The Sixth World Buddhist Forum opened on Oct.15 at the historic Xuedou Temple in Ningbo, China, drawing over 800 delegates from 72 countries. Themed “Hand in Hand for Coexistence,” this prestigious gathering highlights the role of Buddhism in fostering global peace, addressing societal challenges, and promoting cultural exchange. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
As I arrived at the scenic Xuedou Temple complex, I was struck by the mix of ancient tradition and contemporary thought that permeates the event. This year’s forum is especially notable for its emphasis on practical approaches to global issues, from environmental sustainability to digital transformation, and its focus on how Buddhist values of compassion and inclusiveness can shape a better future.
One of the core sessions featured discussions on the “Wisdom of Inclusiveness in Buddhism,” touching on how Buddhist teachings can be adapted to modern societies. The forum also explored the ongoing digitalization of Buddhist scriptures, underscoring the importance of preserving ancient knowledge while making it accessible to future generations.
The forum’s location at Xuedou Temple, a site with over a thousand years of history, further underlines the importance of tradition in shaping contemporary discourse. The temple, known for its association with the Maitreya Buddha, symbolizes openness and harmony—key themes of the conference. In his opening remarks, Venerable Master Minghai, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, emphasized that the event is “not only for Buddhists but for all people who seek a harmonious relationship with nature and society.”
Through forums, exhibitions, and cultural performances, the World Buddhist Forum continues to position itself as a bridge between East and West, offering a platform for deep dialogue on the global pursuit of peace and mutual understanding. With participation from a diverse range of international delegates, this year’s event serves as a critical reminder of the universal values that can unite us in an increasingly fragmented world.
As the forum progresses, we anticipate further discussions on key issues such as global conflict resolution and the environmental crisis. These dialogues will contribute to the broader goal of fostering cooperation across cultures and ideologies, a mission that aligns with China’s expanding role in promoting religious diplomacy on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates from the forum, including exclusive interviews and insights into how Buddhism’s enduring wisdom is shaping today’s most pressing global conversations.
（Reporting by Johnson Hua )
