Ibero-American University in Paraguay Confers Posthumous Honorary Doctorate on Daisaku Ikeda
On December 13, 2023, Ibero-American University (Universidad Iberoamericana [UNIBE]) in Paraguay conferred an honorary doctorate posthumously upon Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda in recognition of his enduring contributions to education and the promotion of the culture of peace. The decision to bestow this honor was finalized and communicated in March 2023.
The ceremony took place at the Central Tower
of Soka University in Hachioji, Tokyo. Among the attendees were UNIBE Rector Sanie
Romero de Velázquez and Eduardo Velázquez Romero, the academic director of UNIBE’s
Postgraduate School, who traveled to Japan for this event. Also present were
representative students, faculty and staff from Soka University. Hiromasa
Ikeda, executive advisor to Soka University, accepted the honorary degree
certificate, along with an academic robe and a commemorative medal, on behalf
of his late father, Daisaku Ikeda.
International students from Latin America studying at Soka University welcome the UNIBE delegation at the university’s Central Tower
The university’s history dates back to 1971, when,
after working as a teacher, Rector Romero’s mother opened a private institute
in her home to offer children literary and artistic education. This initiative
stemmed from her deep commitment to education. Concurrently, she pursued her
passion for writing poetry and children’s stories. Rector Romero grew up
observing her mother’s unwavering dedication to others and inherited the fervor
for education herself. Over time, the institute expanded to include a
kindergarten and primary school. Building on this foundation, the
Ibero-American University was established in 2001. Rector Romero’s mother
passed away in January 2023 at the age of 96, leaving behind a profound
educational legacy.
UNIBE presently enrolls approximately 3,500
students across six departments housed within four faculties. Additionally, the
university offers postgraduate programs and distance learning courses. UNIBE’s
main campus is located in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, with an additional
campus situated in San Lorenzo. The institution is dedicated to cultivating
individuals poised to drive positive societal transformation and development.
In her conferral speech, Rector Romero
expressed what a great honor it was for UNIBE to confer upon Mr. Ikeda an
honorary doctorate in recognition of his commitment as an educator, poet and
advocate for peace. She emphasized the importance of highlighting individuals
like Mr. Ikeda, whose life and work can serve as an example for future generations
in building a more just and humane society. UNIBE’s motto is “To educate
professionals with a new mindset for a better world,” which, she said, speaks
to education as a tool to help students become better versions of themselves
and aligns with Mr. Ikeda’s belief that true happiness can only be achieved
through the inner transformation of the individual. She concluded her remarks
with a reading of an excerpt from a poem Mr. Ikeda had composed titled “Ships
of the Paraguayan Sky,” expressing his unwavering resolve to foster global
peace and unity among peoples, “merging [his] finite life with the sky’s vast
expanse.”
In his remarks, Executive Advisor Hiromasa Ikeda noted that the origin of Ibero-American University, which began as a private institute, and the founding of Soka University both date back to 1971. The two universities have passed the half-century mark, achieving significant milestones as they struggled through various challenges together with their respective founders. Mr. Ikeda also referred to a speech made by his father as founder during Soka University’s third entrance ceremony in which he stated that education would continue to be his main task and preoccupation and entrusted young people with humanity’s happiness and peace. He shared that his father had devoted his life wholeheartedly to fostering youth and helping them to achieve the blossoming of their unique individuality and missions in life.
In conclusion, Mr. Ikeda emphasized that as
divisiveness casts a deeper shadow over the world, the light of education,
rooted in respect for humanity and the dignity of life, should shine even
brighter.
This honorary doctorate from UNIBE brings
the total number of academic awards received by Mr. Ikeda to 409.
UNIBE Rector Sanie Romero (3rd from left) entrusts the honorary degree certificate for Mr. Ikeda to Soka University Executive Advisor Hiromasa Ikeda (3rd from right). Others in the photo are: SGI-Paraguay young women’s leader Clara Yamamoto (far left); UNIBE Postgraduate School Academic Director Eduardo Velázquez Romero (2nd from left); Soka University President Masashi Suzuki (2nd from right); and Soka Women’s College President Noboru Mizumoto (far right)
[Adapted from an
article in the December 14, 2023, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
