About 3000 people joined Run For Peace 2023 at Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreational Park in Ipoh, Perak.
AFTER a three-year break, Run for Peace is back stronger than ever with peace lovers uniting forces to promote the life-affirming philosophy that “Peace Starts With Me.”
The biennial event has been held by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) since 2005 to foster a culture of peace and to date, more than 360,000 people have participated.
The Run for Peace 2023 has expanded towards the adoption of a broader theme of peace to promote the sustainability of the planet, with a focus on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is being held throughout this month at 23 locations nationwide and is expected to attract more than 55,000 participants.
In Ipoh, Perak, more than 3,000 participated at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreational Park.
The event’s organising chairman Woo Chee Seng said that while they continued the fight for a world without nuclear weapons, this year’s run would see a transition towards the adoption of the broader theme of peace with sustainability of the planet.
“The spirit of Run for Peace is encapsulated in the SDGs, which provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future,” he said.
In the Klang Valley, SGM Selangor and Klang Municipal Council (MPK) organised Run for Peace at the Ikeda Peace Park, with more than 7,000 participating.
(From left) Koh, Kok, Nagulendran and Prof Dzulkifli flagging off 4,000 peace lovers at the Run for Peace 2023 at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak campus in Selangor.
MPK president Noraini Roslan flaged off the run. Other guests included Sentosa incumbent assemblyman G. Gunarajah, South Klang OCPD Asst Comm Cha Hoong Fong, Klang District health officer Dr Siti Rohana Saad, SGM deputy president Johnny Ng Teck Sim and its Selangor chairman Steven Chee Hoon Teck.
In his welcoming remarks, Chee said: “Each and every one of us possesses the power to contribute to peace.
“From reducing waste to supporting local eco-friendly events, each small step we take can make a huge difference.”
Noraini in her speech said: “SGM has been playing an important role in disseminating messages of peace to society, regardless of gender, race and social status.”
She also said that the spirit of Run for Peace should become a way of life for residents of Klang, urging participants to actively take action towards realising the SDGs.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) jointly organised Run for Peace at Saidina Hamzah Stadium in its Gombak campus, with more than 4,000 participating.
Despite the downpour in the morning, participants continued to run for the cause of peace and sustainable development.
At the event was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the ministry’s secretary-general Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, IIUM rector Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, SGM general director Koh Sia Feai and its president Michael Kok Fook On.
In his welcoming remarks, Koh said: “We believe that youth play a pivotal role in shaping a better future.
Young people with positive aspirations and strong humanistic values are the foundation for creating a sustainable world.”
Yeoh said: “It takes commitment to come out and join Run for Peace.
“Every step that you take is a statement that we really treasure and appreciate the peace that we enjoy in this country.”
Prof Dzulkifli commended SGM for its unwavering efforts in organising the event over the years.
“This event is a significant symbol of Malaysians’ concern for peace.
“Beyond just the run, it is crucial for us to continue demonstrating and practising this awareness of peace in our daily lives,” he said.
The holding of Run for Peace is inspired by the philosophy and ideals of Soka Gakkai International president Daisaku Ikeda.
In 1957, his mentor Josei Toda made a historic declaration calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for the youth to work towards this.
This marked the beginning of Soka Gakkai’s peace movement.
In line with Toda’s wish, Ikeda has carried out various endeavours, including submitting annual peace proposals to the United Nations since 1983.
He has also been offering concrete solutions to various challenges faced by global society while hoping to sow the seeds of peace in the hearts of youth.
Rooted in the belief that “Peace starts with me”, Run for Peace emphasises that positive change begins with each individual whose actions can contribute to creating harmony and peace in their communities, societies, countries and the world as a whole.
This year, an additional slogan has been introduced where everyone is encouraged to “Act now for SDGs.”
SGM in a media statement urged the people, particularly youths, to actively take action in realising peace and the SDGs to create a peaceful and more sustainable future together.
