History
Arigatou International’s history began in 1990, when the leader of the Japanese Buddhist organization Myochikai, Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, established the Arigatou Foundation.
Building upon his many years of work to contribute to world peace, he gave Arigatou the mission of creating a better environment for children, where they can all grow up safe and sound physically, mentally and spiritually. Beginning with providing humanitarian and educational assistance for suffering children around the world, Arigatou has over the years expanded its work significantly by promoting interfaith cooperation for children, working with United Nations agencies, NGOs, grassroots child rights workers, and children themselves. Here are a few of the major milestones in the Arigatou story since then.
Timeline
1990
Arigatou Foundation established by Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, Leader of Myochikai, with the mission of creating a better environment for children.
2000
At the invitation of the Arigatou Foundation, 294 participants representing 7 major religions, from 33 countries and regions, gather in Tokyo to inaugurate the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC).
2002
Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, President of the Arigatou Foundation, addresses the United Nations General Assembly during the Special Session on Children, speaking on behalf of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC).
2008
GNRC Third Forum held in Hiroshima, Japan, with 478 religious leaders and others from 63 countries and 8 world religions, including 42 children and young people. Also present were top United Nations officials, including Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, UN Deputy Secretary General, and Ms. Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF.
2008
At GNRC Third Forum, Arigatou, together with UNICEF and UNESCO, formally launches Learning to Live Together: An Intercultural and Interfaith Programme for Ethics Education.
2012
GNRC Fourth Forum held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together 470 participants from 64 countries, including President Jakaya M. Kikwete of Tanzania.
2017
GNRC Fifth Forum held in Panama City, bringing together 526 people from 70 countries, and adopting the Panama Declaration of Ending Violence Against Children, including the 10 Panama Commitments to End Violence against Children.
2017 ~ 2019
To fulfill the Panama Commitments to end violence against children, 122 follow-up programs, activities and events held in 38 countries by 63 organizations.
