Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will deliver speeches at the inaugural session of a three-day symposium called the Gandhara Symposium. The symposium, titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan” aims to raise global awareness about the historical and cultural significance of the Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. This event aligns with the prime minister’s vision for interfaith harmony.
The symposium, jointly organized by various entities including the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism and the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. It seeks to promote and preserve Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural Buddhist heritage. By employing cultural diplomacy, the conference intends to strengthen international relationships, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate cultural exchange.
The conference will feature engaging speeches, insightful panel discussions, and a field visit to significant religious sites for the Buddhist community. It will provide an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and best practices. Distinguished guests, including Buddhist monks from different countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, and Sri Lanka, will participate in the symposium.
Foreign experts and scholars, including Professor Ruth Young from the University of Leicester (UK), Yi Yun-Jung from the Korea Cultural Foundation, Nsihantha Pushpa Kumara from the Ministry of Buddhasana Religious and Cultural Affairs (Sri Lanka), Professor Xiang Debao from the School of International Journalism & Communication Studies (China), Professor Dr. Hridaya Ratna, former vice chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University (Nepal), and Kim Yu Tae from the Multicultural Museum Seoul (South Korea), among others, will contribute to the sessions.
In addition to the enlightening discussions, the delegates will have the opportunity to meet President Dr. Arif Alvi during the symposium.
