Overview

• The III International Buddhist Forum runs September 25–28 in Elista, organized at the president’s instruction.
• A greeting from Vladimir Putin lauded Buddhism’s role in interethnic and interreligious harmony, with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko reading the message at the plenary.
• Delegations from about 35 countries are participating in more than 50 events focused on dialogue, culture and cooperation.
• The opening featured Andrey Boltenko’s musical spectacle Kochevye Naroda staged with nine 10‑meter LED screens against the steppe backdrop.
• Organizers plan to launch a Buddhist school during the forum, modeled on Orthodox Sunday schools, according to Kalmykia head Batu Khasikov.