Sakyadhita International Conference in Kuching champions role of women in Buddhist leadership
Indonesia's representative Lucy Salim (fifth right) receives the Sakyadhita flag from Kho (second right) while Wee (third right), Lekshe (fourth right), Suh (sixth right) and others look on.
KUCHING (June 20): The 19th Sakyadhita International Conference on Buddhist Women here carried the theme 'Navigating Change: Buddhist Women in Transition' – a message that resonates strongly in today's world of rapid cultural, societal, and spiritual transformation.
Over the past five days, the conference has hosted meaningful discussions on resilience, adaptability, and empowerment, highlighting how Buddhist women are inspiring change and leading with compassion in diverse communities around the globe.
'These ideals resonate with us in Sarawak, where people of various ethnicities, cultures, and religious backgrounds live together in harmony.
'Our strength lies in mutual respect and inclusivity, values that are deeply rooted in our way of life. It is this spirit of understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence that aligns closely with the aspirations of this conference.
'Sarawak proudly upholds the belief that every individual regardless of background has a role to play in shaping a more compassionate and equitable society,' said Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the conference's closing today.
He noted that the principles upheld by Sakyadhita – bridging traditions, promoting non-violence, and building inclusive spiritual networks – mirror Sarawak's development goals.
'At the heart of this alignment is Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, which aims to ensure women's full and effective participation in all areas of life.
'Here in Sarawak, this global goal is reflected in our ongoing efforts to support women's leadership, expand access to education and opportunities, and encourage equitable representation in policy-making and community development.
'The work of Sakyadhita gives life and purpose to this goal in a deeply spiritual context, and we are honoured to witness how this vision is being realised worldwide,' he said.
'Let us remember that conferences like this are not only about the exchange of ideas, they are about building connections, engaging in introspection, and making a shared commitment to bring the lessons we've learned back to our homes, our temples, and our communities.
'I am confident that the dialogues held here in Kuching will leave a lasting imprint on your hearts and actions in the days to come,' he added.
Present at the closing ceremony were Kuching Buddhist Society president Kho Kak Hee, who is event organising chairman, Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women co-founder Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo and Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women president Dr Sharon A Suh. Buddhist Women Kuching Sakyadhita International Conference wee hong seng
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