The World Buddhist Forum (simplified Chinese: 世界佛教论坛; traditional Chinese: 世界佛教論壇; pinyin: Shijie Fojiao Luntan) was held in Hangzhou City and Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China, from April 13 to April 16, 2006.
[1] Over 1,000 monks and experts from 37 countries and regions attended the forum, giving speeches or participating in discussions under the theme of "A harmonious world begins in the mind."
Among the participants was Gyaincain Norbu, the then 16-year-old Chinese-approved 11th Panchen Lama, who was the figurehead of the forum, and made very rare public appearances.
[1] According to Qi Xiaofei, vice-director of the Chinese state administration for religious affairs, "The Dalai Lama is not only a religious figure, but is also a long-time stubborn secessionist who has tried to split his Chinese motherland and break the unity among different ethnic groups.
The Chinese government gave assurances it would support the Buddhist community to host the grand historic event.