by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, "For a Sustainable Global Society: Learning for Empowerment and Leadership," was issued on June 5, stressing that empowerment of individuals and communities is vital to achieving a sustainable global society. 
A 10-minute film, "Nurturing Seeds of Hope in the Amazon: Environmental Education in Action," has also been created, illustrating the importance of education as a means of empowerment. Highlighting the work of the Amazon Ecological Conservation Center near Manaus, Brazil, founded by ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/new-environment-proposal-film-on-amazon.html</guid>
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		<title>"Seeds of Hope" Shown at York University, Toronto</title>
                <pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 23:40:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-hope-york-university-toronto.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ From March 20-22, the SGI and the Earth Charter International's joint exhibition "Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps toward change" was shown by SGI-Canada at York University's Keele campus for the second time. 
The exhibition was part of the launch celebrations for the university's new sustainability website,&nbsp;which features information on a variety of initiatives underway at its Keele and Glendon campuses. It also offers ways in which individuals and groups can take initiative to promote environmental awareness. 
Accompanying the exhibition, tables were set up providing information about the university&rsquo;s President's Sustainability Council, its Institute for Research &amp; Innovation in ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-hope-york-university-toronto.html</guid>
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		<title>SGI Members Celebrate Earth Day in the Philippines and the US</title>
                <pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:55:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-celebrate-earth-day-the-philippines-and-the-us.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On April 22, SGI-Philippines youth members held a forum commemorating Earth Day at the SGI-Philippines Culture Center in Manila.&nbsp;
The SGI Charter was introduced by student members who highlighted how the Buddhist philosophy of coexistence and respect for the sanctity of life relates to promoting environmental protection. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's 2012 peace proposal titled "Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity of Life" was also discussed. Participants talked in small groups about practical ways in which they could contribute to environmental solutions.
SGI-Philippines Youth Leader Jeremias Zhel Cruz spoke about how change begins with awareness of environmental issues and ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-celebrate-earth-day-the-philippines-and-the-us.html</guid>
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		<title>Soka Gakkai Malaysia Marks Earth Week</title>
                <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:58:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/soka-gakkai-malaysia-marks-earth-week.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On March 31, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) took part in the global Earth Hour initiative by turning lights off at SGM centers around Malaysia in order to save energy and raise awareness of global warming. SGM also helped organize Earth Day celebrations in Johor State at which there was an official "switching-off-the-lights" ceremony which began with a showing of the SGI and Earth Charter's "Seeds of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps toward change" (SOH) exhibition, and a craft activity led by SGM members introducing creative ways of recycling. &nbsp;
From April 15 to 22, the University ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/soka-gakkai-malaysia-marks-earth-week.html</guid>
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		<title>SGI-Canada Members Participate in Community Cleanup</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:32:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-canada-community-cleanup.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On April 22, a group of over 20 SGI-Canada members from the city of Surrey, British Columbia, participated in the sixth annual &ldquo;Surrey Clean Sweep Week,&rdquo; at Crescent Beach. Cleanups took place throughout the city in the week leading up to Earth Day, which falls on April 22. 
[Adapted from an article in the May 2012 issue of the SGI-Canada Online News; photo courtesy of SGI-Canada] ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-canada-community-cleanup.html</guid>
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		<title>SGI-Netherlands Celebrates Earth Day with Earth Charter Game</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:52:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-netherlands-celebrates-earth-day-with-earth-charter-game.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On April 22, SGI-Netherlands (SGIN) held an Earth Day event at its new Culture Center in Amsterdam. Activities included playing an interactive educational board game on the Earth Charter promoting its principles and values. The NCDO (National Committee for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development), the main Dutch affiliate for the Earth Charter Initiative, asked SGIN to help test the game&mdash;originally developed in Brazil&mdash;to see if it would appeal to people in the Netherlands. 
The game encourages players to reflect on and share views related to the principles of the Earth Charter, while learning key ecological concepts and practices. It also ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-netherlands-celebrates-earth-day-with-earth-charter-game.html</guid>
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		<title>SGI-USA Members Plant Cherry Trees in Three States</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:59:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-usa-members-plant-cherry-trees-in-three-states.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ On March 4, SGI-USA members, together with representatives of the City of Torrance, California, planted trees in the city's Columbia Park. Over the past 10 years, local SGI members have planted a total of 100 trees in Torrance. 
Other SGI-USA cherry tree plantings were held at the Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda Peace Grove in East Side Park, Paterson, New Jersey, on April 8 and at Town Center Park at Green Valley Ranch, Denver, Colorado, on April 15. At the latter event, some 250 SGI members gathered to plant 50 trees.
SGI-USA youth members in Denver planting cherry trees
The tree planting in ]]></description>		
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		<title>Seeds of Hope Exhibition Shown in Cameroon</title>
                <pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:34:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-hope-exhibition-cameroon.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ From March 17-24, the joint SGI and the Earth Charter environmental exhibition "Seeds of Hope: Visions of Sustainability, Steps Towards Change" (SOH) was shown for the first time in Cameroon at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex in Yaound&eacute;. Its commemorative opening was held on March 23, together with some 60 guests from partner organizations and from the government. A representative from Mfoundi, a department of Central Province, Cameroon, attended as guest of honor and gave a talk in which he shared his appreciation for SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and SGI-Cameroon's efforts to raise &nbsp;environmental awareness. He also expressed his determination to ]]></description>		
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/seeds-of-hope-exhibition-cameroon.html</guid>
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		<title>SGI-Spain Participates in Tree Planting Campaign</title>
                <pubDate>Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:59:00 +0900</pubDate>
		<link>http://www.sgi.org/news/s-development/sd2012/sgi-spain-participates-in-tree-planting-campaign.html</link>
	        <description><![CDATA[ SGI-Spain youth members took part in a tree planting campaign on March 25 in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Madrid, which began in the beginning of February 2012. The Rivas-Vaciamadrid City Hall has been making efforts to reforest the city for the past 20 years. This year, some 6,000 people from 38 organizations participated in the tree planting which took place along a creek in Los Migueles, Rivas-Vaciamadrid. A parcel of land has now been named "Soka Gakkai Spain Forest."
[Report and photo courtesy SGI-Spain] ]]></description>		
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