President Harada Delivers Historic ISTAC-IIUM Lecture on Human Solidarity

The peace, culture and education movement in Malaysia marked a historic milestone on 23 August, when Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada delivered the 34th ISTAC World Professorial Lecture (IWPL) at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. Titled “Insights into Human Solidarity: Daisaku Ikeda’s Perspectives on the True Aspect of Life and Humanity,” this occasion marked the first lecture by a Soka Gakkai president in Malaysia. 

This came on the eve of the anniversary of President Ikeda joining the Soka Gakkai (24 August 1947). 

Speaking to 250 participants in person and 475 online, President Harada discussed how President Ikeda exerted himself in building global human solidarity based on the Buddhist perspective on the eternity of life, which expounds that birth and death are aspects of the eternal self, and that the Buddha nature exists in all living beings; therefore, all are worthy of supreme respect. This understanding has driven his peacebuilding endeavours, which include dialogues with leaders of China and the Soviet Union at a tense period between the two countries. 

He also expressed President Ikeda’s belief that the youth are the treasures of humanity – which the SGI leader shared with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his second visit to Malaysia in 2000. President Harada also drew from his own youthful experiences in relating how President Ikeda treasured young people, going so far as to buy new shoes for students who struggled financially. 

The peace, culture and education movement in Malaysia marked a historic milestone on 23 August, when Soka Gakkai president Minoru Harada delivered the 34th ISTAC World Professorial Lecture (IWPL) at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur. Titled “Insights into Human Solidarity: Daisaku Ikeda’s Perspectives on the True Aspect of Life and Humanity,” this occasion marked the first lecture by a Soka Gakkai president in Malaysia. 

This came on the eve of the anniversary of President Ikeda joining the Soka Gakkai (24 August 1947). 

Speaking to 250 participants in person and 475 online, President Harada discussed how President Ikeda exerted himself in building global human solidarity based on the Buddhist perspective on the eternity of life, which expounds that birth and death are aspects of the eternal self, and that the Buddha nature exists in all living beings; therefore, all are worthy of supreme respect. This understanding has driven his peacebuilding endeavours, which include dialogues with leaders of China and the Soviet Union at a tense period between the two countries. 

He also expressed President Ikeda’s belief that the youth are the treasures of humanity – which the SGI leader shared with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his second visit to Malaysia in 2000. President Harada also drew from his own youthful experiences in relating how President Ikeda treasured young people, going so far as to buy new shoes for students who struggled financially. 

He then shared how Islam’s core values resonate with Buddhism’s, such as compassion; the “honoured vicegerent” in Islam and the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in Buddhism; peace and justice. Deeper exchanges between Islam and Buddhism must be promoted to strengthen empathy and cooperation. In ending, he quoted a Malay proverb: “Hidup kayu berbuah, hidup manusia berjasa” – which calls for humans to live contributive lives.

Assoc Prof Dr Amilah Awang Abd Rahman from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) presented a response titled “Islamic Perspective on Human Solidarity.” She praised President Harada’s lecture that highlighted profound insights from Nichiren Buddhism that deeply resonate with Islam’s fundamental values. Human solidarity, she stressed, transcends just standing together; it means feeling others’ pain and carrying their burden ourselves. It is not merely an ideal but our duty, one that begins with inner change. Islam and Buddhism enjoin people to rise above fear and suspicion, and support each other in peacebuilding efforts based on dialogue and cooperation. 

Guests included diplomats, academics, university students and SGM members. SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa and Soka Gakkai women’s division general leader Kimiko Nagaishi also attended. 

In welcoming guests prior to the lecture, new ISTAC-IIUM dean Prof Dr Hazizan Md Noon expressed hopes that the lecture will inspire people to strive towards building a more humane, just and peaceful world, and praised its timeliness in an era fraught with increasing global challenges. 

IIUM rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar sent a message, delivered on his behalf by deputy rector of research, innovation and development Prof Dr Mohd Aslam Mohd Haneef. He extolled SGM’s longstanding cooperation with IIUM and ISTAC-IIUM that brought this lecture to fruition and also lauded President Ikeda’s belief in the power of human revolution. He also called for stronger collaboration between IIUM and the Soka Gakkai in striving for peace, justice and human dignity. 

The event also witnessed the launch of the Second Daisaku Ikeda Memorial Lecture book, containing the text of the speeches delivered at the memorial lecture on 26 January.   

The IWPL engages leaders and experts across disciplines on topics such as civilisational dialogue, education and spirituality, promoting shared values and understanding on issues affecting humanity, and fostering collaboration across institutions to address global challenges. Previous speakers have included academics, ambassadors and prominent political leaders.

Words from Attendees

	Medina Hajdarevic Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs, Australian High Commission
This event is a unique platform to share views on interfaith matters. One aspect that left a strong impression on me is the commonality. Despite different religious perspectives, many similar themes were discussed. As a Muslim, I found it interesting to compare and contrast my faith with Buddhist principles.
	Prof Dr Vishalache Balakrishnan Coordinator of Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society, University of Malaya
The lecture mentioned that youth are the treasure of humanity. I agree, as youth are energetic and full of ideas. In my work, I engage with youth to recognise society’s needs and to serve humanity without focusing on differences among people. Their participation is essential to bringing change in society.
	Assoc Prof Dr Azizan Othman Deputy vice-chancellor,New Era University College
The lecture is inspiring as it shares President Ikeda’s perspective on the similarities between Islam and Buddhism, helping to narrow the gap between the two religions. It also enables even non-Buddhists to better understand the Buddhist perspective. Though we may come from different faiths, we stand united in our shared pursuit of peace.
	Assoc Prof Dr Danial Mohd Yusof Director of Peace, Dialogue and Xenophobia Studies Centre, IIUM
When we begin to look through each other’s lenses – as Muslims, as Buddhists – examining scriptures, traditions and practices, we discover many commonalities. This should serve as the foundation for learning to live together, cooperate and collaborate, rather than existing in isolation.
	Dr Lok Lay Hong CEO, Malaysian Institute of Art
Human solidarity is a good topic because we are living in an age when peace needs to be promoted. Everyone has a role to play, but many may underestimate their own significance and feel powerless about saving the world. Today’s lecture reminded us of the importance of inner change, which has the power to change humanity.
	Mohammad Ibrahim Student, Master of Arts in Islamic Thought and Civilisation, IIUM
This event is significant as it provides an opportunity to explore the similarities between different religions, which in turn deepens our understanding of people’s perspectives and behaviour. By learning about others’ faiths, ethical values and ways of thinking, we can better connect with them.