Conference

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CONFERENCE
Theme: "Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals"
 

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Appointed on Sunday, 24^th November 2013

1) Prof. Dr. Le Manh That – Vietnam (Vice Chairman of IABU, Former Co-chairman of UNDV 2008, Advisor of UNDV 2014): Chairman

2) Most Ven. .Dr. T. Dhammaratana - France (Vice Chair of ICDV): Co-Chairman

3) Ven. Assc Professor Phra Sigambhirayarn – Thailand (Secretary General of ICDV): Member

4) Bhante Chao Chu - USA (Executive Member of ICDV): Member

5) Most Ven. Dr. Khammai Dhammasami - UK (Executive Secretary of IABU, Executive Member of ICDV): Member

6) Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu – Vietnam (Deputy Secretary General of ICDV – UNDV International Organizing Committee 2014; Former Secretary General of UNDV 2008, Vice Rector of Vietnam Buddhist University): Conference Coordinator

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST CONFERENCE GUIDELINES

NORMS FOR SESSION MODERATORS

1. Important Information

1. The 11^th UNDV 2014 International Buddhist Conference consists of 6 workshops. Each workshop has 3 Sessions. Every session has 5 panelists and will last 120 minutes each. Presentation time for each panelist is 15 minutes.
2. Each session shall reserve 30 minutes, after the paper presentation, for a general discussion period. The audience will have about 30 minutes to put questions to paper presenters.
3. The 30 minutes discussion is devoted to interaction among audience and presenters, stimulating extended discussion.
4. According to conference Guidelines, no papers may be read in absentia.

2. General Role of Moderators

The general role of session moderators are to act as the ‘master of ceremonies’ for each Thematic Workshop. This function includes:

1. Starting the workshop on time;
2. Briefly introducing each speaker;
3. Ensuring speakers complete their presentation in the allocated time;
4. Taking questions from the participants; and,
5. Generally guiding the discussion on specific theme of workshop.
6. Session Moderators should also keep in mind that the published order of speakers in a session should not be altered. Adjustments to the running order are only possible, provided they are communicated to and agreed upon by the panelists prior to the beginning of the session.

Notes:

1. The moderator should be a neutral person who promotes and guides discussions and does not become involved deeply in the professional dialogue.
2. All moderators will be provided with brief biographical notes of all individuals who will speak at their sessions, as well as copies, if applicable, of any relevant materials (ie. peaking notes, decks, etc.) to be delivered in the session.

3. Prior to the Session

1. Session Moderators will receive confirmation (by email) of the location of the session they will be facilitating.
2. Familiarize yourself with the topic, PowerPoint presentations and the Papers of your session.
3. Familiarize yourself with the speakers allocated to your session (identify potential difficulties pronouncing their names for example).

Note:

1. A final program detailing room allocation will be available online on May 1, 2014.
2. National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s staffs are responsible for confirming all speakers and providing you with their short biographical notes ahead of time.

4. Shortly before the Session

1. Confirm that speakers are present and accounted for; in case any speaker is missing please notify the NVBS staff or volunteers assigned to the session.
2. Verify that all presentations are available from the speaker console and rehearse the order of appearance.
3. Please notify A/V staff assigned to each session if there are any technical issues.
4. Remind each speaker of the agreed-upon time allotment for his/her presentation and explain this does not include questions. The suggested duration for each presentation is 15 minutes for each Speaker.

5. At the Start of the Session

1. You are invited to introduce yourself and deliver an introduction to the session topic, taking this opportunity to recall the significance of the issue and introduce the panel.
2. Your short introduction should include reading the speaker biographical notes, which should be no longer than 60 seconds each.
3. Explain to the audience that there will be Q&A/ Discussion right after each presentation, and that the audience is encouraged to participate actively.

6. During the Session

1. Be vigilant on timing! Each speaker is given a 15-minute time to deliver his /her presentation. You must not let panelists go beyond their allotted time as this detracts from other panelists and the question period. Let the speaker know when he/she has 3 minutes left by ringing a bell.
2. At 1 minute before time runs out, please alert the speaker to make his/her concluding remarks.
3. After each presentation, prepare a short verbal summary of any important points, which should be no longer than 1 minute. You may take this opportunity to ask a follow-up question or seek clarification.
4. Lead the discussion that follows the presentations. Do not allow one participant to dominate discussions; try to ensure that contributions are made by as many participants as possible. If questions start slowly, you may take several questions, and then ask appropriate panelists to respond, as opposed to taking one question at a time.
5. About 5 minutes before the end of the session, stop taking questions and ask each panelist if he/she would like to make any brief final observations.
6. Offer concluding remarks and thank the speakers and participants for their participation in the session, and close the session on time.
7. Kindly inform participants of the next agenda item and its location as indicated in the conference kit.

7. After the Session

1. Please complete the session feedback form that will be provided by National Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha staff onsite. Kindly remind all attendees to do the same.
2. Please prepare a short summary of the main session findings. As a general rule, summaries should not exceed 2 pages, be written in a neutral tone (i.e. not endorsing or refuting points made by speakers) and avoid long litanies of successive speaker points. It is also a good idea to quote interesting figures and case studies highlighted by panelists.
3. Please deliver your session report before 8AM of May 9, 2014 to the Conference Coordinator, Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu at vesak2014conference@gmail.com

8. Format of Sessions with Duration of 2 Hours

1. Number of Actual Speakers at Session: 5 Speakers/ each session.
2. Maximum Time for Moderator Introduction: 5 minutes/ each session.
3. Maximum Time for Presentation: 15 minutes/ each speaker.
4. Maximum Time for Follow-Up Q&A: 30 minutes/ each session.
5. Maximum Time for Session Conclusion: 5 minutes/ each session.

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NORMS FOR PANELISTS

1. Important Information

1. The 11^th UNDV 2014 International Buddhist Conference consists of 6 workshops. Each workshop has 3 Sessions. Every session has 5 panelists and will last 120 minutes each. Presentation time for each panelist is 15 minutes.
2. Each session shall reserve 30 minutes, after the paper presentation, for a general discussion period. The audience will have about 30 minutes to put questions to paper presenters.
3. The 30 minutes discussion is devoted to interaction among audience and presenters, stimulating extended discussion.
4. According to conference Guidelines, no papers may be read in absentia.

2. General Role of the Panelist

The general role of the panelist is to impart new or specialized knowledge to conference/ workshop participants through presentations, or demonstrations.

3. Prior to the Conference

Specific suggestions regarding panelist participation/involvement are as follows:

1. Location Confirmation: Speakers will receive confirmation by email of the workshop/session and location of the workshop/session in which they will be speaking/participating.
2. Presentation Abstract and Biographical Note: By April 12, 2014, all speakers are requested to provide: (a) A brief biographical note in no more than 120 words, and (b) 5-6 sentence abstract of your topic to assist the moderator in introducing you to the conference participants, and to be included on the UNDV 2014 website and in participants’ conference kit. The more concise, the better. Include, in this order: Name, resignation, institution, email information.
3. By April 15, 2014, all speakers are requested provide a Slice PowerPoint presentation you may be using during your presentation. Title of your slice submitted, in this order: W + workshop number + your name + your paper. Please note that workshop number should be correspondent to specific thematic workshop of which your paper belongs to, as follows:

W1: Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change

W2: Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection

W3: Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living

W4: Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery

W5: Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum

W6: The Atlas of Maritime Buddhism

1. Submission: Please submit your Slice PPT presentation, presentation abstract and biographical note by email to to the Conference Convenor, Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, at vesak2014conference@gmail.com

4. Day of Conference

1. Arrival: You should arrive at the workshop room where your session will occur 20 minutes before the start to familiarize yourself with seating, and audio-visual equipment arrangements, if applicable. National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s staffs will be present to help you and ensure that workshop proceedings run smoothly.
2. During Session: Please note that each panel session will have approximately 5 panelists. Slice PPT presentation is preferred. Each panelist’s presentation/remarks should aim to be no longer than 15 minutes. Remarks should be thought-provoking and provide a unique perspective, focusing on salient issues for discussions by the plenary Question Period to follow panelists’ presentations.
3. Question Period: An audience question period will take place after all presentations are concluded. The question period will be facilitated by an assigned moderator.
4. Final Comments: About 5 minutes before the end of the session the moderator will stop taking questions and request panelists to make any brief final observations, if applicable.
5. Closing the Session: The moderator will then conclude the session and inform participants of the next agenda item and its location as indicated in the conference kit.
6. Note: If you are not fully bilingual, we suggest that you pick up a headset at the Simultaneous Interpretation Desk.

4. Format of Sessions with Duration of 2 Hours

1. Number of Actual Speakers at Session: 5 Speakers/ each session.
2. Maximum Time for Moderator Introduction: 5 minutes/ each session.
3. Maximum Time for Presentation: 15 minutes/ each speaker.
4. Maximum Time for Follow-Up Q&A: 30 minutes/ each session.
5. Maximum Time for Session Conclusion: 5 minutes/ each session.

5. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Decisions regarding session panelists are made by Conference Committee which consists of the following members:

1. Prof. Dr. Le Manh That – Vietnam (Vice Chairman of IABU, Former Co-chairman of UNDV 2008, Advisor of UNDV 2014)
2. Most Ven.Dr. T. Dhammaratana - France (Vice Chair of ICDV)
3. Most Ven.Assc Prof. Phra Sigambhirayarn – Thailand (Secretary General of ICDV)
4. Bhante Chao Chu - USA (Executive Member of ICDV)
5. Most Ven. Dr. Khammai Dhammasami - UK (Executive Secretary of IABU, Executive Member of ICDV)
6. Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu – Vietnam (Deputy Secretary General of ICDV – UNDV International Organizing Committee 2014; Former Secretary General of UNDV 2008, Vice Rector of Vietnam Buddhist University, HCM, Vietnam): Conference Coordinator.

Note: Information regarding panelists will be available by mid-April 2014 if not sooner. You should receive notification by e mail from Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at vesak2014conference@gmail.com

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NORMS FOR RAPPORTEURS

1. Important Information

1. The 11^th UNDV 2014 International Buddhist Conference consists of 6 workshops. Each workshop has 3 Sessions. Every session has 5 panelists and will last 120 minutes each. Presentation time for each panelist is 15 minutes.
2. Each session shall reserve 30 minutes, after the paper presentation, for a general discussion period. The audience will have about 30 minutes to put questions to paper presenters.
3. The 30 minutes discussion is devoted to interaction among audience and presenters, stimulating extended discussion.
4. According to conference Guidelines, no papers may be read in absentia.

2. General Role

1. The general role of Rapporteur of the 11^th UNDV International Buddhist Conference is to listen to, and take notes on, the presentation assigned to you.
2. The Rapporteur should be a neutral person and not become involved in the professional dialogue during the session.
3. The Rapporteur may ask clarifying questions if he/she is not sure of a key point coming out of the discussions.

3. Pre-conference Meeting:

Rapporteurs are urged to meet informally with the conference organizers to review logistics and ensure common understandings of main objectives and expectations.

4. Arrival Day of Conference

1. You should arrive at the room where your session will occur 30 minutes before the start.
2. If needed, you may be called on to assist conference organizers to ensure that the seating, AV equipment, etc is ready to use.
3. Note: If you are not fully bilingual, we suggest that you pick up a headset at the Simultaneous Interpretation Desk.

5. During the Session

1. Organize your note taking: To the degree possible, Rapporteurs should organize their note-taking around the sub-topics and questions noted in the program from the session.
2. Presentations: Note key issues and responses to each of the questions raised in the session outline. 
3. Questions: Note key issues raised by participants, and responses by presenters and other participations.

6. After the Close of the Session

1. Complete Your Notes: Review and finalize your notes according to template specifications. Ensure that your name and contact information appear on your notes in the event that conference organizers must contact you for further clarification.
2.  Note Usage: These notes will be used to prepare a final report of the conference proceedings. Please use care to ensure that you record information accurately and completely. You may wish to ask the presenter(s) for input on your report.
3.  Please have your notes on the session completed by late evening of May 9, 2014 and send them by email to the Conference Coordinator, Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu, at vesak2014conference@gmail.com

7. Format of Sessions with Duration of 2 Hours

1. Number of Actual Speakers at Session: 5 Speakers/ each session.
2. Maximum Time for Moderator Introduction: 5 minutes/ each session.
3. Maximum Time for Presentation: 15 minutes/ each speaker.
4. Maximum Time for Follow-Up Q&A: 30 minutes/ each session.
5. Maximum Time for Session Conclusion: 5 minutes/ each session.

 11^th UNITED NATIONS DAY OF VESAK 2014

CALL FOR ACADEMIC PAPERS

Every year since the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 December 1999, the thrice-sacred day of Vesak (celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha Gautama) is celebrated internationally. The International Council for the Day of Vesak has been granted Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2013. To honor this commitment, the 11^th United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations will take up Buddhism and the UN Millennium Development Goals as the general theme of the 2014 UNDV Conference.

This is a call for papers for the 2014 United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) Celebrations and Academic Conference to be hosted by the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and will be held in Bai Dinh Temple, Vietnam, from 7-11 May 2014. Additional support for the conference is coming from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand, and the International Association of Buddhist Universities.   

The conference and celebrations are expected to draw a gathering of 10,000 people including 1500 Buddhist leaders, Buddhist scholars and Buddhist practitioners from all of the Buddhist traditions around the world, and 8500 from Vietnam.

The academic conference will be held on 9 May 2014 And will be again organized through the International Association of Buddhist Universities (IABU) in collaboration with National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

Papers are now being invited for the UNDV Conference’s main theme “Buddhist Perspective towards achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals”. We encourage the interdisciplinary study and welcome abstracts or proposals from scholars in all fields related to the main theme and sub-themes of the conference, which include the following:  

1. Buddhist Response to Sustainable Development and Social Change
2. Buddhist Response to Global Warming and Environmental Protection
3. Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living
4. Peace-building and Post-Conflict Recovery
5. Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum

Acceptable articles, as determined by the academic Peer-Review Committee, will be published along with those selected for presentation. The conference volume will be available prior to the beginning of the presentations. Papers selected for publication will be those that combine:

• Thematic relevance
• Familiarity with the UN Millennium Development Goals
• Significant research in primary resources
• Innovative theoretical perspectives
• Clarity of organization
• Accessible prose style

Please remember to produce an account that deals with relevant topic material, Buddhist texts and the readers in meaningful ways.

ABSTRACT TITLE OR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Please submit a title and abstracts of no more than one single-spaced page, along with a one-page CV or a 250-word biography – with your contact information.
• Abstract Proposals must be received by 15 November 2013. We will send confirmation of the receipt of your proposal and will respectfully inform all authors of the status of their abstracts/proposals. 
• The proposals will be reviewed by the UNDV Academic Peer-Review Committee.
• You will receive feedback on your abstract by 30 November 2013.

• Please send all proposals and articles as Microsoft Word Files (.doc or .docx)

Call for Papers issued: 30 September 2013

Deadline for Abstracts: 15 November 2013

Notification of Acceptance: 30 November 2013

Final Full-Paper Submission Deadline: 28 February 2014

Invitations to Conference, to be sent by: 07 March 2014

We must have your fully-perfected paper by the final deadline date to ensure that it is considered for publication and presentation. Approval of one’s abstract does not mean acceptance into the publication or presentation – as we reserve the right to screen your final version of the article. Once the academic Peer-Review Committee completes their selections, and the editors have completed any additional formatting/revisions – deadline dates are established to ensure the issuing of the publication to all of our venerable dignitaries, observers, delegates, panelists and students, etc., for the conference, in a timely manner.

PAPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submitted Papers are referred and selected on the basis of quality and relevance to the main theme and sub-themes of UNDV 2014 conference and celebrations.
• Submitted Papers should be additionally readied for verbal-presentation (Paper may be readied for PowerPoint presentation, rather than its mere reading from the written pages). 
• Papers should be of 8 to12 pages long, submitted in the preferred font: ‘Times EXT Roman’ (for papers with Pāli/Sanskrit diacritic markings). 
• Please download this font: http://www.bcca.org/services/fonts/ – and compose your article in this font. Articles will be returned if there are any undisplayed diacritical-markings. 
• Papers may be rejected for specific reasons, or may be rewritten, following committee recommendations. 

PLEASE SEND ABSTRACTS and FINAL PAPERS to:

Most Ven.Dr. Thich Nhat Tu  at: icdv2014conference@gmail.com

If you are invited to attend our international conference, your arrival should be on 07 May 2014, and departures begin on 11 May 2014. Any additional stay shall be at your own expenses. Invitation notifications to accepted scholars for presenting at the UNDV 2014 Conference and Celebrations will be sent by 04 March 2014. Economy-class airfare will be reimbursed upon arrival, and food and hotel accommodation in Hanoi, Vietnam will be sponsored by the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha – only for scholars with approved Papers.

We would be honored if you could grace us with your valuable contribution and presence.

Yours sincerely,