The event has been designated by the VBS as a pilot congress, the first to be held among 34 provinces and cities nationwide, following administriative mergers last year. Ho Chi Minh City was expanded in 2025 following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces.

In his opening remarks, Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, head of the VBS HCMC Executive Board, described the congress as an important occasion to review achievements, assess limitations, and draw lessons for the future.

The congress is to outline directions, goals, and key Buddhist activities for the new term, emphasising innovation and adaptability in line with the country’s development and integration, he said.

At the event, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS, recalled the history and development of Buddhism in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, commending the VBS HCMC’s achievements across various fields.

He expressed hope that Buddhist followers would continue to uphold traditions and contribute further to national development and the growth of Buddhism.

Representing city authorities, Nguyen Phuoc Loc, chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, praised the VBS HCMC’s contributions and highlighted its role in strengthening unity between religious organisations and the local government.

The Executive Board of the VBS HCMC for the 2026–2031 term comprises 105 members, including a 35-member standing board, 60 members, and 10 alternates. The congress also appointed 19 members to the Board of Elders and four to the Advisory Council.

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang was reappointed as head of the VBS HCMC Executive Board for the new term.

The congress adopted a resolution outlining key priorities, including improving governance efficiency, promoting digital transformation in Buddhist administration, guiding monks, nuns and followers in religious practice, and expanding charitable and social activities.

It also approved a list of 35 delegates to attend the coming 10th National Buddhist Congress for the 2026–2031 term.

Ho Chi Minh City currently has nearly 12,000 monks and nuns and more than 2,300 pagodas and temples, making it the locality with the largest Buddhist community in Vietnam.

During the previous term, the city’s Buddhist Sangha organised major religious events such as Vesak, Vu Lan Festival, and annual retreats, as well as ceremonies praying for national peace and prosperity.

Notably, during the 2025 United Nations Vesak celebration, the enshrinement of Buddha relics and the sacred relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc’s heart attracted large numbers of monks, followers, and visitors.

The Sangha has also actively contributed to social welfare programmes, with total charitable funding exceeding VND4.1 trillion during the past term, supporting poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and national solidarity funds.

On this occasion, outstanding individuals and organisations were honoured for their contributions to Buddhist activities and social welfare.

The city’s Buddhist Sangha also presented symbolic donations of VND1 billion each to the “For the Poor” fund and the “For National Seas and Islands” fund.

HCM City Buddhism prepares for first congress with key milestones

VOV.VN - The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha - Ho Chi Minh City (VBS HCMC) is preparing to convene its first congress for the 2026–2031 term, an event selected as a model congress for the entire country, according to a press congress on March 30.