World Conference of Mayors for Peace. During his visit, Mayor Akiba extended his condolences and shared his insights regarding the historic legacy of such tragic events. As a way of contributing to the recovery of New York over the past year, HAI has opened its doors to the worthy efforts of September’s Mission and 9/11 WVFA. The purpose of September's Mission is to support the development of a memorial park on the former World Trade Center site that ties into the overall redevelopment of Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 Widows and Victims Families’ Association represents family interests in civic decisions regarding redevelopment and memorial construction. These two groups are part of The Coalition of September 11th Families, a collective of eight groups which meet weekly at HAI to share information on issues related to 9/11.

The visit illustrated the connection between people and organizations -- such as Tadatoshi Akiba, September's Mission, 9/11 WVFA, and HAI -- whose work is founded upon a shared desire to promote healing, beauty and human compassion.