The Club of Rome, the Fifth Element and Soka Gakkai (SG) co-organised an insightful one-day conference titled ‘It’s Time for a Human Revolution!’. This event took place on 9 October 2024 at the SGI-UK Grand Culture Centre, Taplow Court, and was supported by SGI-UK and the Centre for Applied Buddhism. 

This conference aimed to bring together a diverse group of participants, including academics, professionals, youth activists, students, educators, and representatives from NGOs and international organisations. The discussions focused on the critical theme of inner transformation and mutual learning, addressing the complex and interconnected global challenges humanity faces—what we call “the global problematique.” The event seeked to foster deeper connections with the self, others, nature, and the environment. 

This year marks significant anniversaries for both “Before It Is Too Late” (40th anniversary) and “No Limits to Learning” (45th anniversary). “Before It Is Too Late” is a dialogue between Club of Rome founder Aurelio Peccei and former SGI president Daisaku Ikeda, addressing critical global issues such as population growth, the decline of natural resources, desertification, pollution, and deforestation. “No Limits to Learning” revisits global challenges, including energy and the arms race, and explores emerging issues like cultural identity and communication. The book emphasises the importance of new learning and education forms to tackle global problems and bridge the gap between our current capacities and the complexities of these issues. The conference highlighted the pivotal role of inner transformation, as discussed in these works, in addressing global challenges and fostering a “human revolution.” 

At the opening event on the 8th, SGI Europe Co-Chair Mr. Harrap mentioned that Ikeda and Peccei, despite their different cultural and religious backgrounds, found solutions to common human challenges through dialogue. He expressed a desire to model their spirit and practice of dialogue. Three experts, including Ms. Alice Ferrario, a youth coordinator for the nuclear disarmament movement “Senzatomica,” gave presentations.

During the session on the 9th, held online and connecting various locations, SGI-UK General Director Ms. Marchant was followed by Europe Co-Chair Ms. Pritchard, who spoke about how “human revolution,” which promotes inner change in individuals, has the power to fundamentally transform society and the environment. Next, Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Secretary-General of The Club of Rome, delivered a keynote speech. He emphasized that Peccei’s message through various opportunities was one of curiosity and hope to overcome difficulties, not pessimism. He argued that “human revolution” is necessary to achieve a society where both self and others can pursue happiness. A panel discussion was held with David Zandvliet from Simon Fraser University (Canada) and Lucy Attala from the University of Wales (UK).

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