Remarks by Distinguished Guest Rev. Nichiko Niwano, Second Forum

Remarks by Distinguished Guests
Rev. Nichiko Niwano
President, Rissho Kosei-Kai

May 17, 2004

Rev. Nichiko Niwano, President, Rissho Kosei-kai
Reverend Takeyasu Miyamoto, Leader of Myochikai,

I would like to convey my profound admiration and congratulations on the occasion of the Second Forum of the Global Network of the Religions for Children, organized by Myochikai (Arigatou Foundation), which has succeeded in bringing together in Geneva people of faith from all over the world.

The Indian poet and philosopher Tagore once said, “Every child born comes with a message that God has not yet despaired of humankind.”

The shaping of the human heart is the foundation for achieving world peace, and this is the challenge that we should always be addressing.

Someone once said, “Politics and economics both exist for the education of children.” This is because the healthy growth of children is key to a flourishing future for any nation, and hence the world.

It is my genuine hope that this forum will serve as an instrument to liberate children from disease, poverty, and discrimination, and build instead a world where children are full of dreams and hopes and can grow up freely and in health.

Reverend Takeyasu Miyamoto is a very important figure in the Japanese religious community, as well as the world religious community. I sincerely hope that Rev. Miyamoto continues to enjoy good health as he actively inspires the people of the world.