Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung and representatives from several departments under the Ministry.

Speaking at the event, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, shared a brief overview of the Sangha’s activities in 2025 and plans for 2026.

He noted that throughout 2025, the Sangha had streamlined its organizational structure in alignment with national administrative reforms and had stabilized religious activities across the country.

Among the highlights was the successful organization of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, the ceremonial reception of Shakyamuni Buddha’s relics, and the third Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia Buddhist Summit under the theme “Harmonious Buddhism for Peace and Sustainable Development.” These events left a lasting impression both nationally and internationally.

Looking ahead to 2026, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu said the Sangha will conduct a comprehensive review of its religious activities and prepare for the 10th National Buddhist Congress. He expressed hope that the Ministry would continue to support the successful organization of provincial congresses leading up to the national event.

On behalf of the Executive Council and the wider Buddhist community, the Venerable expressed deep appreciation for the support and partnership extended by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. He also conveyed New Year wishes to the Ministry’s leadership and staff on the occasion of the Year of the Horse.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung expressed his gratitude for the good wishes and in turn extended New Year greetings to the Sangha’s executive councils nationwide, as well as to all monks, nuns, and followers of Buddhism across the country.

He commended the Sangha’s active participation in national development, including its contributions to the material and spiritual well-being of people in remote and disaster-affected areas. He also acknowledged the Sangha’s prompt and synchronized efforts in organizational restructuring.

“Notably, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has taken part in the national campaign to eliminate substandard housing. In just over a year, 334,234 temporary or unsafe homes have been replaced with stable ones,” Minister Dao Ngoc Dung emphasized.

Looking to the future, the Minister called on the Sangha to continue refining its operations, strengthening outreach and communication, and enhancing its role in public spiritual life. He stressed that this would help preserve social stability, bolster national solidarity, and support the country’s mission of development and protection.

On behalf of the Ministry’s leadership, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung wished the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha continued success in its endeavors and expressed confidence in the successful organization of the 10th National Buddhist Congress in 2026.

Hoang Quy