Global Buddhist community to gather in Kraków: 2,500 participants and 22 speakers from four continents

Kraków, Poland, 29 September 2026

From 6-8 November 2026, ICE Kraków Congress Centre in Poland will host an international gathering dedicated to the Buddha's teachings and their relevance to contemporary life. The 13th Global Conference on Buddhism will welcome 2,500 participants, with 22 speakers from 15 countries and four continents appearing across two conference stages.

All in-person places have already been filled and the waiting list is now closed. However, the organisers will provide a free online broadcast covering the lectures, panel discussions and other conference sessions.

The programme brings together respected Buddhist monastics and meditation teachers alongside internationally recognised scholars of Buddhist studies. One of the conference's most prominent guests will be Ajahn Brahm, abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Australia, a renowned meditation teacher and the author of books translated into numerous languages.

Other invited speakers include Ajahn Brahmali, Ajahn Sona, Venerable Vimala, Ayyā Kāruṇikā, Ajahn Candā, Ayyā Soma, Ajahn Nitho, Bhante Suddhāso and Ayyā Sela.

The academic perspective will be represented by, among others, Professor Peter Harvey, Professor Michael Zimmermann, Dr Stefania Travagnin, Dr Alexander Wynne, Dr Santosh Raut, Professor Grzegorz Polak and Dr Marcin Fabjański.

Buddhism in dialogue with contemporary life

The conference will go beyond meditation practice alone. Its programme will address emotions, consciousness, kamma and rebirth, loving-kindness, social engagement, peace and non-violence.

Sessions will also explore the relationship between Buddhism and artificial intelligence, contemporary philosophy, humanitarian assistance and the challenges facing modern societies.

The programme includes discussions on:

• the true meaning of Nibbāna, the goal of the Buddhist path;
• emotions in Dhamma practice;
• kamma and rebirth;
• Buddhism and artificial intelligence;
• Buddhist perspectives on consciousness;
• violence and non-violence;
• Buddhist practice beyond meditation;
• metta, or loving-kindness, in the contemporary world.

Presentations will be delivered in English with simultaneous interpretation into Polish. The Polish interpretation will also be available to online participants.

"At a time marked by tension, polarisation and information overload, we want to create a space for a calm yet courageous conversation about the human condition, suffering, responsibility and the possibility of wise action. This conference is not intended exclusively for Buddhists. It is also open to everyone who wishes to understand themselves and the contemporary world more deeply," said Robert J. Błaszczyk, Press Spokesperson for the 13th Global Conference on Buddhism.

Free online access

The entire conference will be streamed free of charge. Viewers can register their email address to receive access information and reminders about upcoming sessions through the conference website: https://buddha2026.org/en/join-online/

The event is organised by the Theravada Foundation and the Polish Early Buddhism Society. It will take place at ICE Kraków Congress Centre in Kraków, Poland, from 6-8 November 2026.

Information for the media

The Press Office of the 13th Global Conference on Buddhism is available at: media@buddha2026.org

Journalists and media representatives may apply for accreditation using the online form available in the "For Media" section: https://buddha2026.org/en/for-media/

Accredited media will have access to official press materials and photographs. Subject to prior arrangement, journalists will also be able to request interviews with selected speakers and representatives of the organisers. A dedicated television studio will operate during the conference.

The virtual press office provides the official press release, information about the organisers and speakers, photographs and updated conference materials.

ABOUT THE ORGANISERS

The Theravada Foundation works to make the teachings of Early Buddhism more widely accessible, to provide reliable knowledge about the Dhamma and to create spaces for practice, education and community-building.

The Polish Early Buddhism Society supports the study and practice of teachings preserved in the earliest Buddhist texts. It organises meetings, lectures and educational initiatives and helps build a community of people interested in Early Buddhism.