Under the theme “Discipline – Innovation – Effectiveness – Efficiency,” the gathering is scheduled to take place on April 4 and 5 at Vietnam Quoc Tu pagoda, with approximately 600 official delegates in attendance.

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, head of the VBS HCMC Executive Board, stated that the congress has been selected by the leadership of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha as a pilot model for the remaining 33 provinces and cities. It is considered one of the most significant events for the city’s Buddhist community in the new term.

The organising committee noted that the 2026–2031 congress would focus on improving the quality of its content, ensuring compliance with personnel regulations, and streamlining organisational structures through the consolidation of committees to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

The congress not only marks an important step in organisational consolidation but also highlights significant contributions to social welfare, with total mobilised resources exceeding VND4.117 trillion, said the organisers.

During the 2022–2027 term, the city’s Buddhist community, including monks, nuns, and pagodas, actively participated in social welfare activities. These efforts included community support programmes and emergency relief to assist people affected by natural disasters, with total contributions exceeding VND 4.117 trillion.

A series of activities will be held in conjunction with the congress, including an exhibition marking the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (November 7, 1981 – 2026) at Vietnam Quoc Tu. Delegates will also pay tribute at the monument of President Ho Chi Minh in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee headquarters, as well as at the memorial dedicated to Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc.

Additional commemorative activities include visits to the Ben Duoc Martyrs Memorial Temple and martyrs’ cemeteries in the former provinces of Ba Ria–Vung Tau and Binh Duong, now parts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Furthermore, the Standing Committee of the VBS HCMC Executive Board has encouraged pagodas across the city to organise charitable initiatives supporting policy beneficiary families, veterans, and disadvantaged groups in local communities.

Buddhist art contest launched in Hanoi to promote humanistic values

VOV.VN - A Buddhist art contest titled “Sáng đạo trong đời 2026” was launched on March 13 at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi by the Central Cultural Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, with a view to encouraging artistic works inspired by Buddhist teachings and humanistic values.