KRAKÓW, Poland -- The global Buddhist community will gather in Kraków this November for the 13th Global Conference on Buddhism, an international event dedicated to the Buddha's teachings and their relevance to contemporary life. The conference will take place from 6–8 November 2026 at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre, welcoming 2,500 participants and 22 speakers from 15 countries across four continents.

According to organisers, all in-person places have already been filled and the waiting list is now closed, a sign of considerable international interest. However, a free online broadcast will be provided, covering lectures, panel discussions and other sessions, making the event accessible to a global audience.

A Gathering of Monastics and Scholars

The programme brings together respected Buddhist monastics and meditation teachers alongside internationally recognised scholars of Buddhist studies, appearing across two conference stages.

Among the most prominent guests is Ajahn Brahm, abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Australia, a renowned meditation teacher and author whose books have been translated into numerous languages. He will be joined by fellow monastics and teachers including 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 Professor Peter Harvey, Professor Michael Zimmermann, Dr Stefania Travagnin, Dr Alexander Wynne, Dr Santosh Raut, Professor Grzegorz Polak and Dr Marcin Fabjański, among others.

Buddhism in Dialogue with Contemporary Life

The conference will go beyond meditation practice alone, addressing themes such as 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.

Specific discussions will include 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; and metta, or loving-kindness, in the contemporary world.

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

“A Calm Yet Courageous Conversation”

Robert J. Błaszczyk, Press Spokesperson for the conference, emphasised the event's inclusive spirit.

"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," he said. "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."

Free Online Access for Global Participants

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

The event is organised by the Theravada Foundation and the Polish Early Buddhism Society. The Theravada Foundation works to make the teachings of Early Buddhism more widely accessible, provide reliable knowledge about the Dhamma, and 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, organising meetings, lectures and educational initiatives.

For more information, visit the conference website at https://buddha2026.org/en/.