The event brings together Sangha leaders, scholars and Buddhist practitioners from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for dialogue and cooperation, promoting a deeper understanding of common Buddhist values and principles. It also marks an important milestone in the relationship between the three countries that share a rich Buddhist heritage.
In his opening speech at the conference, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, emphasized that for centuries, the Mekong River has played a vital role, not only for the land but also for the common spirit of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Interwoven into that flow are the "threads" of the common Buddhist heritage - a "tapestry" of compassion, non-violence and environmental management; binding the Buddhist communities of the three countries together in a deep spiritual brotherhood.
However, the Mekong River is currently facing many challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, poverty and social inequality that threaten the fabric of life. “Therefore, the Sangha and Buddhist communities must stand together to create positive change; in particular, the Second Summit is not just a celebration but a call to action and sustainable cooperation,” emphasized Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon.
To spread and deepen the spirit of cooperation, turn the promises of the Conference into tangible benefits for the people and the continuous development of Buddhism in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon emphasized the need to expand academic partnerships, protect the environment, exchange cultures, foster intercultural dialogue, and share challenging values.
This conference will be a driving force to turn into reality, not just a memory. Let's turn the small flame of hope into a flame of solidarity, compassion and the change we want to see - a legacy for future generations", Venerable Thich Thien Nhon called.
Sharing the same view, Most Venerable Vong Kim Sorn, President of the Secretariat of the Supreme Buddhist Sangha Council of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also called for strengthening Buddhist cooperation among the three countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; sharing the historical connection between Vietnam and Cambodia; and affirming that this common origin is proof of the connections that have formed the common cultural landscape that needs to continue to develop, paving the way for a more vibrant future of Southeast Asian Buddhist cooperation.
To strengthen cooperation between the parties, Venerable Vong Kim Sorn proposed three important pillars: education, culture and humanism as the foundation, to create new connections, nurture compassion and honor the connection between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions.
At the conference, Most Venerable Mahabounma Simmaphom, President of the Central Buddhist Organization of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, shared a lot of information about Lao Buddhism, the reconnection across the Mekong River; creating new links in education, culture and humanitarianism and sharing the fruits of the blossoming heritage. At the same time, he believed that this Buddhist Leadership Conference is a fertile ground to sow the seeds of innovative cooperation and wisdom sharing in the spirit of connecting the Mekong region: Renewing the Buddhist relationship between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Congratulating the conference, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang shared that the traditional friendship and long-standing close relationship between the three countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia has been increasingly strengthened and expanded; affirming the geographical proximity and similarities in culture, history, religion, especially Buddhist moral values, creating a solid foundation to cultivate and develop the special and long-standing traditional relationship of the people of the three countries in the Southeast Asian region.
“We have the right to believe that in history, present and future, Buddhism in the three countries has, is and will continue to play a great role and influence on the lives, emotions, culture and ethics of the people. For the benefit, peace and prosperity of each country and nation, Buddhism has made important contributions to the formation and building of a good society, contributing with the state and people of the three countries to build a stable life and sustainable national development,” Mr. Vu Chien Thang emphasized.
Mr. Vu Chien Thang believes that the conference is a very meaningful message both in terms of religion and society, especially in strengthening the cooperative relationship connecting countries, nurturing compassion, wisdom and sustainable development in the spirit of friendly cooperation, close coordination in Buddhist work, exchanging and sharing experiences in all fields of Dharma propagation, Buddhist education, social charity, community Buddhist work, application of science and technology in Buddhist work... This can meet social needs and join the international community in solving global problems that are facing such as: crisis of faith, environment, response to climate change, epidemics, conflicts, poverty, erosion of culture, ethics, Eastern traditions... bringing a peaceful life, peace and prosperity to the region and the world.
Also at the conference, delegates, Sangha, scholars and Buddhist practitioners from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia exchanged, discussed and highlighted the role of Buddhism in promoting peace, harmony and environmental protection in the region; emphasizing the commitment of the three countries in jointly promoting the application of Buddhist principles for the development of society and the world. Delegates also discussed promoting common values; jointly implementing initiatives in accordance with Buddhist principles such as compassion, non-violence and environmental management, non-discrimination, providing a path towards bridging divisions and promoting harmony, reflecting important values for a prosperous and inclusive society.
Forums and seminars with the main topics “Buddhist Perspectives on Environmental Management: Nurturing a Sustainable World”; “Interconnectedness and Environmental Justice”; “Buddhist Ethics and Sustainable Living”; “Mindfulness and Eco-Ethics”; “Mindful Consumption and the Environment”; “Environmental Education and Awareness”; “Wisdom and Buddhist Environmentalism”… were also held within the framework of the Buddhist Leadership Conference of Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia.
The conference will last until December 27 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City and Samten Hills, Da Lat, Lam Dong province, ending with a prayer ceremony for world peace.
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