India will host the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit on Jan 24–25, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, focusing on collective wisdom and coexistence.
Global Buddhist Summit 2026: India to Host Major International Buddhist Dialogue
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, will organise the second edition of the Global Buddhist Summit (GBS) on January 24 and 25, 2026.
The prestigious event will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and is expected to emerge as a significant international forum for dialogue on Buddhist perspectives addressing contemporary global challenges.
The summit reflects India’s growing role as a global centre for spiritual diplomacy and civilisational dialogue, drawing upon the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha to address modern-day concerns.
Theme and Contemporary Relevance
The 2nd Global Buddhist Summit will be organised under the theme:
“Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence”
In an era marked by rapid social, political, technological, and environmental transformations, societies across the world face rising conflicts, social alienation, uncertainty, and ecological stress. Against this backdrop, the summit aims to underline the practical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in navigating these challenges.
Core Buddhist principles such as compassion (Karuna), wisdom (Prajna), non-violence (Ahimsa), and harmony will be examined as guiding values for:
- Peaceful coexistence among nations and communities
- Ethical leadership and governance
- Shared prosperity and sustainable development
The summit seeks to show how ancient spiritual insights can offer contemporary solutions for a fractured global order.
Platform for Global Buddhist Dialogue
Aligned with the IBC’s guiding motto “Collective Wisdom, United Voice”, the Global Buddhist Summit is envisioned as a unifying international platform for Buddhist dialogue and cooperation.
Building on the success of the inaugural Global Buddhist Summit held in 2023, the second edition aims to:
- Bring together diverse Buddhist traditions and schools
- Encourage dialogue rooted in ethical reflection and mutual respect
- Articulate a collective Buddhist voice on global issues
By fostering spiritual and philosophical exchange, the summit seeks to strengthen international engagement, cultural understanding, and people-to-people connections.
High-Level Participation and Inauguration
The summit is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chief Guest, continuing the tradition set during the first edition.
Expected Participation:
- Around 200 international delegates
- Supreme Patriarchs and senior Buddhist monks
- Heads of national Buddhist Sanghas
- Eminent scholars, thinkers, and Dhamma practitioners
- Senior dignitaries and policymakers from across the world
The overall audience is expected to exceed 800 participants, making it one of the largest global Buddhist gatherings hosted by India in recent years.
Buddhist Responses to Global Challenges
A key focus of the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit will be deliberations on Buddhist responses to modern global challenges. Discussions will involve:
- State leaders
- Members of the Sangha
- Scholars and spiritual practitioners
Key Areas of Discussion:
- Ethical leadership in times of political and social change
- Social harmony in increasingly diverse societies
- Sustainable living amid climate change and environmental degradation
- Balancing technological progress with human values
- Addressing consumerism, inequality, and mental well-being
The summit aims to demonstrate how the values of Buddha Dhamma can inspire a compassionate, balanced, and sustainable global order.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- Organising Body: International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
- Collaborating Ministry: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
- Event: 2nd Global Buddhist Summit (GBS)
- Dates: January 24–25, 2026
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Theme: “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence”
- Expected Delegates: ~200
- Total Participants: Over 800
- Likely Chief Guest: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Significance for India and the World
The Global Buddhist Summit 2026 reinforces India’s civilisational role as the land of Buddha and highlights Buddhism’s enduring global relevance. By combining spiritual wisdom with contemporary dialogue, the summit seeks to contribute meaningfully to global peace, ethical governance, and sustainable development.
Through collective wisdom and united voices, the event aspires to chart a path toward mutual coexistence and shared human prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
