NEW DELHI: The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) is poised to begin on Wednesday in New Delhi, with the inaugural ceremony set to be presided over by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Founded in 1969 at the behest of Khambo Lama Samaagiin Gombojov, the head of Mongolian Buddhists, the ABCP emerged as a collaborative initiative of Buddhist leaders from various Asian nations. The inaugural gathering included representatives from India, Mongolia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, the USSR, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South and North Korea.
In recognition of its impactful work, the ABCP was granted accredited Non‐Governmental Organisation status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The organisation has become a renowned international Buddhist entity dedicated to durable peace and enhancing the quality of life for all.
On Wednesday, ABCP is also set to inaugurate a regional coordination office at Bodhgaya, further expanding its outreach and impact. The organisation publishes a quarterly journal focusing on Buddhist doctrines, philosophy, and cultural and moral values.
ABCP was honoured with the title “Peace Messenger” by the United Nations for its remarkable contributions. It also granted ABCP the status of an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), highlighting its role as a key player in sustainable development and peace advocacy.
An integral part of ABCP’s initiatives is the ABCP-Medal of Honour, presented to individuals for their outstanding contributions to world peace and alignment with the organisation’s objectives. This award ceremony is a highlight of the General Assembly.
The General Assembly will be inaugurated in the presence of Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences.
The gathering serves as a platform for reaffirming the commitment to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha on Peace and Universal Humanity.
Recalling the historical significance of ABCP’s third conference in 1974, which saw the adoption of the ‘New Delhi Declaration,’ the 12th General Assembly is expected to continue the tradition of fostering unity and collaboration among Asian Buddhists for the greater good.
The event will feature inaugural addresses, messages of greetings from heads of state, and discussions on pressing issues facing the region.