Soka University of America to Host Nobel Peace Prize Discussion

As the first step in its partnership with the Nobel Institute, Soka University of America is hosting “The Nobel Peace Prize: Can It Influence World Peace?”, on Tuesday, Jan. 31. SUA Distinguished Adjunct Professor Alexander Harang will join Dr. Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, for an insider’s view of how the Peace Prize laureate is selected and a discussion of the most pressing peace issue of our time: the threat of nuclear weapons.

“This event marks the beginning of a new partnership for us,” said SUA President Edward M. Feasel. “Our ambition is to make the Nobel Seminar at SUA a hub for global peace efforts, and to facilitate academic exchange and deepen cooperation between our institutions in the years to come.”

As the deputy leader and youngest member of the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee that selects Peace Prize laureates, Dr. Toje served as research director for the Nobel Institute for a decade before being elected to the Nobel Committee in 2018. Professor Harang is head of politics at No to Nuclear Weapons and is the former leader of the Norwegian Peace Association.

The crucial work of the Nobel Institute aligns with SUA’s mission of educating global citizens who lead contributive lives. The university’s founder, Daisaku Ikeda, outlined the three attributes of a global citizen as wisdom, courage, and compassion.

“These attributes emerge in our lives through an inner transformation,” Feasel said, “as we begin to see ourselves as part of a larger community where we serve each other and strive toward peace.”

The event at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, is free to attend with registration and will be held in the Athenaeum on campus. Register here: https://www.soka.edu/nobel-peace