Religious leaders spotlight dialogue and shared prosperity at Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026
A session on religious harmony and cultural exchange took place on March 27 during the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026, bringing together religious leaders and scholars from China and abroad.
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 session was moderated by Ven. Zong Xing, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. Concluding remarks were delivered by Duan Yijun, president of the China Religious Culture Communication Association. Participants represented Buddhist, Taoist and Islamic traditions.
The event was organized by the Buddhist Association of Hainan Province and the Hainan Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau.
Ven. Yan Jue, president of the Buddhist Association of China, said Buddhism has evolved over more than two millennia within Chinese cultural contexts, developing distinct linguistic traditions and offering ideas that resonate across cultures. He added that religious communities can serve as channels for dialogue and peacebuilding in addressing shared global challenges.
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 shaped relations between religious and secular authority.
Fa Yuan, chairman of the Education Committee of the Taiwan Chinese Buddhist Association, highlighted the contemporary relevance of Buddhist philosophy, proposing three principles for global governance: interdependence, compassion grounded in equality, and the wisdom of the Middle Way.
Speakers from other countries emphasized 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 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 said 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. The session also highlighted regional initiatives, including the role of the Nanhai Buddhism Academy in training international monastic students and supporting exchanges across Southeast Asia.
The session was co-hosted by the China Religious Culture Communication Association, the China Committee on Religion and Peace, and the Buddhist Association of China.