Who We Are
In Italy, it actively promotes peace, culture and education. It supports initiatives addressing coexistence and global citizenship, respect for the environment and for life in all its forms, the abolition of nuclear weapons, the rejection of war and violence, and the strengthening of the United Nations.
The Institute is part of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist organisation that connects Soka Gakkai organisations worldwide, bringing together more than 12 million members across 192 countries and territories.
As a non-governmental organisation accredited to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Soka Gakkai International works — together with civil society organisations, intergovernmental agencies and faith-based groups — to address global challenges and promote the well-being of communities. Its honorary president is Daisaku Ikeda (1928–2023), a Buddhist philosopher and peacebuilder.
The teachings embraced by the Soka Gakkai are grounded in the Buddhist humanism of Nichiren Daishonin and belong to the Buddhist tradition of the Lotus Sutra, according to which every person inherently possesses the Buddha nature, endowed with courage, wisdom and compassion.
A path of inner transformation
The Soka Gakkai religious movement promotes a path of personal self-reform based on Buddhist humanism. Its essence lies in profound respect for every form of life. This process rests on a concrete commitment to awaken the innate and limitless potential within each individual. It leads to a conscious way of living, in which actions for the benefit of others also generate benefit for oneself.
From this humanistic perspective, every individual can positively influence their family, their workplace, their communities and society as a whole. This process of inner transformation, known as the Human Revolution, forms the foundation for addressing major global challenges and for building a peaceful and harmonious society.
Our history
The Agreement with the Italian State
The Institute has long promoted inter-Buddhist and interfaith dialogue and engages with the academic world on issues of social relevance. The Agreement Law with the Italian State and participation in 8×1000 funds mark a new starting point to meet the expectations and trust of the Italian society.
