Bangkok: For the first time in history, the Bodh Gaya Institute has brought Dharma to a UN conference, hoping that religious principles will create world peace.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in collaboration with Bodhigaya Institute980 and Dharma Alliance in Geneva, organized the 6th annual conference "Human Rights, Faith, and Dharma: Integrating Inner Confidence into Just Practice" (Faiths for Rights). This was the first time the conference was held in Asia. The forum featured a discussion on the topic of Dharma, or the principles of Dharma of each religion, to discuss and exchange views, raising awareness of the importance of Dharma for world peace when put into practice. The event was attended by the UN-OHCHR regional representative for Southeast Asia, the president of the Dharma Alliance in Geneva, and representatives of religions from around the world. Dr. Supachai Virapuchong, Vice President and Secretary-General of Bodhigaya Institute980, Phra Brahmasakya Wongwisut (Anilman Dhammasakiyo), Assistant Abbot of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, and Mr. Maris Sengiampong, Deputy Secretary-General of Bodhiga ya Institute980, were among the speakers.
Dr. Supachai Virapuchong, Secretary-General of Bodhikaya Institute, stated that the Faiths for Rights Conference is a global forum for reflecting on the intersection of religion, belief, and human rights, anchored in the principles of dignity and equality. Now in its sixth year, this year marks the first time the conference has been held in Asia and Thailand at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok.
Dr. Supachai believes that today's meeting will be the starting point and the first step in putting Dhamma principles into practice. The successful introduction of Dhamma to the UN for the first time in history is a source of pride for Thailand and the Buddhists in the five Greater Mekong Subregion countries-Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. They envision Thailand as a "center of Dhamma" to "light a candle" that will illuminate the world. He hopes that Dhamma will lead everyone to overcome conflicts and bring about the power of peace that can truly transform the world, not merely an abstract concept.
Mr. Maris Sengiampong, Deputy Secretary-General of Bodhikaya Institute 980, said that amidst these challenges, faith and belief remain a source of inspiration, inspiring us to recognize our inherent dignity. The Faiths for Rights framework was created to connect universal human rights with the moral wisdom of religious traditions. This conference moves beyond dialogue to collaborative action, with religious leaders, civil society, and governments working together to promote peace, justice, and human dignity for all.
Regarding the importance of this meeting, the expectation is for participants to strengthen their commitment to protecting the vulnerable, combating hate speech and discrimination, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that freedom of thought, conscience, and religion is protected everywhere. This is what true peace is. During his 36 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Supachai has focused on Dharma as a key factor leading to global peace and stability. Therefore, world peace is not created in a conference room, but begins with the actions of everyone. When society is stable, the world will surely be peaceful.