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The 11th Nanhai Buddhism Roundtable concluded in Vientiane on October 29, with Buddhist leaders and scholars from 29 countries and regions agreeing to strengthen religious exchanges, expand humanitarian cooperation and promote the use of digital technologies in Buddhist education and cultural preservation.
(KPL) Held from October 28–29 under the theme “Same Origin, Shared Aspiration, Towards Comprehensive Civilization and Prosperity,” the event was co-hosted by the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization (LBFO), in coordination with relevant Lao agencies, the Shenzhen Buddhist Association and Hongfa Temple of China.
At a closing briefing on October 29, Most Venerable Damlong Phimmachack, Vice President of the LBFO Central Committee and Head of its International Sangha Affairs Commission, outlined the main outcomes and cooperation initiatives agreed upon during the roundtable.
Participants discussed applying Buddhist teachings to contemporary challenges, promoting harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, and strengthening exchanges among the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions while respecting their distinct practices and beliefs.
The roundtable also highlighted opportunities to use digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) to support the digitisation of Buddhist scriptures and classical texts. Participants discussed expanding charitable activities under the “Silk Road Light and Compassion Campaign,” including educational scholarships, medical assistance, disaster recovery and marine environmental protection.
In monastic education, the meeting outlined a proposed “2+2” training framework, under which participants would study for two years in their home countries and a further two years in China. The BenHuan Academy was identified as a centre for international monastic education, while the Chinese Temple in Nepal was highlighted as a venue for cross-cultural exchanges.
Other initiatives included establishing Nanhai Buddhist News through Hongfa Dhamma Magazine to share information on Buddhist developments across participating countries and strengthening the permanent secretariat to coordinate implementation of the roundtable’s decisions.
The Lao delegation reaffirmed the Lao PDR’s policy of respecting freedom of belief, ensuring that religious activities are conducted in accordance with the law, and promoting religious unity in support of national development.
The roundtable also provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural and religious ties among participating countries as Laos and China mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.
KPL
