2026 Lancang-Mekong Buddhist Exchange Meeting Convenes in Nanning

The 2026 Lancang-Mekong Buddhist Exchange Meeting was successfully held on Friday in Nanning, South Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Under the theme “Brighten the Light of Mind, Share a Vision for Common Prosperity[Helen2.1]”, the meeting brought together more than 100 Buddhist representatives and distinguished guests from seven countries — China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka — to foster bonds of Buddhist fellowship, deepen dialogue and exchanges, enhance people-to-people affinity, and write a new chapter together in building a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future.

In his opening address, Most Ven. Yan Jue, president of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), said that as a traditional faith shared by all Lancang-Mekong countries, Buddhism has always played a positive role in promoting friendly interactions and forging a profound spiritual bond among the peoples of the region. The Buddhist communities of all Lancang-Mekong countries should take this meeting as an opportunity to further deepen mutual understanding, consolidate traditional friendship among Buddhists, and expand pragmatic cooperation, actively respond to the Four Global Initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation among all Lancang-Mekong countries, to make more contributions to the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people across the Lancang-Mekong Basin.

In his address at the same opening ceremony, Most Ven. Phra Brahmapundit, president of the International Council for United Nations Day of Vesak and Member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, noted that the Lancang-Mekong countries are connected by a shared river, boast a long, uninterrupted history of civilizational exchanges and inherit a rich Buddhist cultural heritage. Upholding peace, embracing inclusiveness, and promoting sustainable development are our shared responsibilities. Lancang-Mekong countries should join hands to make this land linked by shared waters a model of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, a place where economic prosperity is accompanied by compassion and care, and where diverse cultures illuminate each other through mutual respect.

Ven. Phouangpasert Phoumavong, vice president of the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos; Ven. Bhaddanta Sandi Marbhimvamsa, chairperson of the State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee of Myanmar; Rev. Wendaruwe Upali Thero, deputy chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka; and Ven. Pasonglie Longzhuangmeng, vice president of the BAC, also delivered keynote speeches.

Ven. Som Sokha, president of the Buddhist Association of Cambodia, submitted a written keynote address.

Representatives attending the meeting engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on three major topics: "Prospects and Development of the Digitization of Buddhist Scriptures", "The Role and Contribution of Buddhism in Social Development of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin", and "The Significance of Mutual Learning and Mutual Reference between Northern and Southern Buddhist Traditions". The discussions aimed to promote the Buddhist teachings of equality, compassion, the Middle Way and peace; carry forward traditional friendship among Buddhists; and expand opportunities for exchanges and cooperation. They also sought to build broad consensus and pool collective strength to safeguard regional peace and stability and advance the building of a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future.

During the meeting, Buddhist representatives of all participating countries held a Buddhist Prayer Ceremony for World Peace at Tianning Monastery in Nanning.

This meeting was hosted by the Buddhist Association of China and organized by the Buddhist Association of Guangxi.