Vietnamese and international Buddhist women to the 11th Sakyadhita International Conference, which closed in Ho Chi Minh City on Jan. 4, affirmed to continue their efforts to achieve long-term development goals set by the United Nations.

They passed a 15-point joint declaration highlighting determination to contribute to poverty reduction, education development, promotion of gender equality and women’s rights, HIV/AIDS control, environmental protection and expansion of global cooperation for development.

The declaration also called on the enhancement of linkage of Buddhist women among nations and territories to boost peace, solidarity, social equality, democracy and civilisation on the basis of respecting cultural tradition of each nation.

The week-long conference, which drew over 2,000 Buddhist women from more than 47 countries and territories worldwide, discussed issues regarding the role of Buddhist women in the world and ways for Buddhist women to perform well in their role and ability in various areas of social life.

The 12 th conference will be held in Singapore .

The same day, Ho Chi Minh City leader received Buddhist nun Karma Lekshe Tsomo, President of the Sakyadhita International (the International Association of Buddhist Women), and other participants to the conference.

The nuns expressed thanks to the Vietnamese government and local authorities for their assistance to the conference’s organisers and participants./.