Buddhabarta Desk: The inaugural International Youth Buddhist Fellowship (IYBF) 2027 will bring together young Buddhists and socially engaged practitioners from different parts of the world in Sri Lanka for a 10-day program exploring how Buddhist teachings can respond to contemporary social challenges.
The fellowship will be jointly hosted by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) and the Sri Lanka Network of Engaged Buddhists (SriNEB) from 8 to 17 February 2027. The theme of the inaugural gathering is “Bahujana Hithaya: Living the Dhamma for the Well-being of All.”
The program is expected to bring together 20–25 young Buddhists, monastics, educators, activists, community practitioners, and social entrepreneurs from Sri Lanka, across Asia, and other parts of the world.
Opportunity for Young People
Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to apply for the fellowship. There are no restrictions based on nationality, faith background, gender, or identity.
Applicants should have a basic understanding of Buddhist teachings, be able to communicate in English, and demonstrate a genuine interest in Buddhist practice, ethical living, and social engagement.
According to INEB, the fellowship will provide an opportunity to explore socially engaged Buddhism through a Theravada context while encouraging participants to learn from different cultures and Buddhist traditions.
The program will be conducted in English and will take place at three locations in Sri Lanka: Katana, Kandy, and Piliyandala.
Connecting Buddhist Teachings with Contemporary Challenges
The organizers say young people today are experiencing a range of challenges, including social polarization, conflict, inequality, ecological crises, displacement, mental distress, and uncertainty about the future.
Against this backdrop, IYBF 2027 will examine how Buddhist teachings on compassion, interdependence, ethics, and wisdom can be meaningfully applied to contemporary social realities.
Rather than focusing only on conceptual learning, the fellowship will combine meditation, dialogue, experiential learning, field visits, community engagement, and personal reflection.
Key areas of exploration will include:
- Socially engaged Buddhism and the concept of Bahujana Hithaya
- Buddhist teachings and contemporary social challenges
- Identity, power, and ethical leadership
- Core Buddhist teachings and their application in everyday life
- Conflict, peace, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka
- Community engagement and socially engaged Buddhist practices
- Personal practice, resilience, and action for communities
Building Cross-Cultural Understanding
A major focus of the fellowship will be creating opportunities for young people from different ethnic, religious, national, and cultural backgrounds to learn from one another.
Through dialogue and shared experiences, participants will explore how Buddhist teachings are understood and practiced in different societies. The program also aims to encourage compassionate and ethically grounded youth leadership inspired by Buddhist values.
INEB said the fellowship seeks to develop an international network of young leaders who can connect Buddhist teachings with contemporary challenges and contribute to socially engaged Buddhist practices in their own communities.
The organizers expect the fellowship to become an annual initiative, creating a continuing network of young people and institutions working toward community well-being and the reduction of suffering.
About INEB and SriNEB
The International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) is a global network of individuals and organizations working toward social justice, compassionate societies, and world peace. It promotes ethical and Dharma-based approaches to social engagement while encouraging cooperation among people and organizations from different backgrounds.
INEB was established in 1989 by renowned Buddhist scholar and activist Prof. Sulak Sivaraksa and a group of Buddhist leaders seeking to apply Buddhist teachings and principles to contemporary social and political issues.
The network works on issues including human rights, conflict resolution, environmental concerns, sustainable development, community empowerment, and interfaith dialogue.
The Sri Lanka Network of Engaged Buddhists (SriNEB) is the Sri Lankan affiliated network that promotes socially engaged Buddhist thought and practice through dialogue, education, reflection, community engagement, and initiatives related to social justice and healing.
Application Deadline
Applications for the inaugural IYBF 2027 must be submitted by 18 October 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Sri Lanka Standard Time.
Young people from any nationality, faith background, gender, or identity who meet the participant requirements are encouraged to consider applying.
How to apply for the Fellowship
Interested applicants should visit the official IYBF 2027 application page and review the eligibility criteria and program details. Eligible candidates can complete and submit the online application form before the deadline of 18 October 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Sri Lanka Standard Time.
Read More>>: International Youth Buddhist Fellowship 2027 to Bring Young Buddhists Together in Sri Lanka- শ্রীলঙ্কায় প্রথম আন্তর্জাতিক যুব বৌদ্ধ ফেলোশিপ, আবেদন আহ্বান
- সুইস গভর্নমেন্ট এক্সিলেন্স স্কলারশিপ ২০২৭–২৮: বাংলাদেশিদের জন্য সম্পূর্ণ ফান্ডেড বৃত্তি
- Full Funded Research Placement in Spain for Bachelor’s and MSc Students – CRG 2027
- GKS Undergraduate Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Study Opportunity in South Korea