Page 229 - Record#29 7.9#2

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The first initiative support on establishing the World Buddhist University goes back
to the late H.E. Prof. Sanya Dharmmasakti, Past President of The World Fellowship of
Buddhists. However, the noble initiative only came to a success after his death during
the Presidency of H.E. Phan Wannamethee.

At the 20 General Conference of The World Fellowship of Buddhists held between
th
29 October and 2 November B.E. 2541 (1998), in New South Wales, Australia called
for The WFB Members, Regional Centres and countries to help hasten harmony and
development of Buddhism through the promotion of Buddhist studies so as to co-ordinate
with the Buddhist universities and other academic institutions which offer studies of
Buddhism and related subjects all over the world in the fields of research, training,
Buddhist practice and education based on Buddhism.

The idea led to establishment of the WBU in December B.E. 2543 (2000). The
establishment of the WBU was acknowledged and endorsed by the Royal Thai Cabinet
Meeting dated 27 November B.E. 2543 (2000).
The WBU was founded as a tribute to the celebration of the 84 birthday anniversary
th
(3 October B.E. 2540 (1997) of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the 19 h
t
Supreme Patriarch of the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Supreme Ecclesiastical Patron
2
of The World Fellowship of Buddhists . Moreover, His Holiness had played an active role
in promoting Buddhism at both of national and international levels.
Moreover, WBU is regarded as an outstanding achievement of The WFB as a symbol
of commemorating the Golden Jubilee of The WFB.

The first WBU Council on 9 December B.E. 2543 (2000), Most Venerable Phra
Dhammapitaka (P.A. Payutto) was appointed as the first Chairperson of the WBU Council.
3
Dr. Ananda W.P. Guruge as a Vice Chairperson of America, Europe, and Oceania and
Prof. Chamnong Thongprasert as a Vice Chairperson of Asia and Africa whereas Prof.
Noranit Setabutr as the WBU first Rector, were appointed.
On 9 December B.E. 2543 (2000), a formal inauguration ceremony for the University
was held at The WFB Headquarters building in Bangkok. The ceremony was presided over
th
by His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the 19 Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom
of Thailand and His Excellency Dr. Vichai Tunsiri, Deputy Minister for Education of
Thailand. The establishment of the WBU was successful with a full dedication of H.E.
Phan Wannametthee, the current president of The WFB.

2 Ref. Article 5 of The WFB Constitution
3 Currently Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya, member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand

229
RECORD OF PROCEEDING | THE 11 MEETING OF THE WBU COUNCIL
th