Religious Leaders Spotlight Dialogue and Shared Prosperity at Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026
A significant session on religious harmony and cultural exchange was held on March 27 during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026, bringing together religious leaders and scholars from China and various international backgrounds. Titled “Myriad Mirrors Illuminate Each Other, Harmony and Shared Prosperity - Practicing the Global Governance Initiative with the Wisdom of Religious Adaptation to Local Contexts,” the event aimed to foster interfaith understanding and collaboration.
Moderation and Organization
The session was moderated by Ven. Zong Xing, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, with concluding remarks delivered by Duan Yijun, president of the China Religious Culture Communication Association. It was organized by the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province and the Hainan Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau, and co-hosted by the China Religious Culture Communication Association, the China Committee on Religion and Peace, and the Buddhist Association of China.
Key Insights from Participants
Participants represented Buddhist, Taoist, and Islamic traditions, offering diverse perspectives on global challenges. Ven. Yan Jue, president of the Buddhist Association of China, emphasized that Buddhism has evolved over more than two millennia within Chinese cultural contexts, developing distinct linguistic traditions and providing ideas that resonate across cultures. He highlighted that religious communities can serve as vital channels for dialogue and peacebuilding in addressing shared global issues.
Li Silong, a professor at Peking University, outlined how Buddhism in China has adapted in doctrine, practice, and institutional structure, including through interaction with Confucian frameworks that have shaped relations between religious and secular authority.
Fa Yuan, chairman of the Education Committee of the Taiwan Chinese Buddhist Association, proposed three principles for global governance based on Buddhist philosophy:
- Interdependence
- Compassion grounded in equality
- The wisdom of the Middle Way
International Perspectives and Regional Initiatives
Speakers from other countries underscored the importance of cross-cultural exchange and social cohesion. Ven. (Dr.) Kirinde Assaji of Sri Lanka pointed to long-standing ties between Sri Lanka and China as a model for constructive dialogue. Taufiq Yap Yun Hin of Malaysia stressed mutual respect and inclusive identity in managing diversity in multi-religious societies. Most Ven. Dr. Thich Duc Thien of Vietnam noted that Buddhism’s adaptation to local contexts has supported peace and social integration.
A representative of the World Federation of Daoism expressed willingness to deepen interfaith dialogue, while the session also highlighted regional initiatives. These included the role of the Nanhai Buddhism Academy in training international monastic students and supporting exchanges across Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The session at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 demonstrated a collective commitment to using religious wisdom to address global governance challenges. By promoting dialogue, shared prosperity, and cultural exchange, participants aimed to build a more harmonious and interconnected world.
