History

1961 - 1970
FOOD FIRST

In 6th October 1961, the Congress for Cultivating Universal Human Spirit convened in Tokyo with 460 participants from 18 countries. International Organization for Cultivating Universal Human Spirit organized as a permanent voluntary organization. Dr. Yonosuke Nakano was elected as its first president. In 1965, the predecessor of Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement changed its name and became known by its acronym OISCA. During these five years of foundation, while efforts were being made to establish the organization, OISCA dispatched a study group to India, Pakistan and the Philippines, seeking projects for cooperation.

1971 - 1980
GRASS ROOTS

With the energetic activities of study groups and missions from Japan to other Asian countries, OISCA initiated development cooperation. The unique "OISCA Method" started to take root in Asia.

First Asia Pacific Youth Forum for Community Development convened in Thailand. Taking this opportunity, OISCA began various activities fostering youth. The forum has assembled annually in different Asia and Pacific countries, successfully urging the United Nations to declare "International Youth Year" and making substantial contributions to that institution and its efforts on behalf of the youth. OISCA has attracted worldwide attention, including from UN agencies for its aggressive international activities.

1981 - 1990
LOVE GREEN

A shift of project management to local control took effect. Autonomous management of local training centers in Asia by ex-trainees also was accomplished. In 1991, "Children's Forest Program" was launched. As the roles of NGOs became better recognized, OISCA's support activities increased and became more structured.

1991 - 2000
CHILDREN'S FOREST PROGRAM

After the Rio Summit in 1992, global environmental problems became more serious. As one of the most effective measures in dealing with these problems, OISCA put further emphasis on the Children's Forest Program through expanding its activities in more countries by cooperationg with local and international organizations such as UN agencies, Governments and NGOs.

2001 -
CULTIVATE THE FUTURE