Source: Xinhuanet
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-05/10/content_1459857.htm
On May 10, 2004 Xinhuanet reported, "Preparations are in full swing in Myanmar for the Fourth World Buddhist Summit scheduled for December 9 in Yangon, local press reported on Monday. About 150 representatives from Buddhist organizations in 30 countries are expected to attend the three-day event to be hosted by Myanmar for the first time, the Ministry of Religious Affairs was quoted by the Myanmar Time as saying. Along with more than 300 Myanmar monks, about 2,000 observers are also expected for the religious meeting, it said. The summit, sponsored by the Myanmar ministry and the Nenbutsushu Buddhist Sect of Japan, is aimed at promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation among the Buddhist countries, maintaining Buddhist teachings and practices among such countries, enhancing Buddhist education and helping andcreating a peaceful world. The world Buddhist summit was first held in Japan in 1998, the second in Thailand in 2000 and the third in Cambodia in 2002."