Vietnam Buddhist Sangha names 235 members to lead 2026-2031 term

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha formally approved a slate of 235 members to serve on its Executive Council during the 2026-2031 term, marking a key institutional transition for the country's largest religious organization.

The appointment reflects the Sangha's dedication to advancing Buddhism's core principles of compassion and charitable service. Over the preceding five-year period from 2022 to 2026, the organization and its affiliates implemented extensive social welfare initiatives valued at more than 7.5 trillion Vietnamese dong, equivalent to approximately 293 million US dollars.

These programmes encompassed disaster relief operations, support for economically disadvantaged communities, elderly care, services for orphans and persons with disabilities, and infrastructure development including charity facilities, bridges, roads and educational institutions across Vietnam.

Beyond domestic initiatives, the Sangha has also expanded its engagement beyond borders. The organization has launched campaigns supporting flood victims along the Nepal-China border region and coordinated a 500-day national effort to identify and honor fallen soldiers, underscoring Buddhism's role in both community welfare and national remembrance.

The appointment of the new leadership council positions the Sangha to continue strengthening Vietnam's religious and charitable landscape while deepening the organization's contributions to regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring Laos.