Dharamshala: Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) hosted the First Asian Buddhist Summit 2024, themed “Role of Buddhism in Strengthening Asia”. The two-day summit was held at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi from 5 to 6 November 2024. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s written message for the summit was read by Ven. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation.

The summit was inaugurated by Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Honorable President of India, who attended as the chief guest. She was joined by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture, and Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs. Their presence underscored the Indian government’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and exchange.

Mr. Tenzin Lekshay, Official Spokesperson and Additional Secretary of International Relations, Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, delivered a presentation on Tibetan Buddhism, elaborating on its historical and spiritual significance, and its continued relevance in today’s world. He also discussed the teachings and global impact of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, emphasizing His messages of Buddhist values, science, and religion.

The summit saw the participation of many revered Buddhist leaders, including His Eminence Menri Trizin Rinpoché, Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche, Kyabje Kundeling Rinpoche, Venerable Mingyur Rinpoche, Venerable Yangten Rinpoche among others. Many senior monks, abbots, and spiritual heads from a wide array of Buddhist traditions across Asia attended the summit and, engaged in discussions on Buddhism’s potential to address contemporary global challenges.

Throughout the two-day event, key discussions focused on the role of Buddhism in promoting social harmony, ecological sustainability, and fostering interfaith dialogue, all crucial in the context of Asia’s diverse and complex societies.

The Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 underscored the importance of continuing the dialogue on Buddhism’s role in strengthening the cultural, spiritual, and socio-political ties within Asia, with a focus on sharing wisdom for a peaceful future.

In total, the summit attracted over 700 attendees, including Buddhist leaders, monks, scholars, educators, and practitioners, reflecting the deep interest in Buddhist teachings as a force for peace and unity in the region.