Researchers of IRISE presented at the ANGEL Conference 2025 held in Berlin, Germany

ANGEL Conference 2025, an international conference organized by ANGEL (Academic Network on Global Education & Learning), run by the Development Education Research Center (DERC) at UCL Institute of Education (IOE), UK was held at the Humboldt Forum (formerly the Royal Palace of Berlin) in Berlin, Germany, from June 4 to 6, 2025. With the theme “Research in Global Education and Learning: For Democracy, Peace, Human Rights, Sustainability, and Global Social Justice,” the conference was attended by over 400 researchers, representatives from international organizations and governments, and educators from 65 countries across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia.

On June 6, the birth anniversary of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the propounder of Value-Creating Pedagogy, a panel session about Soka Education's philosophy, history, practice, and research was held. Professor Takao Ito from the Faculty of Letters presented on the topic “The Origins of Value-Creating Education in an Era of Fascism,” and discussed the implications of Mr. Makiguchi’s philosophy of global citizenship education on the current society where the crisis of democracy is often spoken about, bringing to light the significance of Mr. Makiguchi’s educational philosophy and struggle for freedom of speech.

Dr. Tetsuko Watanabe, a researcher from IRISE presented on “The Present-day Practice of Value-Creating Education,” and examined the impact that Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda’s three proposals on education (1984, 2000, 2001) had on the discussion on Global Citizenship Education, along with the impact of his ideas on the practice of dialogue-based learning being conducted at the Tokyo Soka Elementary School.

Dr. Stephanie Kukita, a faculty member of IRISE, introduced the Institute’s research activities and efforts to foster global citizens in her presentation, “Works at IRISE: Initiatives and Research on Value-Creating Education and Global Citizenship.”

Dr. Namrata Sharma from the State University of New York, USA, offered insights on “Advancing Global Education and Democracy through the Practice of Value-Creating Education” as a discussant of the panel session. A lively exchange of opinions took place over questions from the audience, including the contribution of Soka education in establishing a democratic society and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and Soka education.

Professor Ito, who gave a presentation at the conference, said, "It was very meaningful to be able to discuss Mr. Makiguchi’s educational philosophy, which represents the wartime resistance in Japan, with researchers here in Germany this year, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.”

Dr. Watanabe said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to present Soka University Founder, Daisaku Ikeda’s ’education proposals’” and the practices of Soka Elementary School in Germany. This opportunity allowed us to connect with researchers worldwide and expand our network. I will continue to advance my research while writing papers on Soka Education.”

Dr. Kukita stated, “It was a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the significance of Soka Education and its potential for further implementation within the increasingly important framework of global education, and to gain insights that can be used in future research.”