The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) recently played a key role in drafting and endorsing a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening child protection at Buddhist institutions in Thailand. INEB representatives attended a ceremony to sign the joint MoU at the Bangkok headquarters of UNICEF Thailand on 25 August, along with officials from Thailand’s Mahidol University, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Bodhiyalai Foundation, and the Thai government’s Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
“The agreement, signed at UNICEF Thailand headquarters, represents an unprecedented step toward safeguarding the well-being of some of the most vulnerable children in Thai society, while strengthening the credibility and moral leadership of Buddhist institutions,” INEB stated in an annoucment shared with BDG.
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward social justice, environmental sustainability, and world peace. INEB was formed in 1989 by the renowned Buddhist scholar and activist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders seeking to apply the Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues. Through its global network, INEB works to promote understanding, cooperation, and connection among inter-Buddhist and inter-religious groups, and to actively address urgent global issues such as human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental crises.
The new MOU represents a collaborative framework betwen the signatories to compile a national database of stateless novice monks, deliver targeted welfare support, and establish child protection guidelines for Buddhist institutions and communities.
INEB’s secretary-general, Somboon Chungprampree, endorsed the joint commitment, which represents a major step forward for INEB’s aspiration to ensure thal all children in Buddhist care receive protection, education, and dignity.
“This cooperation not only responds to urgent concerns about child safety but also demonstrates the Buddhist community’s proactive leadership in preventing harm, building public trust, and ensuring monasteries remain safe and nurturing spaces for future generations,” INEB remarked.
Headquartered in Bangkok, INEB has established a wide range of social projects and outreach programs across the region aimed at overcoming suffering and empowering vulnerable communities through the practice of the Dharma and social engagement—such as education and training programs, community development projects, advocacy and lobbying efforts, and interfaith dialogue.
INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its work, and encourages members to work collaboratively and respectfully with individuals and organizations upon a foundation of shared values and aspirations. The network also advocates the importance of environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources, and has promoted sustainable development practices in various communities.
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International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)
INEB Lead Historic MOU to Protect Novice’s in Buddhist Institutions (INEB)
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