China's top political adviser has called on the Buddhist community to contribute wisdom and strength to world peace and human progress.

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the sixth World Buddhist Forum, held at Mount Xuedou in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

About 800 experts, scholars and representatives of the Buddhist community from 72 countries and regions are attending the forum, themed "Hand in Hand for Coexistence". The forum runs through Thursday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed the hope that the Buddhist community will promote dialogues and exchanges among different civilizations and advocate the harmonious coexistence of different religions.

Wang emphasized that China adheres to the policy of freedom of religious beliefs, and encourages and supports the religious community to conduct international exchanges on the basis of independence, equality, friendship and mutual respect.

The Chinese government supports the participation of the Chinese Buddhist community in global religious and cultural dialogues, as well as friendly exchanges with Buddhist communities in other countries, in order to promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance mutual understanding, he added.

Buddhist scholars and senior monks from around the world said on Wednesday that the forum served as a platform for fostering mutual respect not only among Buddhists, but also among all who seek a peaceful future for humanity.

In today's complex and often divisive world, the principle of a community with a shared future for mankind is more relevant than ever, said Phallop Thaiarry, president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists.

"We face challenges that transcend borders.… But in the face of these challenges, we must remember that the strength of our community lies in our ability to work together, with a shared aspiration to alleviate suffering and promote well-being for all," he said.

The Buddhist spirit of compassion calls for acting and making unremitting efforts to safeguard peace and promote common development, Thaiarry said, adding that people are not only exchanging ideas at the forum, but also laying the foundation for concrete actions that can contribute to a more harmonious world.

Venerable Master Phra Brahmapundit, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council of Thailand, said that Buddhist representatives have gathered in Ningbo with the shared belief that the forum will foster world peace and strengthen collaboration among Buddhist groups, academics, cultural figures and individuals worldwide.

Moreover, it provides the participants with an opportunity to explore the profound teachings of Buddhism in relation to this year's theme, he said.

Venerable Master Xin Bao, abbot of Fo Guang Shan Temple in Taiwan, said the region's United Association of Humanistic Buddhism, Chunghua, constantly fosters friendship and interactions between the Buddhist communities across the Strait, engages in interreligious exchanges, and promotes in-depth dialogues.

"Exchanges between the Buddhist communities across the Strait can also create a harmonious atmosphere for cross-Strait relations," he said.