The fourth World Buddhist Forum, with the theme "common aspiration, common action - embracing exchanges and mutual learning", concluded at Lingshan Buddha Palace in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Oct 25.

Several officials and Buddhist masters addressed the closing ceremony.

Wang Zuo'an, president of the China Religions Cultural Communication Association, lauded the achievements of this year's forum. He said that it successfully met its cherished goal and the deliberations enhanced mutual learning about different civilizations and promoted lasting peace and common prosperity.

Jamyang Losang Jigme Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, spoke highly of the innovative content and form of this year's forum. He noted that it nurtured the i development of Buddhist culture to help Buddhism play a positive role in economic growth, social harmony and cultural abundance.

Venerable Master Yan Jue, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, and Venerable Master Heng Shi, chairman of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association, together read a declaration regarding this year's forum, noting its initiatives in Buddhism exchange, youth education, and charity projects.

The fourth World Buddhist Forum, with the theme "common aspiration, common action - embracing exchanges and mutual learning", concludes at Lingshan Buddha Palace in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Oct 25. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 1,000 monks and scholars from 52 countries and regions attended the forum from Oct 24-25, and expressed their earnest expectation for a better world where people live in harmony and work together to make a difference to our shared home.

The two-day forum finally concluded with the song "common aspiration, common action".