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The two-year plan (B.E. 2542-2543/1999-2000) is the first ever initiated by the WFB Secretariat to be used as a guideline for implementation of the resolutions adopted by the General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WBF) at its 20th session held in Australia in late B.E. 2541 (1998). The main purpose of the Plan is to broaden participation of all the Regional Centres, Standing Committees and those concerned in the implementation and cooperation for realization of the resolutions, declarations, proposals and recommendations as well as the Charter of the World Buddhist university adopted and endorsed by the WFB General Conference and its organisms including the WFBY, Standing Committees and so forth.

The process for preparation of the Plan is regarded as a very important step for participation by all concerned before its full implementation through an endorsement of the WFB Executive Council. The time frame for preparation of the Plan has been scheduled as follows:

1. November - December B.E. 2541/1998

The WFB Secretariat collects all the related information including the Resolutions of the 20th WFB General Conference, the Charter of the World Buddhist University, 1998 Declaration of the 20th WFB General Conference and the 11th WFBY General Conference, final reports of the Standing Committees on Finance, Publications, Publicity, Culture and Arts, Dhammaduta, Humanitarian Services, Unity and Solidarity, Youth, Socio-Economic Development, Women and Buddhist Pancasila Samadana and other related documents for use as a basis for formulation of the Draft Plan.

2. January ­ February B.E. 2542/1999

2.1 The Secretariat drafts the Two-Year Plan through the recommendations of the Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors of the WFB Headquarters and the Executive Board of the WFBY.
2.2 The Joint Meeting endorses the Draft Two-Year Plan for the World Buddhists on 25th February, B.E. 2542/1999 before being sent to the WFB Standing Committee and WFB Vice Presidents for consideration.

3. March ­ April B.E. 2542/1999

3.1 The Secretariat sends the Draft Plan to all the Chairpersons of the WFB Standing Committee and all 15 Vice Presidents of the WFB for consideration and modification.
3.2 The Chairpersons of the WFB Standing Committee consider the proposed draft plan through the consultation of their members and send feedback and recommendations to the WFB Secretariat by the end of April, B.E. 2542 (1999).
3.3 The WFB Vice-Presidents consider the proposed draft plan through consultation with the WFB Regional Centres in their respective countries and regions and send feedback and recommendations to the WFB Secretariat by the end of April, B.E. 2542 (1999).
3.4 The Secretariat revises the Draft Plan as recommended by the Chairpersons of the WFB Standing Committee and WFB Vice Presidents for submission to the EXCO Meeting in May, B.E. 2542 (1999).

4. May B.E. 2542/1999

4.1 Meeting of the WFB Executive Council (EXCO) will be held to monitor and follow up activities undertaken by either the WFB Headquarters or the WFB Regional Centres.
4.2 The Draft Two-Year Plan for the World Buddhists will be submitted to the Meeting of the EXCO for consideration and approval.

5. June B.E. 2542/1999 ­ December B.E. 2543/2000

5.1 All WFB Regional Centres, Standing Committees, Vice-Presidents, members of the EXCO and those concerned receive the Approved Two-Year Plan by the end of June, B.E. 2542/1999.
5.2 Implementation according to the Plan will be in July B.E. 2542/1999 onward until the end of B.E. 2543/2000 by responsible bodies as mentioned in each plan.
5.3 Follow up and monitoring measures can be established during the period of the implementation in different forms such as cultural exchange, workshops, meetings, conferences and so forth with cooperation of all concerned at local, regional and international levels.

We therefore hope that all will cordially cooperate in making the Draft Plan a plan of action of all Buddhists, by all Buddhists and for all Buddhists based on an analysis of the Four Noble Truths.

WFB SECRETARIAT

We, representing the Buddhists of the World, assembled in Nan Tien Temple, Berkeley, Australia, from 29 October to 2 November 1998, do assert and affirm that we uphold the Aims and Objectives of the World Fellowship of Buddhists to preserve a Buddhist way of life, encounter all problems with our Buddha Dhamma attitudes, and propagate the sublime doctrine of the Buddha.

We remain committed to devote our utmost efforts to promote unity and cooperation among all Buddhists and others concerned to pursue the outcomes of he deliberations of the General Conference on the subject, "Buddhism and Challenges in the 21st Century".

Deeply concerned with the problems and challenges of the world community, and encouraged by increasing opportunities for effective action, we do hereby declare our conviction:

--That rapid advances in global communications and transport be mobilized for the inculcation of Buddhist values of non-violence, tolerance, forbearance, loving kindness, compassion, solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts, so that humanity may progress in harmony for mutual benefit and well being.

--That the unprecedented progress in "high-tech" information technologies provide ever-expanding opportunities for quality guidance to disseminate widely the benign message of the Buddha,

--That written testimony of Buddhist lives and practice inspire solutions to the diverse moral issues confronting humankind,

--That the World Fellowship of Buddhists should reaffirm its willingness to develop skills in its members, such as readiness to mediate at the request of conflicting parties, to resolve disputes or conflicts through peaceful consultation, compromise and consensus.

Resolution 1
Expansion of WFB

That more Buddhist organisations be invited to apply to join the WFB as Regional Centres to hold meditation sessions, workshops and seminars, further communications be encouraged between WFB Regional Centres.

Resolution 2
Effective Communication

To establish an effective communication system between Regional Centres and the WFB Headquarters and also between Regional Centres themselves and to maintain communication between Standing Committees and the WFB Headquarters.

Resolution 3
Disaster-preparedness

To establish a disaster fund, in which all Regional Centres maintain a regional disaster fund in their own countries, to be used by the WFB Socio-Economic Committee when appropriate.

Resolution 4
Goodwill Mission to Vietnam

To request the WFB Executive Committee to expedite the necessary procedures for sending a goodwill mission to Vietnam to gather information on Buddhist property and Buddhist practitioners including Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis and report to the WFB, on the basis that volunteer monks will constitute the mission and the funding will be duly raised from the public.

Resolution 5
Buddhist Pancasila Samadana

(a) That eminent leaders of WFB in different countries will meet once every year to discuss the Buddhist Pancasila Samadana in order to have a mutual understanding of Buddhist Pancasila Samadana and to design methods for the propagation of Buddhist Pancasila Samadana, and similarly to explore the possibility of meeting with other religious leaders to have an exchange of views on understanding of Buddhist Pancasila Samadana.
(b) That an environment be encouraged for other religions to open their gates widely to an acceptance of this basic understanding of the Five Precepts as general social morality.
(c) That at the next WFB Conference, a one-day Public Event be held, and that one day of the year be set when the Regional Centres concurrently hold a worldwide Pancasila service.

Resolution 6
Lumbini

That the initiative of His Majesty's Government of Nepal to declare and develop Lumbini as the Fountain of World Peace and Holy Pilgrim Centre of the Buddhist World be heartily endorsed by the WFB and the international Buddhist community.

Historical Background

The Library plays an active role in the promotion of literacy as well as learning. The Headquarters of the World Fellowship of Buddhists therefore gives high priority to supporting the establishment of the library. After the inauguration of the new building to house the Office of the WFB Headquarters on 9 May B.E. 2540 (1997) at Benjasiri Park, Sukhumvit Soi 22-24, Bangkok, Thailand, the Board of Directors of the WFB Headquarters has endorsed the programme to enrich the World Buddhist Library where all kinds of publications on Buddhism as well as others will be collected for the benefit of readers and those who wish to study Buddhism in depth by availing themselves of the cooperation of the World Buddhist University and its Networks around the world.

Statement of the Problem

The demand for the study of Buddhism will increase in the future due to the establishment of the World Buddhist University, but the infrastructure of the World Buddhist Library is not yet formulated to serve its clients at both the Centre and its networks.

Principle of Action

(a) Master Plan enrichment of the existing libraries at the WFB's Headquarters and its Regional Centres will be formulated for use as a guideline for promotion of the World Buddhist Library System.
(b) Exchange of Buddhist publications between the WFB Headquarters and its Regional Centres will be promoted through the library networks.

Target for B.E. 2543/2000

(a) The World Buddhist Library at the WFB Headquarters will be operated through various services in the form of publications, films, videotapes and other audio presentations.
(b) Each Regional Centre and WBU Regional Network will establish the Library to meet the needs of their readers in their respective localities.
(c) A Workshop on the World Buddhist Library System will be held at the Headquarters of the WFB with cooperation of the concerned organizations.

Programme Actions

(a) The WFB Secretariat with cooperation of all the Regional Centres will undertake a survey of existing libraries and need assessment in the WFB Regional Centres.
(b) Individual Regional Centres and/or WBU networks will make proposals for establishment of the Library for joint participation by all concerned.
(c) Others to be designated.

Resource Indications

Existing resources of the Regional Centres and WFB Secretariat will be utilized for this purpose.

Responsible Bodies

--The World Buddhist Library at WFB Headquarters as a coordinating body.
--WFB Regional Centre as an implementing body.
--WFB Secretariat as a supporting and monitoring body with the cooperation of all Regional Centres

References

1. The WFB Annual Report for B.E. 2537-2541 (1994-1998)
2. 2. Other related documents

Chairperson: Assoc. Prof. (Dr.) Pataporn Sirikanchana
Vice Chairperson: Venerable Pannyavaro
John D. Hughes
Dr. Dao Le, PhD

Secretary: Julie O'Donnell

Assistant Secretary: Vimolrat Sathaworawong

Treasurer: Piyaporn Erbprasartsook

The Professor gave an introduction speech and introduced herself to all Members. She distributed a contact list for people to contact her after the meeting.

Chairperson's responsibility: To continue the work of the Committee

Present:

John D. Hughes
Julie O'Donnell
Dr. Nitish Barua
Thanh Phung
Lam Nhu Tang, PhD
Jishin Hendricks
Dr. Dao Le, PhD
Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan
Rev. Bae Un-jong
Dr. Steven S. W. Huang
Frederich Reg
Piyaporn Erbprasartsook
Vincent Cavuoto
Mr. Ambhorn Arunrangsi
Vimolrat Sathaworawong
Mr. Loke Darshan
Venerable Sakya Tri Tue
Bae Chun Hee
Chong-Kuk Kim
Dr. Park Kwangsoo

Resolutions for self-implementation by the Standing Committee:

1. The Committee Members will set up a Network to communicate effectively with Members of the Standing Committee. To be effective and timely, Members will set up email addresses.

2. The website www.buddhanet.net, operated by Buddha Dhamma Meditation Association Inc., Australia, will function as a clearing house for the Members of the network. The webmaster is Venerably Pannyavaro, Vice-President of the Buddhist Federation of Australia. An alternative email address is to Dr. Dao M. Le at: lemaudao@msn.com, which is the address of Trung Tam Phat Hoc Avalokiteshvara Buddhist Study Center.

3. Members will set up a program of cultural exchange and a cultural exhibition for the next WFB Conference.

Further recommendations:

1. That each WFB Regional Centre sets up its own Internet site.
2. That the home page of Standing Committees be linked to those of other Regional Centres.
3. That a printed directory profiling each Regional Centre be produced.
4. That a financial lending facility via the WFB with access through the Internet be set up. Be aware of public domain information.
5. That Regional Centres should exchange emails.

Suggestions for future conferences:

1. That, where possible, each Standing Committee should meet in a separate room.
2. When registering for the next Conference, Delegates should advise the WFB Headquarters of which of the nine Standing Committees they wish to attend. Before the Conference, the Delegates will be provided with work in progress reports of the Committee(s) they elect to attend.
3. Efforts should be made to provide basic education of the culturally acceptable methods of performing ceremonies.
4. Members will arrange to exchange their chanting methods and ritual instrumental accompaniment used in their ceremonies with a view to forming a future music data warehouse.
5. Every two years before the Conference, the Publications Standing Committee are to collect Buddhist art to show at the Conference (including photographs).
6. Each Member of the Publications Standing Committee will bring a piece of artwork such as thangkas, paintings, photographs etc.
7. Each Member could contribute to a cultural exchange such as dancing, poetry etc. and perhaps put on a performance.

Chairperson: Associate Professor Sritaptim Panitpan, D.S.W., Advisor to WFB Headquarters, Thailand

Vice-Chairpersons:

Mrs. Wimala Somaratna (Sri Lanka)
Mrs. Hung Yi Shou (Taiwan)

Secretary: Mrs. Kanchana Soosawad (Thailand)

Members:

1. Mrs. Elizabeth Oski (Australian Buddhist Federation)
2. Mrs. Nhu-Hoa (Vietnamese Australian Buddhist Women's Association of NSW, Australia)
3. Mr. Loke Darshan (Vice-President of EXCO)
4. Mrs. Hung Yi Shou (Buddhist Association of the Republic of China)
5. Ms. Hsu Yang-Chu (Buddhist Association of the Republic of China)
6. Ms. Basanti Devi Bajracharya (Vice-President, Buddhist Women's Association of Nepal)
7. Ms. Saiyood Uthaisri (The Young Buddhist Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage)
8. Mrs. Pranee Wattanapong (The Buddhist Association of Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand)
9. Assoc. Prof. Kongkaew Charoenagoern (The Buddhist Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage)
10. Mrs. Srinit Suwatipamich (Dhammapratipa, Thailand)
11. Mrs. Jongkonnee Ronachareon (Thailand)
12. Mrs. Kanachana Soonsawad (The Buddhist Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage)
13. Dr. Malini Dias (General Secretary, Sri Lanka Regional Centre)
14. Mrs. Plumchit Chunhawat (Thai-Chinese Buddhist Association of Thailand)
15. Mrs. Susan Algama (Executive Member, WFB, Sri Lanka Regional Centre)
16. Mrs. Anita Svensson (Buddhist Discussion Centre (Upwey) Ltd., Australia)
17. Lt. Gen. Chalom Wismol (Vice-President, WFB Headquarters)
18. Mrs. Wimala Somaratna (President, Women's Services Committee, WFB, Sri Lanka Regional Centre)
19. Mrs. Mala William (WFB Committee Member, Sri Lanka Regional Centre)
20. Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge (Vice-President, WFB, Sri Lanka)

1. Chairperson's Statement

Dr. Sritaptim Panitpan welcomed all Members present. She was greatly honoured to be elected as Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Women by the General Conference held in the Nan Tien Temple, Berkeley, NSW, Australia. She thanked all ladies for their support, and said she will do her best to liaise between the Regional Centres to promote better understanding, relationships and cooperation.

2. Introduction of the Protem Committee on Women

The Chairperson introduced the Protem Committee on Women.

3. Self-Introduction of Participants

All persons present introduced themselves and the Regional Centre they represent.

4. New Applications for Membership

Membership applications were handed out to all Members. Applications were accepted.

5. Report of the Activities of the Committee (From Nov. B.E. 2537 (1994) ­ Oct. B.E. 2541 (1998))

Pages 40 to 42 of the WFB Report of the Activities of the WFB Standing Committee on Women were read to the Committee. Discussion followed regarding the aims and objective so the Standing Committee on Women and a proposal was made to add a fifth objective.

6. Treasurer's Report

Page 42 of the WFB Report on the Statement of Movement of Funds for the period 1 November 19094 to 31 December 1997 (in baht) was read out to he Committee by Ms. Saiyood Uthaisri, Assistant Treasurer. (See Annex 1). The Committee thanking Mrs. Hung Yi Shou (Taiwan, R"OC) for her recent generous donation of US$2000.00 and Mrs. Wimala Somaratna for the donation of 50 pounds sterling to the Committee. Mrs. Pranee Wattanapong of Nakhon Pathom Province donated 10,000 baht, the Thai Chinese Buddhist Association, Thailand donated 3,000 baht and the Dhammapradipa Association donated 2,000 baht.

7. Election of the New Committee on Women

1) Chairperson: Dr. Sritaptim Panitpan (Thailand)
2) Vice Chairpersons: 1) Mrs. Wimala Somaratna (Sri Lanka)
2) Mrs. Hung Yi Shou (Taiwan)
3) Secretary; Mrs. Kanchana Soonsawad (Thailand)
4) Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Plumchit Chunhawat
5) Treasurer: Miss Saiyood Uthaisri (Thailand)
6) Assistant Treasurer: Mrs. Basanti Devi Bajracharya (Nepal)

8. Newly Appointed Positions

Committee Members were elected to fill the positions as follows:

--Receptionist: Asst. Prof. Kongkaew Charoen-Agsorn
--Public Relations: Mrs. Anita Svensson (Australia)
--Publications: Dr. Sritaptim Panitpan
a) Newsletter: Editor in Chief (two issues per year)
b) Women's Roles in Buddhism in different Regional Centres (not more than five pages including photographs attached)

--Liaison Officers for each Regional Centre were elected as follows:
1) Australia and New Zealand: Ms. Elizabeth Oski, Mrs. Anita Svensson and Mrs. Nhu Hoa
2) Nepal: Mrs. Basanti Devi Bajracharya
3) Sri Lanka: Mrs. Wimala Somaratna
4) Taiwan: Mrs. Hung Yi Shou
5) Thailand: Mrs. Srinit Suwati

--Fundraising Officer: Mrs. Pranee Wattanapong (Thailand)

9. Ongoing Activities: Considering SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

The Committee Members are considering a SWOT analysis and agreed to continue further discussion.

10. Visions and Missions of the Committee (to cope with the current challenges)

The Committee commenced discussion on Vision and Mission statements. Input from al Regional Centres is to be collected. The Committee agreed that one area covered by the mission statement would be "To ensure equal opportunity of education for children".

11. Proposals for Future Development of the Standing Committee on Women and of the WFB

Partnership: Sister-Regional Centres. Members must maintain contact with their "Sister-Regional" Centre. Liaison Officers from each Regional Centre should produce a six-monthly report to be submitted to headquarters for inclusion into the newsletter.
Networks: We now have internet services that Centres can access to keep updated as to the activities of other Centres. The Committee must develop a bank of information on potential sources of economic assistance in the areas of education etc.
Joint research on social services: e.g. health, housing, income maintenance, education, employment, personal (general), social services (e.g. social work oriented services), spiritual practices, role of men/women i.e. analysis of gender roles.
Exchange of documentation: The Chairperson asked if Regional Centres have received the Newsletter from Headquarters, which not all had. All present agreed to the proposal for the publication of a six-monthly newsletter. Emphasis was placed on development and maintenance of the flow of information between Centres.
Trips, field visits, homestays: Cultural visits, exchanges of students between countries, e.g. Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand. The Committee proposed to increase cultural exchange and increase awareness of women's status in other cultures through field trips and student exchange programs.

12. Resolutions:

1. To produce a booklet on the role of women in World Buddhism
2. To publish a six-monthly newsletter.
3. To assist Regional Centres in forming partnerships.
4. To create networks between women's groups at Regional Centres.
5. To increase membership of Regional Centre representatives.
6. To work towards ensuring educational equality for all children, regardless of gender.

It was unanimously decided that these be implemented in stages and the funding will be borne by the Committee.

The Chairperson thanked all persons for their input into the Meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 22:05 pm.

May all beings be well and happy.

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