The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) will co-host the inaugural International Youth Buddhist Fellowship (IYBF) 2027 in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Network of Engaged Buddhists (SriNEB)—a 10-day gathering that will bring together 20–25 young Buddhists, monastics, educators, activists, community practitioners, and social entrepreneurs to explore ways in which the Dharma can respond to modern-day challenges.
Young people from Sri Lanka, Asia, and beyond are invited to apply to join the fellowship, which will be held in Sri Lanka from 8–17 February 2027 under the theme “Bahujana Hithaya: Living the Dhamma for the Well-being of All.”
“The program offers a unique opportunity to experience socially engaged Buddhism through a Theravada context, while learning across cultures and traditions,” INEB announced. “Young people aged 18–35 from any nationality, faith background, gender, or identity who have a basic understanding of Buddhist teachings, communicate in English, and are genuinely interested in Buddhist practice, ethical living, and social engagement.”
INEB is a worldwide network of individuals and organizations who are committed to promoting and working toward social justice, compassionate societies, and world peace. INEB emphasizes the importance of developing an ethical, Dharma-based approach to its activities, 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.
SriNEB is the affiliated Sri Lankan network that promotes socially engaged Buddhist thought and practice through dialogue, education, reflection, community engagement, and initiatives that contribute to social justice and healing.
“Young people today are growing up amid increasing social polarization, conflict, inequality, ecological crises, displacement, mental distress, and uncertainty about the future,” INEB observed. “While Buddhist traditions offer profound teachings on compassion, interdependence, ethics, and wisdom, many young people have limited opportunities to explore how these teachings can be meaningfully applied to contemporary social realities.” (INEB)
The fellowship gathering will be conducted in English and hosted in three locations in Sri Lanka: Katana; Kandy; and Piliyandala. Young people fitting the participant profile are invited to apply, with no limitation on nationality, faith, or gender. The application deadline for the inaugural IYBF is 18 October (6 p.m. Sri Lanka Standard Time).
“Organized by SriNEB in collaboration with INEB, the program creates a transformative space for learning, contemplative practice, dialogue, and community engagement,” INEB shared. “By bringing together participants from different parts of the world, the fellowship encourages rich cross-cultural dialogue on how the Buddhist teachings are understood and applied in different societies.” (INEB)
The IYBF seeks to address a growing need for programs that connect the Buddhist teachings with social realities in contemporary societies, and encourage critical reflection over conceptual learning. An emphasis is placed on building relationships across ethnic, religious, national, and cultural differences, and developing compassionate and ethically grounded youth leadership rooted in Buddhist values.
“The IYBF will nurture an international network of compassionate young leaders able to apply the Buddhist teachings to contemporary challenges, while learning from diverse experiences across Asia,” INEB explained. “With expectations to run the IYBF annually, this network of young people and the institutions they are connected to will contribute toward a revival of socially engaged Buddhist practices and alleviation of the suffering of the people around the world.”
Click here for full details and application information
Through meditation, dialogue, experiential learning, field visits, community engagement, and reflection, the 10-day fellowship aims to explore:
• Socially engaged Buddhism and Bahujana Hithaya
• The Buddhist teachings and contemporary social challenges
• Identity, power, and ethical leadership
• Core Buddhist teachings and their application in daily life
• Conflict, peace, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka
• Community engagement and socially engaged Buddhist practices
• Personal practice, resilience and action for our communities
“We look forward to welcoming a diverse community of young people to Sri Lanka to learn, reflect, connect, and explore together “Bahujana Hithaya: Living the Dhamma for the Well-being of All,” INEB emphasized.
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.
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.
See more
International Network of Engaged Buddhists
INEB – International Network of Engaged Buddhists (Facebook)
International Youth Buddhist Fellowship (IYBF) 2027 (INEB)
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