Buddhism and humanitarianism in Asia

UNHCR and the Vimuttayalaya Foundation to co-host a three-day retreat in Chiang Rai from July 7-9, 2017

IN recognising the potential of ‘engaged Buddhism’ as a fundamental force for positive social change in the region and its links to humanitarianism, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) believes that the concept of sympathy and compassion towards fellow human beings in need has never been more relevant as the world grapples with the highest number of refugees since the end of World War II.

The Venerable V. Vajiramedhi, President of the Vimuttayalaya Foundation and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will co-host a three-day retreat in Chiang Rai province, Thailand from July 7-9, 2017, where approximately 100 Buddhist monks from throughout the region will meet. The purpose of this event is threefold: 1) to reflect upon Buddhist teaching, thinking and practice; 2) to allow the participating monks to learn more about the principles of humanitarianism and humanitarian activities in the region, 3) to establish a network of Buddhists interested in ‘engaged Buddhism’ and humanitarianism.

The keynote speakers include Dr Surin Pitsuwan, former Secretary-General of ASEAN; Sister Chan Khong, the first fully ordained monastic disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; the director of his humanitarian projects since 1960’s; and a senior official of the UNHCR. Co-hosts include the Venerable V. Vajiramedhi, a renowned Buddhist monk and President of the VImuttayalaya Foundation in Thailand with over six million followers on Facebook, he has brought his vision of engaged Buddhism to bear on challenges confronting Thailand and the wider region from environmental degradation of flood relief, citizenship for the stateless and support for refugees.

UNHCR is the United Nations’ Refugee Agency – a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people with offices in Thailand and throughout the sub-region.

For more information on the Buddhism and Humanitarianism event in Chiang Rai, Thailand, please contact punnacha.vimutt@gmail.com or THABARO@unhcr.org

www.unhcr.org