The 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue

11th to 15th March

The Minister of the NZ Ethnic affairs and 9 religious groups were chosen, to attend the 6th Asia-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue. This event will be held at Central Java Governor’s Hall in Indonesia, consecutively for 5 days.

The organiser has invited the ethnic’s affairs ministers from the Asia-pacific countries and their religious leaders.

The NZ ethnic affairs selected Fo Guang Shan-NZ to represent the NZ Buddhism group, because they have always taken the responsibility to assist and advocate policing to the local community. Venerable Abbess Manshin and Venerable Juexi will be attending this dialogue, to propagate the core value of Humanistic Buddhism.

The theme of discussion is: “Strengthen the co-operation in regional, promote/facilitate peace in society.”

This theme will be broken down into 2 main topics: 1) strengthen religious unity, for a better understanding and lessen conflict; 2) to propagate peace and wellbeing, for the religious leaders, through tertiary education, the local Community and culture.

The last dialogue was held in 2009 in Perth, the youth from BLIA – South Island was selected to represent the NZ Buddhism group. It was the second time BLIA-NZ was invited, therefore it has definitely reinforced and recognised the contribution to society.