ASIAN BUDDHIST CONFERENCE FOR PEACE (ABCP)

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Context

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace.

Foundation:

• Established in 1970 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as a voluntary movement uniting both monastic (monks) and lay Buddhist followers.

Background:

• Rooted in Cold War Politics, initiated by Buddhist leaders from Mongolia, Buriat, the former Soviet Union, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
• Founded to promote peace, consolidate allies, and engage with the masses through peace movements and organizations.

Leadership:

• Currently headquartered at Gandanthegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, under the presidency of Most Venerable Khambo Lama of Gandan, Gabji Demberel Choijamts.

Objectives:

• Disseminate Lord Buddha's teachings on peace, harmony, compassion, and loving-kindness.
• Consolidate efforts for universal peace, harmony, and cooperation among Asian peoples.
• Foster economic and social advancement, justice, human dignity, and preservation of Buddhist culture.

Activities:

• Held 11 General Conferences in various countries, drawing active participation from across Asia.
• Published the journal "Dharmaduta" and maintained collaborations with organizations like the Christian Peace Conference and Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization.
• Conducted regular Annual Consultative Meetings, with recent ones in New Delhi (2017), Dhaka (2018) Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia (in 2019).

Regional Presence:

• Active membership from North and South Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Central Tibetan Administration, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan, and Russia.
• Regional centers include ABCP Japan Center, ABCP Lao National Center, and ABCP Vietnam Center.