International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva

On September 14, 2009, a delegation headed by Goi Peace Foundation Chairperson and President paid a visit to ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and presented a Peace Pole to the organization commemorating its 90th anniversary.
ILO is the global focal point devoted to advancing opportunities for all people to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
In his speech, Mr. Hiroo Saionji congratulated the ILO leaders and staff for their tireless efforts in promoting social justice and human and labour rights. Mr. Assane Diop, ILO Executive Director for the Social Protection Sector, accepted the Peace Pole on behalf of ILO Director-General. He emphasized that ILO’s vision had much in common with the Goi Peace Foundation’s Declaration for All Life on Earth.

Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt

On May 16, 2006, Goi Peace Foundation president Hiroo Saionji presented a desktop Peace Pole to H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Minster of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, during his official visit to Japan. In the ceremony and reception hosted by Ambassador Hisham Badr at the Embassy of Egypt, Mr. Saionji commended Mr. Gheit for his leadership role in advancing peace in the Middle East, his efforts towards fostering Egyptian-Japanese relations, and his vision of enhancing international cooperation and promoting dialogue among civilizations. Mr. Gheit and Ambassador Badr joined their voices with Mr. Saionji to read out the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in Arabic displayed on the Peace Pole reaffirming their commitment to world peace.

The Organization of The Islamic Conference, Jeddah

On April 3, 2006, the Goi Peace Foundation presented a Peace Pole to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) at its headquarters in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The OIC is the political focal point for 57 Muslim Nations spread over five continents and representing almost one fifth of the world population. The Peace Pole was dedicated in recognition of the OIC's outstanding commitment to the creation of a Culture of Peace and for building a global alliance of solidarity among Muslim Nations as well as for safeguarding the dignity and independence of all Muslim people. OIC has increasingly gained political weight in world affairs during the past years, and will continue to play an important role in the Dialogue among Civilizations and in the building of Alliance of Civilizations in these crucial times of tension between the Western World and the Islamic World.

OIC Secretary General, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, accepted the Peace Pole from the Goi Peace Foundation European Representative, Patrick Uwe Petit, in a ceremony attended by the Ambassadors of the OIC Member States, OIC officials and staff. In his statement, Professor Ihsanoglu expressed his appreciation to the Foundation's mission in promoting global peace and harmony and prayed for the success of its commendable activities and the attainment of its noble objectives.

The Andean Community, Lima

On July 12, 2005, a Peace Pole was dedicated at the Andean Community General Secretariat in Lima, Peru on the occasion of the first anniversary of the presidential declaration establishing the Andean Zone of Peace. As of 2006, the Andean Community is an intergovernmental organization of four member countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru that have decided to join together voluntarily for the purpose of achieving more rapid, more balanced and autonomous development through Andean, South American and Latin American integration. The Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony was attended by ambassadors and governmental representatives of the Andean Community member countries, officials of the General Secretariat, as well as Peruvian parliamentarians, academics and civil society leaders. Secretary General Allan Wagner Tizón stressed in his commemorative speech the Community's strong commitment to establish peace and harmony within its region of influence. It was Ambassador Wagner's decision to dedicate the Peace Pole with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the indigenous languages of Aymara and Quechua on the one hand, and Spanish and Portuguese on the other. The monument thus links the old and new civilizations, serving as a "mediator" between both worlds and traditions, so that true peace can prevail in this beautiful region. The Secretary General stated that he will have every State guest at the Andean Community General Secretariat visit the Peace Pole.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva

On the occasion of Human Rights Day (December 10, 2003), marking the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, a Peace Pole was dedicated in a ceremony at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, launching commemorative events organized by the UN in both Geneva and New York.
The six-sided Peace Pole, displaying the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the six official UN languages, was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Saionji to the Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Bertrand Ramcharan, in recognition of the OHCHR's relentless dedication to the protection and promotion of human rights for all.
Following a minute of silence led by Mrs. Saionji in memory of the late High Commissioner Sergio Vieira de Mello who lost his life in Baghdad, Mr. Ramcharan delivered a speech in which he noted the common mission shared by the OHCHR and the Goi Peace Foundation: namely to create a peaceful and just world for all by raising the awareness of human rights, fundamental freedoms, respect and tolerance. He also added his hope that this event would be the beginning of a fruitful cooperation between the two organizations.

President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

On November 26, 2003, Mr. and Mrs. Saionji met with President Girma Wolde Giorgis of Ethiopia at the presidential palace in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, Mr. Saionji commended the President's leadership in environmental protection and humanitarian activities and presented him with a desktop Peace Pole on behalf of the Goi Peace Foundation. President Girma affirmed that peace is a prerequisite for a harmonious and sustainable environment and welcomed the Foundation's activities to bring peace awareness to the world community. He expressed his support for the Declaration for All Life on Earth and said that his country is looking forward to closely cooperating with the Foundation to promote a culture of peace.

During their stay in Addis Ababa, the Saionji's also met with His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; Ambassador Teshome Toga, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture of Ethiopia; and Deputy Chairman Patrick Mazimhaka of the Commission of the African Union to discuss future partnership for peace.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Geneva

On July 14, 2003, a Peace Pole was presented to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Dr. Ruud Lubbers by the Goi Peace Foundation Chairperson and President in recognition of UNHCR's humanitarian achievements and efforts to find peaceful solutions to humanitarian crises. During the ceremony in the UNHCR Atrium attended by UNHCR officials, the High Commissioner stated that efforts to resolve conflicts and build peace around the world are vital in achieving the goal of UNHCR. The hexagonal Peace Pole is inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the six official languages of the United Nations.

World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva

On July 11, 2003 a Peace Pole dedication ceremony took place at the headquarters of the WHO in Geneva, Switzerland. In attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Saionji, WHO Director General Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland and other WHO officials. During the dedication ceremony, Mr. Saionji stressed the important role the WHO is playing in the improvement of global health and commended its achievements during the last five years under Dr. Brundtland's leadership; which have included dealing with the recent challenge of SARS, as well as the ongoing problems of Malaria, HIV/AIDS and tobacco control. Dr. Brundtland said in her speech that good health ensures people a life of dignity and peace, and in the absence of good health, nations cannot prosper and their people cannot fulfill their potential. She stressed that therefore, the Goi Peace Foundation and the WHO shared the same goal.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna

On July 10, 2003 a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony took place at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. The IAEA is an intergovernmental institution created in the 1950's to ensure the safe and peaceful development of nuclear technologies. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji presented the Peace Pole to the IAEA Acting Director General Mr. David Waller, with close to 40 IAEA officials attending the ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Waller noted the similarities between the Goi Peace Foundation and the IAEA, stating that both organizations had the same roots being founded after the devastation witnessed through the use of atomic bombs, in the hope of creating a peaceful and secure world. Mr. Walker stated that the six-sided Peace Pole will be placed in the Plaza of the Vienna International Center, home of various UN organizations such as the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Vienna

On January 30, 2003, the Goi Peace Foundation presented a Peace Pole to OPEC at its Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. This was in recognition of the organization's contribution to world peace and sustainable development, by promoting oil market stability and international cooperation in improving the welfare of people around the world. OPEC Secretary General Dr. Alvaro Silva Calderon accepted the Peace Pole in a ceremony attended by OPEC Governors, officials and staff members as well as delegates of Member Countries.

International Monetary Fund (IMF), Washington, DC

On December 19, 2002, a Peace Pole was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Saionji to the IMF Managing Director, Mr. Horst Koehler in the IMF Gallery at the organization's headquarters. The IMF, consisting of 184 member countries, promotes international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, and orderly exchange arrangements; in order to foster economic growth and high levels of employment. The IMF also provides temporary financial assistance to countries to help ease balance of payments adjustment. The Peace Pole was dedicated to the IMF to honor the organization's contribution to the creation of a Culture of Peace and global prosperity. In the ceremony attended by IMF officials and guests, Mr. Koehler gave an inspiring acceptance speech, while the IMF Spouse Choral Group graced the occasion with their performance and the youth representatives read their essays on the topic of peace.

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Kathmandu

On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of SAARC Charter Day, a Peace Pole was dedicated at the SAARC Secretariat on December 10, 2002. The same day is also observed worldwide as the Human Rights Day. SAARC provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, and aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development amongst its Member States, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAARC Secretary General Mr. Q.A.M.A. Rahim accepted the Peace Pole and unveiled it in the presence of SAARC officials and Heads of Mission. The Peace Pole is inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in all the languages of the SAARC Member States.

President of the United Nations General Assembly, New York

On October 25, 2002, the Goi Peace Foundation presented a Peace Pole to H.E. Mr. Jan Kavan, President of the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The six-sided Peace Pole is inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the six official UN languages. Mr. Kavan accepted the Peace Pole commenting that the activities of the Goi Peace Foundation were concurrent with the promotion of the fundamental values of the United Nations, and that the Foundation's work was valuable in connecting peoples sharing common ideals.

World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva

On July 22, 2002, a Peace Pole was presented by Mr. Saionji to the World Trade Organization Director General Mr. Mike Moore at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva. This was in honor of the WTO's contribution to improving the multilateral trading system and the welfare of the peoples living in the WTO member states. The six-sided Peace Pole was dedicated in the WTO's inner courtyard, with Deputy Director Generals and other WTO officials attending the ceremony.

President of the Republic of the Philippines

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Cabinet secretaries, government officials, members of the diplomatic community and the legislature, environmental groups and religious leaders in officially opening "Earth Week" (April 16-22) on April 16, 2002, at the Batagaz Provincial Capitol Grounds, Batangas City. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji were invited to the inaugural event as special guests. They were met by the organizers, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Heherson Alvarez and his wife at the Manila Airport, where Mr. Saionji gave a press conference upon arrival. The Earth Week ceremony, entitled "A Moment of Peace and Ecumenical Prayers," featured the unveiling of a Peace Pole and a tree-planting ceremony, as well as the recitation of the Declaration for All Life on Earth.

During the previous Earth Day celebrations in 2001, President Arroyo planted a Peace Pole in the garden of the Malacanang Palace. A Peace Pole was also planted in the garden of the Philippine Parliament for the observance of Earth Day 2000, initiated by then Congressman Alvarez through a congressional resolution.
(Photo courtesy of DENR Office of the Secretary, the Philippines)

Pacific Islands Forum, Suva

On February 22, 2002, a Peace Pole was presented to the Pacific Island Forum at its Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, in recognition of the Forum's collective effort in promoting peace and harmony in the region and beyond. Secretary General Mr. Noel Levi unveiled the Peace Pole in a ceremony attended by about 200 guests, including the ambassadors of the Forum's member states, Fiji government officials, media representatives, and students of the University of the South Pacific. The Peace Pole will be displayed in the Secretariat "Fale" during the conference of the Heads of States in March, 2002, after which it will be planted in a prominent place on the Secretariat's grounds.

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Minsk

On January 16, 2002, a Peace Pole dedication ceremony was held at the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of the Independent States (CIS) in Minsk, Belarus. The ceremony commemorated the 10th anniversary of the regional organization, comprised of 12 sovereign states, which emerged from the former Soviet Union. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji presented the Peace Pole to the Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, H.E. Mr. Yuri Yarov, to commemorate CIS’s leading role in creating a Culture of Peace in the region. All Permanent Representatives of the member states, as well as representatives of the 12 foreign ministries, CIS staff, representatives of the Belarussian government and the media attended the ceremony, which took place in the historic Round Hall at the CIS headquarters, where the CIS Charter was signed.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, Bucharest

To mark the occasion of the OSCE Ministerial Council Summit at the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest on December 2, 2001, a Peace Pole was presented to the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Hon. Adrian Severin. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly brings together parliamentarians from the 55 participating States to facilitate inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation. The Peace Pole symbolizes the important role parliamentarians are playing to create and secure peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.

The World Bank Group, Washington, DC

On November 26, 2001, a Peace Pole was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Saionji to the World Bank President James Wolfensohn at the Bank’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of development assistance and is dedicated to creating a world free of poverty. World Bank officials, scientists, religious representatives and economists alike attended this momentous ceremony. Youth representatives from the Georgetown Day School also contributed to the ceremony through music and art and their eloquent testimonies to peace.

League of Arab States, Cairo

During Ramadan, on November 22, 2001, a Peace Pole dedication ceremony was held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji presented a Peace Pole to the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, H.E. Mr. Amre Mussa. The event was attended by the Ambassadors of the 22 member states of the League as well as their children, staff members and various media representatives.

Organization of American States (OAS), Washington, DC

On August 16, 2001, a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony took place in the US capital at the headquarters of the Organization of American States, in the Hall of Heroes. This special event was held to celebrate a Culture of Peace and Democracy in the Americas. On the day, the OAS Democratic Charter was launched and was presented by all the Permanent Representatives to the OAS. The OAS is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 34 member states within the American hemisphere. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji presented a Peace Pole to the OAS Assistant Secretary-General Ambassador Luigi Enaudi. Also in attendance was H.E. Mr. Hernan Castro, Chairman of the OAS Permanent Council.

President of the Republic of Lithuania

On July 24, 2001, a Peace Pole was dedicated in Lithuania on the Hill of Crosses located 12 km from Siauliai. This Peace Pole was a gift from the Goi Peace Foundation and was accepted by the Lithuanian President Valdus Adamkus, who had earlier visited Japan in April 2001. The Hill of Crosses is a famous Christian pilgrimage site with more than 50,000 crosses of various sizes standing on the hill. Pope John Paul II visited this hill in 1993. After a special mass held by Bishop Eugenijus Bartulis at Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, the participants proceeded to the Hill of Crosses to plant the Peace Pole. Mr. and Mrs. Saionji, the Mayor of Siauliai, and Dr. Remigijus Gaska from the President’s Office also attended the ceremony. The Peace Pole with a small cross attached on the top is inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in Lithuanian, Japanese, and English and also the message “Tebuna Lietuvoje taika” (meaning “May peace be in Lithuania,”) representing the spirit of the Lithuanian people.

Parliament of the Independent State of Samoa, Apia

In celebration of the Independent State of Samoa as a peaceful nation in the Pacific and as a model for the Culture of Peace around the world, a Peace Pole was planted at the Parliament House of Samoa (Fono) on April 9, 2000. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Fono, Members of Parliament, the international delegation of the First Global People’s Assembly and local school children. On the occasion, a World Peace Prayer Ceremony was performed by school children from four different schools.

National Assembly of the Republic of Namibia

On the occasion of Namibia’s Eleventh Anniversary of Independence, a Peace Pole was dedicated at the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia in Windhoek, on February 22, 2001. Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Mosé Tjitendero stressed the importance of the event for his country and the continent of Africa. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs T. Kalomoh pointed out that Namibian President Sam Nujoma was signing the Lusaka Agreement at the UN on that very day, outlining the peace process for the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Peace Pole is a reminder to all parties to continue on the path of peace and reconciliation. A World Peace Prayer Ceremony for the entire continent of Africa was performed by school children to Members of the Namibian government, Parliamentarians, the Diplomatic Corps and church representatives who were in attendance.

Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jakarta

The Association of South East Asian Nations consists of 10 nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In line with the ASEAN Vision 2020 for a “Zone of Peace,” a Peace Pole was presented by Mr. and Mrs. Saionji to the ASEAN Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Rodolfo Severino on January 29, 2001. Ambassadors of the member states and ASEAN staff members also attended the ceremony.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretariat, Vienna

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe encompasses 55 participating European and western Asian nations plus the United States and Canada. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding Helsinki Final Act Treaty, which was signed in 1975 to overcome the effects of the Cold War, a Peace Pole was presented to the OSCE Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Jan Kubis on December 18, 2000 at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna.

The Pentagon, Washington, DC

On September 22, 2000, a Peace Pole dedication ceremony was held at the Pentagon, the building that houses the United States Department of Defense in Washington, DC. The Peace Pole, which is located in the Prayer Room of the Pentagon, had been placed there in the previous spring by Pentagon Chaplain (LTC) Henry A. Haynes. The dedication ceremony included a Native American prayer, a presentation of the Peace Flame, Peace songs, and heartfelt prayers for peace.

United Nations, New York

Millennium Peace Day was observed on September 18, 2000, in honor of the International Day of Peace. The UN Department of Public Information, the World Peace Prayer Society and Pathways to Peace created their annual event for children at the United Nations in celebration of this day. School children were greeted by Mrs. Nane-Annan, wife of the UN Secretary-General. Mrs. Nohora Puyana de Pastrana, First Lady of Colombia, Nobel Peace Laureate Ms. Betty Williams, and UN General Assembly President Mr. Harri Holkeri were also among the participants. In the World Peace Flag Ceremony, children raised the flags of all UN Member States, and sent peace to each country, with the declaration “May Peace Prevail in the United Nations!” A child then rang a Peace Bell to mark a Minute of Silence, launching the Decade of a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.

International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF), Paris

The International Organisation of the Francophonie is an intergovernmental alliance with 51 French-speaking member states and 4 observer states. The OIF is working for peace, democracy, human rights, education, cultural diversity and for economic development among its member states. On July 16, 2000, a Peace Pole was presented to the OIF Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali in Paris in recognition of the organization’s achievements in promoting peace within the French-speaking world.

United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

On February 4, 2000, a Peace Pole was dedicated at the United Nations Office at Nairobi in the Garden of Remembrance for victims of the US Embassy bombings there and in Dar es Salaam in the previous year. UNON Director-General Klaus Topfer, together with the Mayor of Nairobi, led the gathering of over 300 people in reciting “May Peace Prevail on Earth” for each continent of the world, as the flags of the 188 UN nations were raised by the National Students Council for Peace. The Peace Pole donated by the World Peace Prayer Society carries the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in the six official UN languages. The Peace Pole has since become a focal point of peace events at UNON.