First Asian Buddhist Summit held in New Delhi

The first Asian Buddhist Summit will be held in New Delhi on November 5 and 6, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu was the chief guest.

The first Asian Buddhist Summit aims to unite Sangha leaders, scholars, experts, and practitioners of various Buddhist traditions across Asia to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and address contemporary challenges facing the Buddhist community. 

Sangha in Buddhism refers to the people who follow the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Organiser of the First Asian Buddhist Summit 

The first Asian Buddhist Summit is being organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation.

Theme of the First Asian Buddhist Summit

‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” is the theme of the First Asian Buddhist Summit.

The theme highlights the summit's aim to explore and find a common link between various traditions, practices, and beliefs prevalent in Asia. It will also explore the role of Dhamma in strengthening and nurturing a new value-based society.

Indian Government's effort to promote Buddhist Heritage 

The Buddhist religion originated in India in the 6th BCE. Prince Siddhartha, born in Lumbini, Nepal, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and started preaching the fundamental concepts of Dhamma, known as the turning of the wheel of Dhamma, at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.

Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Japan, and Central Asia.

The government of India has taken several steps to strengthen relations with countries where Buddhism is strong. As part of its cultural diplomacy, it has engaged the countries of Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka by emphasising a shared Buddhist heritage.

• The first Global Buddhist Summit was held in April 2023 in New Delhi and it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Summit was organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation. 
• The first International Conference on Share Buddhist Heritage was organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation in March 2023. It was held as part of the Indian presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• International Abhidhamma Divas was held on 17 October 2024 in New Delhi. 

About International Buddhist Confederation  

The International Buddhist Confederation is a global umbrella organisation of Buddhist bodies headquartered in New Delhi. 

The International Buddhist Confederation has been registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860.

The main aim of the International Buddhist Confederation is to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage worldwide.