BLIA Sydney has begun to prepare for the 20th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the 11th General Conference of the World Youth Fellowship of Buddhists.  A detailed discussion was held on May 31, 1998 to June 4, 1998 at Nan Tien Temple in Australia.  The sponsoring divisions included Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, BLIA Sydney and World Fellowship of Buddhists. 
    The World Fellowship of Buddhists (also known as WFB) is an international Buddhist association.  The intent of this organization is to gather Buddhists from all over the world in a concerted effort to propagate the Dharma to every corner of the world.
    The 20th General Conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists will be held for five days from October 29, 1998 to November 2, 1998 at Nan Tien Temple.  The theme of this spectacular event will be "Progression of Buddhism towards 21th century."  About 500 members from various countries around the world will be expected to attend this conference.  Hopefully, with this collaborative effort, this event will greatly encourage the expansion of Buddhism in Australia.
    Among the participants in preparing for the conference were:  WFB Vice President, General Cha Lun from Thailand, WFB Chairman, Chiu Lun Han from Malaysia, WFB General Secretary, Ambhorn Arunrangsi, Editor in Chief of "The World Fellowship of Buddhists Newsletter," Dr. Nantasarn Seesalab, Venerable Abbess Man Chien of Nan Tien Temple, Venerable Man Hsin of Nan Tien Temple, Chairperson of BLIA Sydney, Ho Yu Wen Ching, Chairperson of BLIA Woolongong, Yang Jie Tsen, Lee Hon Pan and Lu Na Lee (members of BLIA Woolongong). 
    Towards the end of the conference, it is planned that  the WFB representative will hand over the WFB flag to the representatives from Fo Guang Association and Nan Tien Temple.