World Buddhist leaders gathered together and explored the social roles of Buddhism and its future development.

For two days from Apr. 20 to 21, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) held its First Global Buddhist Summit at Ashoka Hotel New Delhi. The Summit was attended by 500 global Buddhist leaders and concerned parties, including: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Minister of Culture G. Kishan Reddy, and other high Indian government officials. Also in attendance were delegates and Buddhist practitioners from 30 countries, including Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Russia, and Cambodia. Korean delegates were represented by Ven. Jeongbeom—acting president of the Overseas Special District of the Jogye Order—who participated on behalf of Ven. President Jinwoo of the Jogye Order. As a delegate of the Jogye Order, Ven. Jeongbeom and Buddhist delegates from other countries explored the developmental direction of Buddhist culture and how to stimulate Buddhist dialogue and exchanges between nations in line with the globalization trend.

In the academic session, scholars and monastics gave presentations and held discussions about diverse themes, including the environmental crises, sustainability, preservation of the Buddhist tradition of Nalanda University, the need for Buddha-dharma in contemporary society, and the roles of the sangha today.

In his greeting, Prime Minister Modi mentioned the Buddhist Holy Sites Projects that are under way at Kushinagar and Lumbini, and emphasized, “What is most needed to resolve international conflicts and crises is the Buddha’s teachings.”

G. Kishan Reddy, Indian Minister of Culture, said, “It is our responsibility to introduce Buddhist history and heritage to the world more broadly. With this goal in mind, the Indian government will strive harder. When the pandemic is over, I hope India will continue to function as a global hub for vigorous International Buddhist exchange.”