15th June Celebration
On 15th June, we commemorated the 30th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow.

15th June Celebration
On 15th June, we commemorated the 30th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow.
SATURDAY 15TH JUNE 2024
Leave No One Behind: Humanistic Education for the Flourishing of Each Person
Thirty years ago, in June 1994, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda made his last visit to the United Kingdom. It was on that occasion that he visited Scotland for the first and only time and, on 15th June, had an Honorary Doctorate bestowed on him by the University of Glasgow.
On Saturday 15th June 2024, we celebrated the 30th anniversary to showcase the inspirational efforts of Daisaku Ikeda and the impact of his life as we returned to the true purpose of education: a source of personal dignity and empowerment.
Featuring a diverse agenda, the event explored the idea of humanistic education, in its broadest sense, as a means to inspire and empower people and to connect with our local communities.
The event combined a powerful variety of talks and expressions of culture including:
Seeds of Hope and Action Exhibition
Focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 of quality education, the event featured the Seeds of Hope and Action Exhibition.
Dialogues
Including dialogue between young people and education professionals, speakers shared their thoughts on key topics shaping the future of humanistic education.
Cultural Performances
The event also included cultural expressions and artistic displays combining music, dance, art and history.

Daisaku Ikeda
Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) was a Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, educator, author and poet who dedicated his life to fostering a lasting culture of peace through dialogue.
As third president of the Soka Gakkai, founding president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and founder of several international institutions promoting peace, culture and education, he championed the power of dialogue as a central means to addressing global challenges.
This event acknowledged Daisaku Ikeda’s contributions to the field of education for which he was recognised by University of Glasgow.
“The goal of humanistic education is to promote balance and harmony among one’s intellect, emotions, and will by fully developing these three aspects of the human spirit.”
Daisaku Ikeda – The New Human Revolution, Volume 24
“No child lacks a mission. The foundation of true humanistic education is the unshakable conviction that each person has a noble mission in life.”
Daisaku Ikeda – The New Human Revolution, Volume 24
“Human beings possess unlimited potential in the inner depths of their lives that is the source from which all culture is created. Humanistic education draws out that infinite potential, polishes it, and brings it toward perfection, enabling children to lead happy lives and for society to prosper. “
Daisaku Ikeda – The New Human Revolution, Volume 24
Honours across the globe
Throughout Daisaku Ikeda’s life, he received more than 405 academic honours from institutions across the globe, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow.
Click on/touch each flag on the map below to learn more about 45 of the academic honours received by Daisaku Ikeda.
To view the full list of over 405 academic honours, please click here.
Throughout Daisaku Ikeda’s life, he received more than 405 academic honours from institutions across the globe, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow.
Click on/touch each flag on the map below to learn more about 45 of the academic honours received by Daisaku Ikeda. There is also a dropdown box which can be used to view the honour from the list of 45 countries.
To view the full list of over 405 academic honours, please click here.
Soka Education
Daisaku Ikeda is the founder of the Soka (value-creation) School System, setting the goal of education as the realisation of each student’s happiness by fostering their unique creative potential.
With educational institutions in Asia, South America and USA, the system embraces the educational philosophy developed by the first two Soka Gakkai presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, with a focus on peace, social contribution and global consciousness.
Soka Gakkai has also founded a number of research institutes since 1962 in Brazil, Japan and USA.

The Connection Between Soka Education and the University of Glasgow
1451
University of Glasgow's Established
The University of Glasgow, established in 1451, stands as one of Scotland’s premier institutions of higher education.
1800s
Scottish & Japanese Educational Relations
In the mid-nineteenth century, the University of Glasgow made substantial contributions to Japanese education.
1971
Soka University Established
Soka University was established by Daisaku Ikeda in 1971 with students being welcomed to the University of Glasgow soon after.
1971-Now
Soka Gakkai Education
Since 1971, Soka Gakkai has established a number of educational insitutions around the world in Asia, United States of America and South America.
1994
Conferral Ceremony
The conferral ceremony of Daisaku Ikeda’s Honorary Doctorate took place on 15th June 1994, acknowledging his contributions to education and his lifelong efforts for world peace.
Since 1994
Celebrating Daisaku Ikeda's Legacy
Since 1994, we have celebrated the anniversary on 15th June (known as Scotland Day) to share Daisaku Ikeda’s legacy and lasting impact in society.