IBF ELISTA
2025
III INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST FORUM
V. V. Putin
"Buddhism, its culture and traditions had a great influence on the formation of Russia, (…) played a unique role in shaping a united consolidated nation, became a high moral and spiritual guideline for hundreds of thousands of people"

BUDDHIST WORLD
IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

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
25-28 September
Republic of Kalmykia, Elista
Aims of the Forum
International Unity of Buddhists
strengthening international ties between Buddhists representing different schools, trends and traditions
Buddhism and the Challenges of Modernity
updating the understanding of Buddhism in the context of the challenges and opportunities offered by modern society
Partnership in Science and Culture
promoting the development of international partnerships in the fields of science, education, culture, medicine, tourism and Buddhist practice, as well as coordinating efforts to protect traditional spiritual and moral values ​​and counteract the challenges of modern times
Buddhist education
development of Buddhist education
Russia's Authority and Traditions
strengthening Russia’s authority in the international arena as a country that protects and preserves traditional values
Development of Buddhism and Dialogue
a comprehensive discussion of the development of Buddhism, Buddhist culture, philosophy and practice, as well as the creation of a platform for international dialogue
Buddhism - is a life philosophy that allows you to know yourself and the world around you and make it better
The International Buddhist Forum’s activities encompass dozens of countries for which Buddhism is the key to preserving spirituality, traditional values, the development driver, the basis for collaboration
Preservation and development of the monastic institution
Perspective and practice of traditional medicine of buddhist countries
Buddhism and development of tourism potential
Debates, workshops, discussions on the role of Buddhism
The solemn opening ceremony of the forum
Musical offering of the Three Jewels with participation of 1000 musicians
National cultural and sports festival «Djangariada»
Forum events
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Event organizers
Event partners
News
History of the forum
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
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