REMARKS BY PRESIDENT KHALTMAAGIIN BATTULGA AT THE 11TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ASIAN BUDDHIST CONFERENCE FOR PEACE
“Distinguished delegates of the 11th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace,
Honorable guests and lamas,
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, first convened under the aspiration and solidarity of Asian countries to uphold their heritage through spreading Buddhism and the teachings of Buddha and valuing knowledge and compassion in ensuring peace – the essence of human existence. The decision to establish the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was made on July 14, 1969. Historical records show that the first meeting was held in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, in 1970. Nomch mergen Kabju, Khamba /Highest ordained head monk/ Samaagiin Gombojav, citizen of Mongolia, was elected as its first President and served for over 20 years.
Mongolia has always supported the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, and it has been seen as valuable contribution of Mongolians not only to ensuring peace throughout the world but to maintaining its values which are still valid to this day. Since 1970, the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace has convened 10 times in different countries, including Sri Lanka in 1972, India in 1974, Japan in 1976, Laos in 1986 and 2003 as well as Mongolia in 1979, 1982, 1990 and 1998. It is worth recalling that this declaration of unified compassion has achieved the audience of the entire world.
Guided by the teachings of the compassionate Buddha, during the difficult times of Cold War, the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace made its voice heard not only in Asia but throughout the whole world. Moreover, it has presented new opportunities in cultural, educational and economic long term cooperation where human rights, freedom, and unity are upheld. Therefore, the Conference was registered as an observer to the UN’s Economic and Social Council in 1988 in recognition of its contribution to the well-being of humanity through its actions for peace.
The Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace is one of the few religious organizations registered with the UN with an advisory status. I hope that the tangible initiatives for Peace will be setting an example for international religious representatives not only in Asia but in the world to become the foundation for nuclear disarmament and vision for a peaceful future.
As Buddhists, we should expand our actions for peace and work together with religious and non-religious organizations, so that we will be able to live in a peaceful world without the threat of nuclear war and conflict.
Mongolia is a peace-loving nation and Buddhism has been the traditional religion of the Mongolian people. Since the Great Mongolian state–the Hunnu Empire–Buddhism has spread three times in Mongolia, protecting the Mongolian nation from foreign aggression and created the conditions for inner unity and national sovereignty. International scholars unanimously support this historical conclusion. At a certain stage of its development, Mongolian Buddhism experienced immense suffering, and we lost a great number of human lives due to political repression. This bitter experience must not be forgotten, nor ever be repeated again. The Government of Mongolia and its highest legislative organ, the Parliament, welcomes the initiative of making Vesak, the 15th day of the first month of summer of the lunar calendar, an official public holiday. The Mongolian people, taking from other Asian countries, are delighted to celebrate a day for cherishing ethics together – a day to respect our history and ancestors, to reflect and purify our achievements and shortcomings through our cognizance of virtue and sin, and to progressively practice our compassionate love for all living beings.
I would like to emphasize that active participation and wealth of knowledge by you, distinguished Buddhists and followers of faith, are crucial for running the state affairs and cherishing the state and civilian harmony that originated from the times of Great Chinggis Khaan.
I would like to wish success to the all participants of the 11th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, and Congratulations once again on the occasion of the 50th anniversary our efforts for peace.
May Mongolia, the birthplace of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, prosper and progress.”
