The International Buddhist Forum is an event that brings together representatives of Buddhism from all over the world to discuss current issues of the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy and practice, as well as to strengthen international cooperation between Buddhist organizations in different countries.
The first two forums were held in Buryatia in 2023 and 2024. The organizers were the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia, the Government of the Republic of Buryatia, the Foundation for Assistance to Buddhist Education and Research with the support of the Roscongress Foundation.
Over the two years of its existence, the forum has received serious support from believers, religious and public associations, scientists, and theologians from many countries. It was attended by representatives of 14 foreign countries, including key Buddhist powers: India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Nepal, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Bhutan.
In 2023, the forum held discussions on various aspects of preserving and developing Buddhism in the world: they discussed Buddhist education, the position of Buddhism in modern society and the information space, international cooperation of states where this teaching is widespread, as well as Eastern medicine and the preservation of cultural and historical heritage. In 2024, a discussion was held on issues related to global challenges of our time, fundamental issues of human development, ecology, and pilgrimage tourism.
Thanks to the Buddhist forum, Russia positions itself as part of the Buddhist world and has declared itself as a Buddhist power, which provides additional opportunities for strengthening cooperation with Buddhist countries in various fields. In 2023, at the opening of the Day of the Republic of Kalmykia within the framework of the international exhibition-forum "Russia" at VDNKh in Moscow, the Head of Kalmykia Batu Khasikov announced that the III International Buddhist Forum will be held in Elista.
Kalmykia is the only Buddhist region in Europe. And the Head of the Republic expressed pride that such a major event will be held here. "In 2022, President Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of a Fund for Assistance to Buddhist Education and Research at the federal level. And we want to contribute to strengthening relations between Buddhist countries. This is a unique opportunity for us. We see great potential in this," said Batu Khasikov