Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace: History, Activities, Development Prospects

Today, there is a tendency in the world for religious leaders to play an increasing role in solving social problems. Buddhist figures in Russia also support this trend and contribute to the development and emancipation of society by applying Buddhist ideas. The purpose of the review article is to introduce into scientific circulation information about the activities of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP), one of the largest and most influential Buddhist organizations in the world, registered as an observer in the UN Economic and Social Councils. To achieve this goal, the article considers the history and prerequisites for the creation of the organization, describes its goals and mission, presents the current leadership, and development prospects. Special attention is paid to the historical significance of the ABCP for the development of Buddhism in general. Despite the great importance of this international religious organization, there is no research that would describe in detail the activities of the ABCP. This article presents an attempt to fill this gap. The article is based on the materials of the author’s personal archives, which include chronicles of the activities of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, as well as records of the meetings of the ABCP. The main research methods are chronological, textual, and descriptive. In addition to the purpose and mission of the ABCP, the article also provides information about the permanent commissions, centers of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, it focuses on the activities of the organization, and the current leadership. The development prospects are described, consisting of seven organizational strategies that ABCP plans to implement in the near future. It should be noted that some of the development strategies have already been implemented or are currently being implemented. Many of the strategies are aimed at solving global problems such as environmental pollution, preventing social conflicts, gender inequality, developing national values and preserving the cultural heritage of Asian countries professing Buddhism, striving for sustainable development in the world in general. As a result of the study, conclusions about the presence of structural and organizational integrity of the ABCP in its current form are substantiated. Despite historical difficulties in its development, the movement has, to date, managed to develop the capabilities of network interaction of its subsystems at different levels; provided competent staff, including figures of local, regional and international authority; and confirmed its ability to engage in solving problems of global interaction by working with Buddhists from different countries.

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